Origin of MBT shoes: facts or myths

I have been lucky enough to be able to visit some Masai tribes on two trips to Tanzania in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks, and on both I was struck by seeing very tall and slender men wearing pieces of motorcycle tire. They were the Masai, and due to professional deformation, MBT shoes came to my mind.

Indeed, the biomechanical engineer Karl Müller in 1995 was inspired by the way of wearing the shepherds of the Masai tribes to design MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) shoes.

These reflections come to mind what is my opinion about these shoes that a few years ago have become fashionable. As almost always happens, with the novelty everything is wonderful, influenced by the repetitive and impressive publicity that accompanies the product.

One of the questions our patients ask us is: is it worth spending so much money on shoes? Are they really effective?

Our answer is always the same: It depends on the constitution of each person and the pathology of their feet. We must bear in mind that the Masai – the people from whom the idea for this type of footwear came – are tall, slender, eat very frugally and are used to walking barefoot. In addition, they cover many kilometers a day on foot.

In our opinion, this new model of shoe, characterized by its rocking, is not appropriate for all types of feet.

We have verified that this type of shoe is contraindicated for people with flat, valgus or flat valgus and genu valgus feet since its swaying causes the knees to incline towards the interior of the body axis, making walking difficult.

However, they may be indicated in patients affected by plantar fasciitis, since by not touching the heel to the ground, the fascia at the level of its heel insertion can rest and reduce inflammation. They can also be useful in patients who suffer from very severe metatarsalgia, since, due to the thickness of its sole, it cushions plantar pain.

In summary, MBT shoes are comfortable because they hold the foot very well and have a thick sole, but they are not suitable for every type of foot. In addition, we can affirm that any shoe of a certain quality that meets the aforementioned premises will generate the same benefits as MBTs.

So far my opinion on this type of footwear. For those who want to know a little more about the idiosyncrasies of this tribe, I will give you a brief summary.

It is a nomadic people that continues subsisting on grazing. Live in settlements called Manyattas, circles of huts protected by a strong and thorny fence (“bomas”) to protect and control livestock. The huts are built with adobe prepared from mud, cow dung and straw, in order to waterproof and harden it. Inside the huts, darkness reigns and the only light that enters is through small skylights.

At all times we were attended by a young Maasai, who showed us around the town and, with a very acceptable English, explained to us the idiosyncrasies of his town and answered all our questions.

One of the most emotional moments was when he showed us around the elementary school. The children rose to greet us and regaled us with a few short songs. Secondary studies are carried out in state schools in which the mixing of children of different ethnic groups is compulsory. In this way they try to avoid tribalism.

The Maasai social structure is hierarchically organized. There are warriors, family heads and elders, they are in charge of making important decisions, equally and meeting in council.

They profess a monotheistic and austere religion, with the god of rain - Ngai - as the supreme divinity. They are polygamous, and each man can have 10 wives, each with their own hut. On the other hand, sexually it is a very promiscuous people, allowing extramarital relationships between men and women. “If a Maasai passes through this town, he can have relations with one of our women." they explain to us

As for food, it is mainly based on the consumption of cows' milk, occasionally mixed with the blood of these animals. They rarely kill cattle for food, except from time to time a sheep or goat taking advantage of the entire animal: the horns are used as containers; with the hooves of the bones they make ornaments, they tan the skin to make shoes, clothes, protections to sleep and ropes.

The Maasai have a slender build and fine features. His baggy clothing is bright colors. Cloths dyed in bright reddish and bluish tones wrap their slender bodies. Women usually adorn themselves with multicolored garments and necklaces

At present, most of the Maasai dedicate themselves to the most difficult tasks of grazing, with the children being in charge of watching over the cattle. During our stay we have met masai guides, shepherds, waiters, trained in the western way.

It is a people proud of the customs of their ancestors. as they say “We Masai will always be Masai”.