Shoes that reduce cellulite?

by Caroline Humphreys, Posted Jan 10th 2008 10:15AM

While there is no official scientific study to prove that new MBT trainers reduce the appearance of cellulite, there is no doubt that they give you a superior workout. MBT stands for Masai Barefoot Technology, and these shoes look a little different from your average sneaker. The secret is in the sole, which is built to simulate walking on a sandy beach (umbrella drink and tan muscle men not included). This forces you to engage a lot of neglected muscles, improving leg tone, abdominal strength, posture, circulation and varicose veins. With all that benefit, your thighs are bound to look a little tighter, too, right? MBT devotees stand behind the cellulite reduction claim. Here's why: "The appearance of cellulite is diminished by lessening fatty deposits, stimulating circulation and drainage, and reducing water and toxin retention. MBTs address all of these factors..." MBT shoes are certainly cheaper than liposuction, but they will cost you about $200 and up. If they live up to their reputation, though, it could be a worthy investment.

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Tags: cellulite, featured, fitness, health, muscle-tone, sneakers, weight-loss, workout

Reader comments (Page 1 of 4)

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1-12-2008 @9:57PM

katsteele said...

I bought a pair of these in September 2007 and could feel a difference right away. Now it did take a month for my body to adjust and I was extremely sore the first few weeks. As a RYT and fitness Instructor I realy figured I would have no problems, so I jumped in. The company does advice for a new wearer to increase your lenght of wear time slowly. It has been a few months and the backs of my legs look better. They looked really nice before too!!!
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1-12-2008 @2:24PM

katsteele said...

I bought these shoes in late2007 because I wanted to experience the hype. Well 3 months later it is true. My legs look better and I have improved skin tone(cellulite). AS a RYT and fitness instructor I looked pretty good, but could see improvement. Now I did break them in like it is suggested ti increase wear time for new wearers. So I did experience alot of tightening in my hip joints. This surprised me. So! Stretch those hips!!!
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1-12-2008 @8:12PM

judi said...

hi! my name is judi and i live in phoenix. i really did enjoy ur input re: the shoes.

i deal with back problems constantly...two hip replacements (on the same side) and both knees replaced. all done in a period of four years. my doc said i would have back pain, but didn't dream it would be this bad!! needless to say i am constantly searching for anything to help on a long time basis. i am old, 64. not that old, but i sure feel it at times!!

i am planning on going to the store on monday to try them on. from there i will make my decision.

would love to stay in touch re: the shoes, if u don't mind. just let me know.

have a wonderful sunday.

judi
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1-15-2008 @7:39PM

Jeri said...

How much diid the shoes cost you ?
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1-12-2008 @9:57PM

Sheryl said...

I bought a pair of these shoes several years ago when they first came out. They cost me $500 at the time. Best $500 I ever spent! My legs and butt look better than they ever have!

You have to ease into using them, as you do get really sore at first.

I wouldn't waste my time with the ones by Avon that have been suggested by the Avon representative. They are an inexpensive imitation and do not work as well.

You pay a lot more for the MBT tainers for a reason .. because they actually do what they're supposed to do!
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1-12-2008 @5:08PM

Jw said...

has someone bought the 'Avon' pair, that are NOT a representative, and had them work? I don't want to spend 200 or more on a pair of shoes.
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1-12-2008 @10:01PM

kt said...

I have the Avon ones and they are fine for me- a beginner- "walking on a sandy beach" is a good way to describe how your legs feel when wearing them. They do take some getting used to. I have not tried the more expensive version. I will buy the Avon ones again.
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1-12-2008 @6:33PM

Jennifer J. said...

I have a pair of the Avon shoes by Curves and I'm not a representative. I was SO pleased that I bought a pair for my mom and I plan to get some for other friends and family as well. This is really something for me to say as I don't recall saying it before- BELIEVE THE HYPE!
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1-15-2008 @3:59PM

linda said...

i have had these shoes since last december and have walked and hiked all over europe and the states with them - they are the best 200 or 300 you will ever pay and can be resoled for 50 dollars - they look brand new and will last a lifetime..hope you decide to buy them
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1-15-2008 @6:33PM

Elaine said...

The Avon pair is no comparison. They are hard plastic with a plastic odor, extremely heavy and not worth the money in my opinion.
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1-12-2008 @10:01PM

bustersmomma said...

I bought a pair of these thid past summer after getting some fitfoam sandles, which were great too by the way. However in my job I have to wear close toed shoes and am on my feet alot. It took me a couple of weeks to get used to them, but now I can work 8 plus hour shifts and my feet don't hurt like they used to. My butt and legs look much better now too. They are also really great for adding a challenge to a workout. The only thing I did not like was the lack of arch support, but there is enough room in the shoe to add the orthodics. I would definitly recomend these shoes to anyone thinking of buying some. (I even sold my mom on getting some and she has the sneakers and the sandles now)
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1-12-2008 @10:02PM

workout said...

