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Category Archives: MBT Shoes

Plantar Fasciitis and Neuropathy – What Do You Wear if You Have Both?

I received an interesting phone call from a customer a few days ago. Her situation was particularly interesting because she has both Plantar Fasciitis as well as Neuropathy. She has worn MBT shoes for several years, and it greatly helped her Plantar Fasciitis. She was actually looking for a new boot that she could wear in sloppy weather but was concerned about how her MBTs would hold up in snow.

This set off all sorts of red flags in my head, for a variety of reasons:

1)      MBTs are not designed for people with neuropathy. When you have sensory loss in your feet, your balance is adversely affected. Wearing a shoe that provides natural instability creates a huge risk of you falling. As a result, MBT does not recommend its shoes for people with neuropathy.

2)      MBT shoes, even the GTX models, are really not designed for tromping around in the snow. Yes, they are waterproof, but they do not provide the level of traction that a bona-fide snow boot does. So yes, you can wear your MBT shoes out in sloppy weather, but I’d stick to regular snow boots if you’ve got any level of accumulation on the ground.

3)      Neuropathy sufferers really need stable shoes. Regardless of what caused the Neuropathy, those folks should look for the same types of shoes as those folks with Diabetes. Generally, you should look for: a MILD rocker sole (to help propel you forward) but with a stable heel, and a high, wide toe box so that your toes won’t rub against the shoe. Any shoe with a lot of support is also excellent. Look for shoes that are soft and with cushioning if possible. It’s also helpful to find a shoe that can accommodate custom orthotics, just in case.

Generally, any shoe that is rated HPCPS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) A5500 compliant is acceptable for Diabetics under Medicare and Medicaid.  These are fine choices for people with Neuropathy and Plantar Fasciitis as well due to their excellent supportive properties.

Finding shoes that help both of these medical conditions can be a challenge, but Footwear etc. carries a bunch of shoes that are worth considering.

Drew Shoes are specifically designed for Diabetics, but also have many of the supportive properties needed for those with Plantar Fasciitis. Available for men and women, they come in a wide variety of styles.

Finding slippers for Plantar Fasciitis as well as Neuropathy is a little tricky. While they are not specifically rated for Diabetics, the Orthaheel slippers are definite possibilities. I would suggest you try them on and see if you have enough toe space for these to work for Neuropathy patients. They definitely have good supportive properties and can help Plantar Fasciitis. Qwaruba makes some front and side wrap slippers that are definitely gentle for your feet, although they are not particularly supportive. If you’re not going to do a lot of walking, these could be beneficial.

New Balance makes some great athletic shoes that address both of these issues.  I would particularly look at the models that have the HPCPS A5500 rating. I particularly like the New Balance MW927BK walking shoe (and the corresponding WW927BK for women). It’s very stable, has a roll bar for motion control, is lightweight, and has great cushioning and support. This is a great all-around shoe.

Don’t assume that the products needed to alleviate Plantar Fasciitis and Neuropathy symptoms are mutually exclusive. There are a variety of shoes out there that can be beneficial. Try different types of shoes to see what works best for you!

Announcing the Fall 2011 Collection from MBT Shoes!

For those of you who love MBT shoes and have been anxiously awaiting the new styles for the fall, your wait is over! The new collection from MBT is out and available! There are a bunch of new styles available that you can use for a variety of purposes; check these out and see what you think!

My favorite shoe in the new collection is the Chakula. Available for both men and women, this Gore-Tex shoe is fantastic for those times you want a shoe to use for exercise walking, or a stroll around town. You don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain with this shoe! The Gore-Tex lining may be waterproof, but it’s permeable so that your feet can stay cool and dry. As with all MBTs, the rocker-sole bottom creates natural instability and can help you improve your posture and balance while you tone your muscles and reduce pressure on your joints. The rubber outsole is perfect for shock absorption and traction, and I love the athletic styling of this shoe. It’s available in a variety of colors as well!

