KABISA $275
The “ANTI-SHOE” FOOTWEAR- CASUAL, SPORT, DRESS
OUTDOOR RETAILER, Salt Lake City, UTAH
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
The whole rocker bottom/barefoot techy modus operandi for shoe design and designers have all migrated from the odd orthopedic corner of specialty footwear stores--- to mainstream outlets.
MBT® (Masai Barefoot Technology) is one of the original brands to embrace the benefits of walking naturally via construction… backed up its offerings with scientific studies...and developed an entire collection of “shoes”, sandals and sneakers that have a curved sole (not flat), are based on the principle of “naturally instability”-forcing wearers to engage muscles that help to correctly align one’s musculoskeletal system with each rolling step.
And get a workout too…as muscles (stomach, back, butt) are actively engaged. Think: walking barefoot on soft sand.
We tried on a pair of sneakers at Outdoor Retailer. Already familiar with the feel of it all (and we know guys who wear MBTs)…
BIA $265
---we were once again reminded how comfortable these “anti-shoes” are…and we always feel a tad taller as a result of our posture being re-aligned.
BIA $265
---we were once again reminded how comfortable these “anti-shoes” are…and we always feel a tad taller as a result of our posture being re-aligned.
New for Fall/Winter 2010 are a collection of urban savvy softshell Gore-Tex® (warm/waterproof) women’s boots (GOTI MARP$355) with hardwear details.
Gals also get a style nod from the popular chukka style boots in the ankle kickers BOMOA ($295)…with men getting their own in TISA ($350)
Fall colors (black, chocolate brown, toffee) and mixed materials are also new for Fall/Winter 2010…
…including patents in a Mary-Jane models SIRIMA and SAWA-both $265)…
…and sneaker styles that can walk the streets and hit the gym.
SINI $245
SPORT2 $245
Metallics shine ---a popular carryover from Spring 2010.
There’s an array of sporty and casual peds for guys and gals from $235-$275.
DOVE-$235
For hardcore fashionistas, rocker heels might not be their cup of tea…but we have a feeling... that feeling is believing. The comfort factor is truly amazing…and MBT’s dress and casual lines –while not cutting edge style wise, are certainly “it” when it comes to wearable “anti-shoes” that can work at work.
TENGA MID GTX $345
TENGA MID GTX $345
SHUGULI GTX $275
INFO: Ships early summer with prices ranging from $225-$350
KIPIMO $245