Kaya and Raha

Let’s face it, our feet suffer every time we subject them to long hours of pounding on hard surfaces such as asphalt, cement floors, tile floors and others. The fact of the matter is that our feet need not be the afterthought as they usually are when they’re aching and burning from a long day of meeting up with those hard surfaces we just can’t avoid. Sure, smothering them with a cooling lotion and rubbing them a little bit will help, but what would be better? If you are able to care for your feet on a day-to-day basis with the Swiss Masai’s MBT shoe, you’re treating your feet and your body right.  A little background; Inspired by the way the Masai of Kenya walk (MBT stands for Masai Barefoot Technology), they took a highly innovative way of looking at the natural way we walk and stand.   MBT offers proven stress relief to the knee and hip joints and strengthens and tones legs, abdominal, and buttocks muscles using proprietary technology that mimics the effect of walking barefoot on uneven terrain. 

I felt fortunate to sample the KAYA (Navy).  The first time I set eyes on these shoes, I was certainly intrigued, but wasn’t quite sure what was behind the design.  Was it a new trend?  Had I missed something?   The shoe certainly sparked my curiosity enough for me to want a closer look.  Well, they're not a dancing shoe for sure, but from wearing them at least three times a week over a two-three month period, I would have to say, what a relief and big difference they have made on my feet, especially at the end of a full day.  No more achy feet and from one who suffers from tired, aching, burning heels, I immediately noticed the relief off the heel.  My heel didn't feel the impact, nor does the ball of my foot.  There's a smooth transition from heel to toe with every step.  My calves were also a little sore after a full day of wear, which told me I was working them out in the process.  No need to wear socks if your standing around, but you should wear a sock if you plan to do alot of walking.

Initially, the most natural thing to do is rock, which is quite fun.  Forward and backward and forward and backward, before taking a step.  The shoe does require you to take notice of how you are standing due to the shape of the sole.  You center yourself and can immediately feel the definite arch support and snug fit due to it being a slip-on shoe. The KAYA secures across the top by a velcro strap and went well with my favorite jeans.  

I also sampled the RAHA (black).  This shoe had the same support and fit, but has a Fall fashion look with the mix of leather material.  The true test comes when this shoe meets concrete floors or sidewalks for an entire day.  Whether it be walking the mall floors, walking concrete sidewalks downtown window shopping or taking these shoes to work with you, they end up doing your feet a favor, because in most cases you can't avoid asphalt hard surfaces, thus the main plus on these shoes, the sole. 

When I wore these shoes, I had several people notice and ask "What kind of shoes are those?"  I realized by my conversations that people who have to stand alot during the day or do alot of walking during the day are looking for and willing to invest on a more comfortable, sensible shoe.

The elliptical section underneath the heel – The “Masai sensor” creates the pleasant feeling of walking.  Much like spongy surface which makes your muscles to react increasing their activity.

The key is the distribution of pressure equally across and along the whole foot, not just at the heel or the ball of the foot.

 

So it's no wonder why athletes rely on MBT as part of their rejuvenation and healing process. There’s definite benefits to the Physiological footwear, MBT.

As a woman, I didn't mind the height and the weight of the shoe was not a big factor for me either.  I didn't feel the weight of the shoe because every step was taken with great ease.  I wore the Raha with and without stockings and enjoyed them more with a stocking or sock.  I would say that this shoe is a great match for anyone who stands or walks for long periods of time.

 

Colorado Adventure Staff