Other great athletic shoes are the Mila for women, and the Siku for men. They both come in several colors, and are wonderful all-around athletic shoes. You’ll definitely feel toned and may notice alleviation of pain in your joints when you walk in these.

Men, do you need a dress shoe? Check out the Bosi. It’s an elegant leather lace-up shoe that’s available in brown or black. You could easily wear these with a suit. These are the perfect dress shoes if you need to be on your feet. (Trial lawyers, this could be your ultimate work shoe!) The Bosi is a fabulous shoe for any dressy occasion. Just because you need to dress up doesn’t mean that your feet should hurt!

A nice oxford shoe for women is the Pata. Available in smooth leather or split leather/suede, this shoe works well for casual wear without looking like an athletic shoe. I particularly like the Taupe Grey Split Leather Suede version; I could wear that one with most of my wardrobe. It’s a really nice all-purpose shoe.

Boots are a big part of the 2011 Fall Collection. MBT has created several boots in a variety of heights, for men and women. Keep your feet cozy and comfortable with MBT’s rocker-sole technology in any of these boots:

For women, check out the Kisiwa. It’s available as an ankle boot as well as a high model. This style is elegant enough to wear to work or out on the town. The high boot is available in black leather and taupe nubuck, while the ankle boot comes in black leather. I could easily see wearing the high boot with a dress or skirt. The ankle boot is really comfortable not only because of the rocker-sole bottom, but the elastic gore on the side helps you get the boot on and off easily. Beautiful, comfortable, and practical!

Two other boots for women are the Nafasi mid and the Wia. The Nafasi Mid has a unique lace-up design, giving you a custom fit. It makes for a very sporty boot; perfect to wear with jeans or other casual attire. I love the richness of the leather. The Wia looks a little more rugged, and has a few laces at the very top of the boot so you can hold the top snug around your calf. The Wia is available in both coffee leather and moonstruck leather; as soon as I saw the photo of the moonstruck, I had a flash of Julie Christie in Dr. Zhivago. While she didn’t wear the Wia, you can still feel like a movie star in this boot!

Men also have some great choices in boots. The Kitabu comes in both an oxford shoe as well as a high (just over the ankle) boot. It’s sporty and rugged-looking, perfect for casual wear. The GTX model (the oxford, not the boot) is very handy for sloppy weather since it contains Gore-Tex. You’ll love the informal style in this lace-up boot or shoe.

The Kizingo is a beautiful dress boot for men. Available in black leather or coffee nubuck, it’s elegant and easy to wear. This ankle-height boot is a great alternative to conventional oxford-style shoes for the office or dressy occasions. Isn’t it great that men finally have lots of options in dressy shoes too?

Lastly, MBT’s flagship shoe, the Ari, is already getting rave reviews from customers. This completely redesigned sole is the winner of this year’s Red Dot Award for Product Design. The Ari is a limited edition shoe, and has the most advanced ventilation system on the market. See why this shoe is radically different from all the rest, and why customers think it’s a phenomenal investment.

So there they are. The Fall 2011 Collection from MBT has something for everyone. I know which will be my favorites; how about you?

 

Customers Agree: MBT Shoes Can Really Help Certain Medical Conditions

We love getting feedback! It’s the best way we can keep improving our service, and carrying the most relevant products to our customers. We love to hear what works, what doesn’t, and how our shoes can really make a difference in your life. Lately, we’ve been hearing some amazing feedback about MBT shoes for folks who have an assortment of medical issues.

The most feedback we’ve gotten is for the alleviation of plantar fasciitis symptoms. The rocker sole of MBT shoes helps keep the plantar fascia stretched, yet the rigid sole does so gently. Dozens of customers have called to tell us how MBTs are the only shoes that they can wear, particularly for those people who have to walk or stand a lot during their days.

Arthritis sufferers also extol MBT’s virtues. The natural instability that the rocker sole creates actually takes pressure off your joints and helps you realign your body. We’ve had numerous reports of hip, knee, and back pain being dramatically reduced just by the use of these shoes.

