The MBT Anti Shoe is probably the most surprising product we have reviewed so far. It was recommended to us by a contributor to Bicycle.net who raves about them, and pretty much forced our hand into reviewing them. Due to his strong persistence we contacted MBT and had them send us two pairs, one for a seasoned athlete and one for the wife of a Bicycle.net team member.

We read up on what MBT claims that their shows will do for you, and how they work. And in truth it all sounded way to good to be true. Get this, they were telling us that you can get a workout by just wearing and walking (and even standing upright) the shoes. Here is the actual wording of their claims; Step. Rolling action. Step. Rolling action. This simple movement creates tremendous benefit. Helping solve knee, and back problems, relieve tension in the neck, ease joint pains, and more or less in passing help to tone and shape firm buttocks and thighs. And burning more calories when standing and slow running compared to ordinary shoes. So now you get the idea of the claimed benefits of the MBT Anti-Shoe. But do they work?

In a word, Yes.

In fact here is what our non-athlete had to say about the MBT Anti-Shoe; “The MBT “anti-shoe” is not what I expected. A shoe that exercises your core and legs just during routine walking and moving, I reasoned, must hurt and be incredibly uncomfortable, . Thankfully, the MBT anti-shoe is anything but. I found these shoes comfortable enough to wear on an everyday basis around the house, on walks, running errands, even running after speedy three-year-olds! At no time did any of my muscles hurt. The MBT shoe merely makes you aware of your stride (by promoting a full heel-to-toe footstep) and your posture (if you don’t stand up straight you rock backwards) in a subtle way that really improves the muscle tone of your lower body. And this improvement is accomplished painlessly while you continue your daily routine. It really is an effortless way to include some exercise in one’s day. My only caveat–slip the shoes off before you climb up on a chair or step stool. The curved shoe bottom can be dangerous when you’re balancing up high (though I had no problem on stairs)”.

So what did our Bicycle.net athlete have to say about the MBT Anti-Shoe?; “I felt that they were amazing at engaging my core in my normal everyday adventures. I have pretty bad posture and found the rocking motion of the curved sole forced me use my core muscles to keep me from falling over”.

If you are looking for a easy way to increase your leg strength, improve your posture, reduce over use injuries, and build up your core muscles then the MBT Anti-Shoe is definitely the way to go.

Bicycle.net rates the MBT Anti-Shoe

4 out of 5 Chainrings