My Aching Feet: MBT Shoes to the Rescue

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Okay so I've been searching for months (new grad, new job) for shoes that don't make my feet feel like they've been ambushed by sledge hammers by the end of the day. 14 hour days are grueling enough and my little feet are always screaming at me the next morning when I'm demanding they perform at optimum level for another shift.

I pronate and due to fallen arches (from use of flat flip flops for years on end) I really need some good arch support. I've tried all kinds - Danskos, Alegria, Klogs, New Balance, Brooks, Keens - just about anything that is good quality that has a good arch or i can put inserts into. For the past month I've been researching and researching, and after reading a few obscure posts about MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology), my quest is finally over!

These shoes seem to be shaped strangely, and they aren't necessarily the first think you may consider wearing for a 12 hour shift, but somehow they redistribute my weight and make my feet feel as if they aren't carrying all 170lbs of me. The curvy bottom might take a little getting used to - but they seem to propel me forward and make me feel like I have a spring in my step that I shouldn't actually have after 10 hours on the floor . . . I'm giving them a shout out because I recommend them to EVERYONE. I don't think it really matters what kind (mary jane's or just regular walking/running shoes), I think they are worth the money. Mine were the Matwa Casual walking shoe, but I think any of their shoes will be amazing on the feet.

Compared to Danskos and Klogs, they range from $120-$190, so very comparable prices, depending on where you get them from. I got mine from Amazon. You have to be careful because there are rip off shoes that say they are MBT, but can be fakes. As for the claim that these mimic the Masai tribe footbed and blah, blah, blah, I have no idea. But I know they work. And that's good enough for me and my feet!

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

Will have to check them out.Be prepared,there will come a time you will need podiatry care and custom orthotics.

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Really? What kinds of s/s should I look for to know when its time to go?

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

Read about those shoes online,they might cause you more harm then good.Plantar fasciitis is common with flat feet.A good podiatrist analyzes your gait,if you walk "wonky" for years it can eventually cause a lot of painful issues right on up your body.For some reason custom orthotics are not often covered by most insurance companies but it will be the best money you ever spent.And you can put them in any pair of shoes ..

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

Read about those shoes online,they might cause you more harm then good.Plantar fasciitis is common with flat feet.A good podiatrist analyzes your gait,if you walk "wonky" for years it can eventually cause a lot of painful issues right on up your body.For some reason custom orthotics are not often covered by most insurance companies but it will be the best money you ever spent.And you can put them in any pair of shoes ..I also recommend decent support stocking, as well.They make a difference

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