People with ankle fusion have had significant issues with conventional shoes, since walking without your ankle bending is tremendously difficult in those. The rigidity of the sole of MBT shoes makes movement much easier, without putting too much pressure on the ankle. Some customers have reported phenomenal results in this way.

Even people with hip replacements have reported outstanding results with MBT shoes. Here’s an example from one of our customers, Martha:

I discovered Footwear etc. only about a month ago. I have ordered 6 pairs of shoes during their MBT sale and am so very happy with the purchases. I wear a size 12 women’s shoe — a size that is virtually impossible to find in most shoe stores and especially in MBT styles. MBT is the ONLY shoe I can wear since hip replacement surgery left me with a leg length discrepancy and lower back pain. But I cannot find them in my size. Also, I can’t really affort to buy them at the regular price and Footwear etc.’s sales are a Godsend for me. That is why I have bought 6 pairs while they are on sale. MBT’s last a long time and I am hoping that by stocking up, it will keep me shoed until the next sale. Also, whenever I call Footwear etc. for help, I get a REAL PERSON on the phone who never fails to be truly helpful and polite — a rarity in today’s busy world with too many customer service people whose first priority is to convince you that your problem is not theirs!

We love hearing that we can make a difference in our customers lives, both with our outstanding service as well as our top-notch products like MBT shoes. Let us know how we can make a difference for you!

 

Introducing MBT’s Most Technologically-Advanced Shoe: The Ari!

There’s a new kid on the block, so to speak. If you’re a fan of MBT shoes, you’ll find the newest addition to the family fascinating. It’s the Ari, and it’s truly in a class by itself.

Available for men and women, the Ari is radically different from other rocker-sole shoes (even other MBTs). It contains a dramatically superior ventilation system. It has a high performance outsole that’s designed to greatly improve traction. And it has biomechanical pillars in the midsole. The Ari has been recognized as a 2011 Red Dot Award  Winner for its innovative technological advancements in shoe design.

Sounds impressive, but what does this really mean?

The new ventilation system contains a highly-breathable mesh upper, lightweight sock liner, and inlay sole. The biomechanically-engineered pillars in the sole increase air flow as you step. (If you look at the shoe from a side view, you can see the pillars in action!). One layer of the midsole, the lasting board, actually contains ventilation portals that allow your feet to stay significantly cooler and drier than in other shoes. If your feet tend to get hot, these are the shoes for you!

Ok, so it will keep your feet cool and dry, but how does it feel? Fantastic! I wore them around the office, and they are phenomenally lightweight. I also noticed that the rocker motion is a little more pronounced than in other MBT shoes; the sole is a little thicker than some of the other relatively new models. As with other MBTs, the natural instability helps you improve your posture and therefore alleviates joint pain, and the rolling motion allows you to strengthen and tone your muscles. The other thing I noticed is that the shoe seems to be cut a little narrow (even for MBTs), so if you have a wider foot, you might consider going up ½ a size.

Yes, these shoes are more expensive than other MBT shoes. But you can feel the difference in comfort. Your feet are worth it! But don’t wait too long, there are only 1,000 pairs of this limited edition shoe available in the country! Give the Ari a try and discover what the best technology in rocker-sole shoes can do for you.

Waterproof Shoes – Fun for Work, Play, Sport!

Mother Nature never said that work, play or sports activities were always nice and neat and dry. If I want to go power walking in the rain, how do I keep my feet dry? What if I want to plant my veggie garden (which is always easier after it rains)? How about going white water rafting during my vacation – what shoes can I wear that can dry easily and still be comfortable as I’m getting doused by the river? What about if it snows?

There are a lot of waterproof shoes out there for many purposes. Where do you start? Think of what your “wet” activity is. Do you need them strictly for outdoor use, or for a wet indoor work environment? How rugged do you need your shoes to be? Think about how you’ll use your shoes so you can make the best determination for what you’ll need.

