Learning from the MBT and FitFlop
Categories: HiHeeling
The MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) shoe claims to replicate the walking conditions of the Masai of Kenya. Both back problems and shoes are unknown to the Masai, who travel with a hop step over the spongy earth of their homeland. MBT shoes have a curved sole that creates a walking step of slight imbalance, activating muscle groups that normally atrophy in the flat-shoe user. The FitFlop presents a different interpretation to designing the imbalanced step of barefoot walking (without the bare feet). The FitFlop sole is comprised of a synthetic in variegated density, creating what FitFlop calls a “microwobbleboard” effect.
The effectiveness of FitFlops were analysed through recordings of 3-Dimensional motions and forces during gait. EMG data were collected on the Medial Gastrocnemius, Tibialis Anterior, Quadriceps and Hamstrings.
