What is MBT?
History | Functionality | Technology | Benefits

“Masai Barefoot Technology”, or MBT, is the first physiological footwear - that is footwear that has a positive effect on the whole body.

The health and fitness enhancing concept being MBT is based on a simple insight: the human musculo-skeletal system is designed for walking barefoot on soft, natural ground. But we all spend most of our time moving on hard, flat surfaces.

Swiss engineer Karl Muller discovered the beneficial effect of walking barefoot on natural ground for himself in the early 1990s - and also the reason behind it: the stimulating effect of natural instability on the body’s supporting muscle system.

Muller began to develop a unique sole technology that enables the body to walk naturally, and allows it to benefit from all the positive effects of natural instability also on hard, flat surfaces. The Swiss engineer’s research and development work was inspired by the East African Masai - exceptional athletes with well-shaped bodies, and little or no experience of back and joint problems.

“Masai Barefoot Technology” made its first appearance on the footwear market in 1996. Development of the unique sole construction - which is patented worldwide - has continued since then, with great success. In 2004 Swiss Masai AG celebrated selling the first million pairs of MBTs. In 2005 the sales network was extended to cover 20 countries on four continents.