For exercise walking, I particularly like the MBT GTX shoes, like the MBT Fora GTX (for women) or the MBT Kimondo GTX (for men). These shoes have wonderful toning properties, help alleviate joint pain and assorted foot problems, and make walking a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I love the fact that I can get caught in a downpour and not have to worry about a little water ruining the Masai sensor. These shoes are specially treated to resist water, which I believe will help them last a lot longer.

For rugged shoes, you can’t beat Merrells. The Women’s Siren Sport GTX is a terrific shoe suitable for hiking. Encounter some sloppy terrain? No problem; these shoes are durable as well as water resistant. The anatomical footbed and air cushion in the heel provide comfort and cushioning as you walk. Perfect for the Great Outdoors!

Gardening, anyone? Check out the Birki Unisex Active Birki. I love wearing these shoes in my garden; they provide great support due to the cork and latex footbed, yet are lightweight and great for walking in mucky areas. They’re easy to keep clean too!

Another rugged, water-resistant shoe is the Keen Newport H2 series. Available for both men and women, these are the perfect shoes for rugged, sloppy terrain, or even for boating or rafting. They provide fantastic traction, and have Keen’s patented toe protection so you can feel confident that you won’t injure your toes as you play. They withstand the abuse that saltwater and dirt can bring to your shoes.

What’s a little snow? Your feet can stay warm and dry with the UGG Adirondack or Butte. These are fantastic boots for the snow, and have UGG’s usual high quality sheepskin interior to keep your feet comfortable. They also have excellent traction, and can make trudging through the snow a far more pleasurable experience.

What kind of waterproof shoe do YOU need? Take a peek at the many options Footwear etc. carries. Sloppy weather can’t stop you!

MBT Fans: New Colors for the Mahuta Available!

Here at Footwear etc. we have SO many customers call us and tell us how much they love their MBT Shoes. They love the new styles, the superior performance over other brands, the way the rocker sole helps tone their bodies, and how this technology actually helps problem feet/joints/backs feel better. We seem to never have enough styles and colors to suit all who love them! But for those of you who love less conventional shoe colors, check out the MBT Mahuta and the new colors available for that model!

As with all MBT shoes, the MBT Mahuta provides all of the properties mentioned above, and in a very stylish shoe. But now, women can get them in not just white, black, or aqua, but violet and gull grey!

MBT Mahuta ShoesI for one absolutely love purple, so if you’re a purple fan, definitely check out the violet MBT Mahuta. The grey and aqua accents make this sporty shoe extra stylish. Rest assured that the combination of these colors is completely tasteful. You’ll love wearing them out on the town!

MBT Mahuta Gull GreyFeeling a little more subdued? The gull grey MBT Mahutaversion with its pink accents help make this shoe a little more feminine, yet doesn’t shout out from your feet! Gull grey goes with so many other colors that you’ll find this shoe really versatile.

Flaunt some new colors in your wardrobe with the new colors of the MBT Mahuta. Put some fun on your feet!

MBT Jambo – A Great New Shoe for Casual Wear!

Here at Footwear etc. we get lots of calls from customers extolling the virtues of MBT shoes. They help with a litany of joint problems, foot problems, back problems, and fans of these shoes can’t say enough positive things about them. Many customers really like the models with the lower-profile soles; they provide all the benefits of MBT’s rocker-sole technology, yet don’t look clunky like the older models. I really like the improvements MBT has made in the appearance of its new models, and I have to say that one of my favorites is the new Jambo for men and women.

If you like the look of canvas lace-up shoes, you will love the Jambo. It’s casual, yet comfortable and versatile. I love the fact that it provides all the benefits of rocker-sole shoes, but doesn’t really LOOK like a rocker sole shoe. You definitely feel the rocker when they’re on your feet, but to just look at them you’ll notice that it’s very subtle and unobtrusive in appearance.

