2008 Woodie Awards
Footwear that treats your feet
Gear up for your commute this semester in a cutting-edge sneaker that can improve your health
Lilla Argento, Staff Writer
Issue date: 1/30/08 Section: Features
Attention students: your sprint on campus can now feel like a walk on the beach!
The new Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoe made by Swiss Masai is the "first physiological footwear." It is said to reduce cellulite, improve posture, tone muscles and ease back problems.
With its multi-layered sole, MBT shoes convert flat, firm, artificial surfaces into natural, uneven ground. Similar to walking in the sand of a beach, the chunky MBT sole creates instability and challenges muscles to work more vigorously.
Called "the world's smallest gym," the MBT shoe has been highlighted for its ability to increase abdominal muscle activity, decrease stress on hip and knee joints by 19%, increase buttock muscle activity by 9%, increase lower limbs activity by 18% and rear thigh muscle activity by 19%.
According to www.swissmasai.com, many professional athletes use these shoes for regeneration, prevention and healing of injuries, as well as for coordination training. Perhaps what is even more appealing is the fact that one may burn calories and protect joints by simply wearing the shoes in your everyday life.
"I really do like the concept of these sneakers because they're 'healthy' for you in that they help you with your posture and toning," says Aliza Moorji, 19, a sophomore at SJU, who doesn't particularly care for the fashion of the shoe, but acknowledges that it is difficult to find something both helpful and glamorous.
"They're good for those who don't want to go to the gym. Walking in the sneakers would be equivalent to a work out," said Moorji.
Invented by Swiss engineer, Karl Muller, the footwear was inspired by the African Masai tribesmen who are very athletic with lean bodies and who do not commonly wear shoes or have back and joint problems. Made in both a sneaker ($245-$270) and a sandal ($159-$235), MTBs were first launched in Europe and are now available in over 20 countries.
"The shoe is quite popular. I like it", said Janell Babbie, an employee who has worked for over one year at the shoe store Naturalizer, located at Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream.
The new Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoe made by Swiss Masai is the "first physiological footwear." It is said to reduce cellulite, improve posture, tone muscles and ease back problems.
With its multi-layered sole, MBT shoes convert flat, firm, artificial surfaces into natural, uneven ground. Similar to walking in the sand of a beach, the chunky MBT sole creates instability and challenges muscles to work more vigorously.
Called "the world's smallest gym," the MBT shoe has been highlighted for its ability to increase abdominal muscle activity, decrease stress on hip and knee joints by 19%, increase buttock muscle activity by 9%, increase lower limbs activity by 18% and rear thigh muscle activity by 19%.
According to www.swissmasai.com, many professional athletes use these shoes for regeneration, prevention and healing of injuries, as well as for coordination training. Perhaps what is even more appealing is the fact that one may burn calories and protect joints by simply wearing the shoes in your everyday life.
"I really do like the concept of these sneakers because they're 'healthy' for you in that they help you with your posture and toning," says Aliza Moorji, 19, a sophomore at SJU, who doesn't particularly care for the fashion of the shoe, but acknowledges that it is difficult to find something both helpful and glamorous.
"They're good for those who don't want to go to the gym. Walking in the sneakers would be equivalent to a work out," said Moorji.
Invented by Swiss engineer, Karl Muller, the footwear was inspired by the African Masai tribesmen who are very athletic with lean bodies and who do not commonly wear shoes or have back and joint problems. Made in both a sneaker ($245-$270) and a sandal ($159-$235), MTBs were first launched in Europe and are now available in over 20 countries.
"The shoe is quite popular. I like it", said Janell Babbie, an employee who has worked for over one year at the shoe store Naturalizer, located at Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream.
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