Why don't you try working out or eating healthy instead of wasting $200 to reduce cellulite that could have been prevented by good habbits.

But I guess this is the logic of America......
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1-12-2008 @6:45PM

Jennifer J. said...

I'm not sure if anyone stated anything about NOT working out. I workout AND wear the shoes as well. BTW, my shoes were under $40 by Avon and I'm not a rep.
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1-12-2008 @5:46PM

Ilene said...

I bought a pair also & broke them in gradually as recommended. I felt a difference when walking and was disappointed when I had to return them. I bought them in a reputable store & made the assumption the staff knew how to fit shoes properly, well these didn't fit. They rubbed a huge blister on my heel. I also had on Thurlo walking socks. I only had the problem with one foot. I wished I could have used them. I mainly walk for exercise so had they worked for me, they would have been ideal.
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1-12-2008 @10:23PM

Cinders said...

I'm glad to hear someone else has the same problem as me. One of the shoes is defective; they put a seam right where it rubs on my pinkie toe & causes blisters! But only on the left foot!
I spent $250 for the high black MBTs. I got ripped off!
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1-12-2008 @6:48PM

alicia2801 said...

I have the Avon shoes and yes I am a representative. I bought them because they were a more affordable alternative . Several of my friends have bought them and bought the sandals and they all love them. I have worn them all day at disney world and felt great. Definitely recommend!
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1-15-2008 @6:59PM

BONNIE said...

I just went on the Avon website and found several types of shoes. Which one are the best for back pain? My sister and I have suffered for years and would LOVE to find something as simple as wearing a pair of shoes for help in easing the pain.
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1-12-2008 @6:52PM

SIRETOILE said...

I WORK AS A CAMPUS SUPERVISOR AND I WALK ALL DAY ON CAMPUS. MBT SHOES WERE RECOMMENDED TO ME BY A PHYSICAL THERAPIST, BECAUSE OF MY BACK. I HAVE HAD THESE SHOES ABOUT 18 MONTHS, AND I HAVE TO SAY THEY REALLY WORK. THEY WERE PAINFUL IN THE BEGINNING, WELL, MY BODY WAS. NOW I WON'T WEAR ANY OTHER SHOE TO WORK. MY BACK IS STRAIGHT AND MY LEGS AND KNEES FEEL MUCH BETTER. I WEAR THURLO SOCKS ALL THE TIME WITH THE SHOES. I SUGGEST YOU GET A PROFESSIONAL TO MEASURE YOU FEET SO THAT YOU CAN GET THE PROPER SIZE SHOE FOR YOUR FEET.
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1-12-2008 @6:59PM

linda said...

I have been wearing these MBT's now for almost 2 years just about non stop. I have the sneakers and the sandles. what I bought them for was to releave some back stress. they do seem to force you to walk and stand with better posture, they also seem to force you to use a few new calf muscles and they are definatly nice and bouncy. but to say that you will loose weight or cottage cheese, no I don't think so, I have never noticed a difference, wish they would. but my back feels great and I was in real bad shape at one point, so for my purpose they work and yes I will most likely buy a 4th pair soon. the only reason I haven't yet is their high cost.
(by the way my son who thinks he's a fashion model says they look ugly, but I like them)
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1-12-2008 @7:02PM

Lpatrich said...

Well I bought the ChungShi shoe which is basically the same but I pd 265.00 for mine and I use to go to a chiropracor once a wk with severe back pain and havent been in over a year now..When wearing the Chungshi a 1 mile walk is equal to a 2 mile walk in theses..Dont get me wrong MBT's are great shoes but its like comparing a volkswagon to a cadillac,,,the cadillac being the ChungShi.. You also have to work up to wearing these shoes..1 hr the first day and 2 hrs the next..Im a waitress and I dont normally spend so much money on a pair of shoes but I will never wear anything but theses shoes..And I dont only wear them to work in I wear them all the time..And I need to be a spokesperson for theses shoes huh..I actually have gotten most of the staff at work wearing thses shoes..Run dont walk to your nearest shoe store that sells theses...I had to buy mine online the nearest store that sells them is 4 hours from me..I bought these without being fitted for them and altho I was taking a chance of them fitting they fit as tho they were made for me..The difference of thses compared to MBT's is the soles...all of your support is on the arch area...your foot or heel dont have all the weight on them and therefore you are taking alot of pressure of your joints..I know of some1 with TMJ who wore them and has no problems with her TMJ now, another was suppose to have either hip or knee surgery and after wearing these a wk or 2...cancel the surgery..I know this sounds so far fetched but they are awesome..I found these by going to ChingShi.com and the sight also directed me to the shoes stores that handle them...I truly believe any1 who buys these will be sold on them...