 I also really like the fact that the shoe is fairly lightweight. Many rocker-sole shoes can be heavy, and while they provide great benefits to your body, I prefer shoes that don’t weigh a lot. These fit the bill. I also really like the fact that the toe box is slightly wider than in many of the new MBT models; it gives my toes a little breathing room. And they’re cute; I can’t wait to take these on vacation!

 Available for women in Red, Black, and Military canvas, and for men in Black and Navy canvas, the Jambo is a great shoe for many occasions. Have fun with MBT’s stylish canvas shoe!

Make Sure Your MBTs are Real, not Fake!

Here at Footwear etc., we get a lot of phone calls from customers who have been scammed. How is this possible? We all want to save money on shoes. Many disreputable companies take advantage of this by creating sites that carry knock-off shoes at deeply-discounted prices, and call them authentic MBTs. Unfortunately, many people unknowingly purchase shoes from these companies and don’t find out until it’s too late that they didn’t get the real deal.

How can you tell a scam? There are several tell-tale signs to look for. First, does the web site in question have a phone number where you can speak with a human being? If not, don’t order from them! Second, does the site sell any models or colors that are not listed on MBT’s web site (www.mbt.com)? If so, don’t order from them! Third, has your credit card been billed by an address in China? If so, you’ve been scammed. (Do note, however, that even some authentic MBT models are made in China. However, you shouldn’t be billed by a company in the far east.)  Did the shoes fall apart fairly quickly? They probably aren’t real MBTs. Finally, is the web site listed as an authorized dealer on MBT’s web site ? If not, don’t order from them!

Footwear etc. is proud to be one of the largest authorized dealers of MBT shoes. You can always rely on us to carry authentic MBTs. Not only do our retail stores and our online shop have an extensive variety of MBTs, we even have a concept store devoted to MBTs within The Core by Footwear etc. (located in Palo Alto, CA). We take MBT authenticity very seriously and work hard to ensure that you get the quality you expect from these shoes.

Even our customers have remarked about how good it feels to not have to worry about whether the MBTs they order from us are authentic. Here are a couple of samples:

“This is my second time ordering from this website. I was afraid of getting fakes, so I made sure to order from a place that also had actual stores. I was more than pleased with my MBT shoes as well as the shipping and packaging.”

“I chose to shop at Footwear etc. because I felt secure that I am getting the “real thing” (MBT’s). In my thorough research, Footwear etc. seems to be the most popular and trusted site for ordering a wide selection of real MBT’s at reasonable prices.”

Don’t take a chance on getting fake MBTs! Be sure you purchase from an authorized dealer, like Footwear etc. Many people have learned the hard way, save yourself a lot of grief!

Got Plantar Fasciitis?

One of the ailments we hear about the most is Plantar Fasciitis. It can hit you completely out of the blue; one morning you can just wake up with tremendous heel pain. Pain can occur at any time of the day, but it tends to be most prevalent when you first wake up – even before your feet hit the floor! Plantar Fasciitis can be caused by inadequate arch support, obesity, stress on the feet due to walking and standing, and even running. Inflammation of the Plantar Fascia sheath (which runs from the heel to to the toes) can be debilitating! This is a very common problem, and Footwear etc. carries a lot of products that address this issue.

Toning shoes like MBTs, Skechers, and Sano by Mephisto are extremely helpful in terms of keeping the plantar fascia stretched as you walk. This can alleviate the pain in your heel and arch, and can dramatically improve your quality of life. Other types of shoes that are helpful include rocker sole shoes, including Dansko, Aravon, Alegria, and FitFlop. Shoes with outstanding support (thus protecting the arch and having deep heel cups for comfort) include Orthaheel/Dr. Andrew Weil, Mephisto, and Naot. You’ve got lots of choices of styles to choose from.

