MBT Footwear FAQ

***

CARING FOR YOUR MBT FOOTWEAR

• Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals. Any liquids/chemicals containing salt, oil, manure, solvents, gasoline, clay, dirt or acid may be harmful to your MBTs.

• MBTs can be worn in the rain, but dry them quickly and thoroughly upside down. Never leave MBTs damp for an extended period of time.

• Avoid mechanical damage by protecting the heel sensor from sharp objects.

• Never put MBTs in a washing machine. Hand wash your MBTs using diluted liquid soap and a sponge, and dry thoroughly and quickly after hand washing.

• If exposed to dirt or mud, clean and dry immediately. If mud is allowed to dry on MBT footwear the heel sensor can be damaged. Heel sensor damage due to mud or dirt is considered abuse and will not be covered under warranty.

• If you detect separation or excessive wearing of the sole, discontinue use of footwear and contact Aviva. Continued use of MBTs while the rubber sole is damaged may harm the midsole. MBT footwear cannot be resoled if the midsole has been damaged.

• If your MBTs show any indication of being faulty during the six month warranty period, call an Aviva representative to discuss the problem. An Aviva representative will determine if the shoes should be returned to Aviva to be examined. Return Authorization Number and return procedures and policies are described in a separate letter that accompanied your MBT footwear. After being examined, your MBT footwear may be repaired or replaced.

• MBTs that have not been properly cared for, or if the shoes have been damaged due to exposure to dirt, mud, or water, will not be refunded or replaced.

Warranty

Swiss Masai guarantees MBT footwear against manufacturing defects and workmanship for a period of six (6) months from the date of original purchase.

Defective MBT footwear must be returned prepaid to Aviva together with proof of purchase, with the Return Authorization (RA) number clearly indicated on the shipping box. Failure to call an Aviva representative for a Return Authorization (RA) number, or MBT footwear that is returned without the proof of purchase will void any warranty claims. Shoes returned to Aviva without the proper Return Authorization clearly indicated on the box will be refused by Aviva and returned. Under no circumstances are shoes to be returned directly to MBT.

Aviva is not authorized to replace the product directly. If, after a complete inspection, Swiss Masai determines that the product is defective, they will be repaired or replaced free of charge, however you will be responsible for return shipping charges if the shoes are replaced due to a defect in materials or workmanship.

The Swiss Masai warranty does not apply to damage resulting from excessive or improper use or abuse. Alterations of any nature made to a MBT product will void the warranty.

THE SOLES OF MY MBTS ARE DAMAGED. WHAT MIGHT BE THE CAUSE?

The sole may feel comfortably soft when walking, but it is actually quite rigid in its construction. For this reason, MBTs should not be bent backwards or flexed while kneeling. Another possible cause of sole breakage might be an excessively worn outsole, which can cause damage to the midsole. In this case, water can enter and destroy the inner construction, which can result in a broken sole. A further possible cause is incorrect walking technique – in particular putting too much weight on the balls of the feet, with too much pressure applied when pushing off.

HOW DO I RECOGNIZE WHEN AN OUTSOLE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED?

You should ensure that the outsole is replaced before the Masai Sensor suffers damage via direct contact with the street. Replacement is also called for when the Masai Sensor has worn out or become excessively soft. Depending on the condition of your MBTs, it is possible either to replace the outsoles or to renew the entire sole structure. Please contact Aviva for more information about resoling MBT footwear.

ARE MBT SOLES REPLACEABLE?

If your shoes need to be re-soled and refurbished, they can be re-soled with original MBT soles, heel sensors, insoles, and laces. Please contact an Aviva representative for information and pricing.

THE RIGHT SIZE OF MBTS – WHAT SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION?

For closed models (not open toe models including sandals): the MBT has to fit the foot perfectly. MBTs don’t let your foot slide forward with every step, like normal shoes do – they pull your heel back, instead. For this reason, MBTs should never be bought too large. It’s alright for the tips of your toes to be almost touching the edge of the shoe. Please make sure that the laces are tied tight enough that sliding forward is prevented, but not so tight that they impair circulation through the instep.

For sandals: Open the heel strap, and slide as far back as possible with your heel. Set the Velcro fastener in this position. Pull the arch strap snug so that forward slippage is impossible, but so that the MBT is still comfortable to wear. The toe strap prevents sideways slippage of the feet and should likewise sit snugly, but comfortably. Your toes should not touch the front edge when walking – this prevents chafing and blisters.

If the sandal model does not have adjustable heel straps, and if the form of your heel doesn’t allow for a good heel position, you should decide in favor of the model with an adjustable heel strap.

WHY DO I SWEAT A LOT MORE IN MBTS THAN IN OTHER SHOES? HOW CAN I COMBAT THIS?

Walking in MBTs puts the body into a natural state of instability, a state which has to be compensated for - with every step, and even while standing. This stimulates the musculature of the entire body, including that of the feet. The result: the blood supply to your feet is improved. This effect prevents cold feet - but it can also lead to other physical reactions, such as sweating or even a burning feeling. Experience has shown that the body gets used to this muscular training and that these reactions tend to normalize. This can take some time, sometimes up to a year or longer.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I FEEL NUMBNESS, PINS AND NEEDLES, OR HEAT IN MY FEET?

Because the MBT makes the foot muscles more active than in normal flat shoes, the muscles in the feet begin to work harder in rolling through the foot with each stride. This can lead to conditions of improved circulation and activation of the muscles in the calf and around the shin, which are mostly passive in normal walking. Sensations such as pins and needles, sweaty feet and numbness can occur initially and will subside after wearing the MBTs for a comfortable period.

CAN I RUN AND JOG IN MBTS?

Yes, MBTs are perfect for jogging, as demonstrated in the video/DVD. MBTs are suitable for training but not for competitions. Always make sure that you are comfortable walking in them first, starting with the recommended time.

CAN I WEAR MBTS EVERY DAY?

Yes, the more you wear MBTs the more your body will feel the benefits.

HOW LONG SHOULD I WEAR MY MBTS FOR AT FIRST?

MBT usage should be between ½ to 2 hours per day for the first week, and then gradually building up the time, until they can be comfortably worn for over 2 hours, by which time muscle activation and proprioceptive feedback are sufficiently attuned to wear the MBT all day, every day. If applied as a medical or therapeutic tool, make sure you refer to a health specialist. The amount of time you are able to tolerate wearing the shoes will depend upon your initial level of fitness and health.