The importance of footwear on our wellbeing has intrigued me across many years and resulted in ongoing experimentation with different kinds.
Garage sales, thrift stores etc. often have almost new shoes and from querying why, I have learned that these were purchases abroad or south of the border which did not suit once on home turf.
Both these earth shoes were such finds. I am still debating on the ones on the right (I think it may have to do with the tapered toe) but the other ones (with their toe friendly design) were an immediate hit and got me interested in 'earth shoes'.
Actually, they were not "immediate". I put them on at the garage sale, found out that the seller had been given them by her sister for whom the shoes did not suit, and neither did they for the sister. Walked around in them and found them a bit odd - but nicely odd. Sort of like "these feel they could be worthwhile once I get used to them." In the same way that my first pair of Birkenstocks, so very many years ago, needed a 'breaking in' time before we bonded. So I bought them and decided to wear them home. Halfway up the long driveway I turned around and called back to the seller, "These do feel unusual!" And she hollered back, "Don't worry, my husband's a paramedic and he's fixing the fence at the end of the drive if you need assistance." With that cheery note – we were both laughing, I continued on.
They are great. I don't wear them for long periods of time but they gently correct my posture. Sort of like an app for my feet.
Then I came across a pair of MBT shoes at a church thrift store and, with interest piqued, I wore them around the shop while I browsed. They felt very unusual, to the point where I did not buy them. Then, later, wished I had. I had not given them enough of a chance.
So a month or so ago I 'put out the antenna' for a pair of MBT shoes. Started to inquire for them at sales; mentioned to other habitues that I was on the lookout. Collected feedback from people at garage sales who heard me inquring and had experience of them. One young man with hippie hair said he loved his but could not wear them for long periods of time. Consignment stores said they got them occasionally but they sold immediately.
On Saturday a pair showed up at a church sale on the first table I approached. I was not surprised: 'antenna out' works. Brand new condition. Matched my denim dress. Were two sizes larger than I take but trying on one shoe felt right (and I wanted to get to the rest of the sale!) so I bought them.
Wow. They are fascinating. They are very unusual on the feet. I like how they feel when I walk. When I stand still, I like how they tilt me backward and cause me to stand up straight. I like how they are fun to wear. I am intrigued by how it feels weird when I take them off and put on normal shoes again. Sort of like getting off a boat onto dry land and still having sea legs.
I googled and found lots and lots of information: that MBT stands for Masai Barefoot Technology; that a size or two larger than normal size is preferred; many reviews with varying opinions; the original price (!).
Rocking away ……