 A specific product that many doctors recommend is the Strassburg Sock. This sock keeps the foot flexed, so that the plantar fascia can remain in a stretched position. The ideal time to wear this product is at night, so that pain can be alleviated first thing in the morning. Some users even report that the Strassburg Sock helps them heal faster!

The Strassburg Sock is essentially a tube sock with adjustable straps that keep your foot in a neutral (or slightly flexed) position. It’s easy to use, and over time can actually help strengthen the arch of your foot. An especially nice feature is that the Strassburg Sock does not lock your ankle in any one position so that you can move the joint around as your comfort level requires you to.

Another product that many find helpful in alleviating symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis is the Pedag Holiday ¾ Insole. Pedag products are endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association, so you can feel confident that they’re good for your feet. This particular insole is thin enough to fit into most shoes, yet has a firm longitudinal arch. The soft heel cushion relieves pressure on the heel, soft pads support the metatarsal area, and the overall design helps relieve pronation and flattening of the foot. This product is highly recommended for those with Plantar Fascia since it provides excellent support and helps keep your feet in alignment. Definitely worth a try to see if it helps you!

You don’t have to suffer from Plantar Fasciitis. Consider these products to help you get back on your feet again – without pain!

New MBT Models for Spring!

MBT fans can rejoice at the gorgeous new styles from MBT this spring. Long gone are the days of few choices; there are literally loads of shoes you can wear for all different occasions. Men and women both have many styles to choose from, so there’s a great feeling shoe for every occasion, and every person! And all of these shoes have MBT’s patented rocker sole, which takes pressure off your joints, creates natural instability to make you walk and stand straighter, help you tone muscles, and can alleviate many types of back, hip, and foot pain.

Women’s styles include:

Katika – a great little sandal for warm weather. You can get a truly custom fit from the hook and loop closures on top of the foot and around the ankle. It’s a sporty and versatile sandal available in black, brown, and birch.

Kesho Mary Jane – a classy-looking Mary Jane in soft nubuck leather you can use for sporty or dressy applications. This shoe is available in black, tan, and military to give you lots of fashion choices.

Mahuta – sporty athletic-styled shoe that’s perfect for those power walks, or even power shopping at the mall. Available in aqua and white mesh to keep your feet cool and comfortable.

Meli – rocker sole technology meets “boat shoe” style! Available in navy or tan, this shoe lets you have some fun with this very different style for MBTs!

Nafasi – a great little oxford that you’ll want to wear all the time. Pamper your feet in this stylish shoe that’s available in white or black with full and split-grain leather.

Pia – a dressy, streamlined sandal perfect for work or a night out on the town. Available in black and beige, the Pia offers a customized fit with hook and loop closures at the top of your foot and around the ankle.

Tabia – now MBT makes sporty slides! So easy to wear, so versatile for your wardrobe. Available in caviar black and tan, this comfy slide will be a summer favorite!

Men also have some fantastic new styles available:

Asante- if you love loafers, you’ll really love the Asante. It has the classic loafer style we all love, combined with MBT’s phenomenal rocker sole technology. This shoe looks great with a suit, or even with jeans. You’ll love this comfortable, versatile shoe that’s available in black full-grain leather.

Jawabu – a light and airy sandal that will keep your feet comfortable all summer long. Available in black and chocolate.
Mahuta – a great all-around athletic-styled shoe that you’ll love wearing anytime. Available in blue mesh or white mesh, this stylish shoe will have you looking forward to those fitness walks!

Meli – now you can have a “boat shoe” style for casual wear. Try them out in navy or sand for complete wardrobe versatility.

Nafasi – this casual oxford is available in several colors that you’ll love: black, white, charcoal, and syrup! You’ll have a hard time deciding which one you like best. Check out this fantastic new style for comfort anytime.

All of the Spring 2011 models are available for pre-order right now, and will be in stock and ready for delivery by mid-February. Get ready for warm weather with these great new styles! Your feet will love the TLC that these shoes provide. MBT is the gold standard for rocker-sole shoes; make the investment for yourself!

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