Constant heel plan/plantar fascitis: You've met your match.

After a year of excruciating heel pain + surgery considerations, I wandered onto several plantar fascitis message boards seeking any/every source of relief. I tried custom orthotics, rolling over a frozen water bottle, arthritis gels, foot soaks, stretches, changed posture, etc. Nope, nada, zilch. At most, an hour or two of relief...then back to excruciatingly normal. Even my beloved orthotics Crocs ceased to be wearable. :(

During a session and in response to my heel pain, a remedial massage therapist strongly recommended a pair of incline shoes, in specific the Dr. Scholl's or MBT's (she was adamantly against the Skechers). I opted for the latter, higher quality option: 'if you're going to this, do this RIGHT,' I deduced. Combined with the custom orthotics implants, she was convinced the combo would work. I, however, was skeptical plus now out of a lot of money on these seemingly gimmick shoes.

First impressions were a tad mixed. Walking was awkward the first week, ditto the need to semi-regularly shift weight for balance. For those who do a lot of stationary standing, you've been warned. Also - and at a risk of stating the obvious: DO NOT RUN IN THESE. Fitness benefits? I'm already in fairly decent shape, thus they appeared minimal (limited to some upper leg fatigue/burn).

On a superficial, level, I was simultaneously worried about the enormous heel looking ridiculous...even more so with my working in a very staunch employment environment. Yes, I got a comment here and there, but followed by admissions he/she likewise owned a pair up incline, fitness shoes. (So much for stereotypes, I gather.) Related and thankfully, the walnut versions are fairly attractive, apt to receive equal compliments as finger points.

Several weeks in, however, and walking became natural. The Tariki became my primary pair of shoes simply because they were so ridiculously comfortable, practical. Most importantly - and in an 'aha!' moment about 1.5 month in - I realized the heel pain was gone for weeks now. Combined with a glass of tonic water at bed (an old school remedy for cramping), the dogs fail to bark.

The social scientist in me experimented with short stints in other shoes. Athletic shoes, standard dress...and foot/heel began to once more lurk. These Tarikis were clearly doing their thing. A constant reminder was the enormous amount of pressure the wedge was taking off the heel. You can feel the thing absorbing the weight of the world, even when seated. Which - by the way - you should do with feet firmly on the floor. Do not sit cross-legged in these.

Rarely do I give a seeming gimmick such a strong endorsement. These shoes, however, are fantstic.

Great quality shoe

Great quality shoe. I wear this shoe to work everyday and would buy the top part of this shoe for its looks and quality leather alone. The function part of the shoe will not win any looks awards, but its comfort and spring like function make me want to walk. The price I paid through Amazon was $136, which is in keeping with what I am willing to pay for this quality shoe.

*~*~*~*~ LOVE MBT Shoes!!!

I bought my first pair - this pair in walnut, in fact - in Las Vegas in January 2008 on a business trip. My wife flew out at the end of the convention for some time together without the kids. I realized quickly into the first day that my feet would not last walking around the streets of LV is the dress shoes I had. And I had to tennis shoes. So after wandering into a specialty shoe store I was introduced to MBTs. A doctor (surgeon) was in the store and recommended them to me as did the salesperson. I wore them out of the store! They saved my trip and all the walking my wife and I did the next couple of days. MBTs are well worth the investment in your feet! I now have four pair and my wife has two pair. I'll never own another pair (brand) of shoes.

My 2nd MBT pair, looks sharp and super comfortable

I've worn MBTs now for over a year. I walk a mile and half each way to work, and started to get soreness in my knee. I checked out the MBTs, and decided to give it a shot. After the first week of muscle fatigue, I felt the difference. I've been hooked ever sense. I find that my walking and standing stamina is much higher than before.

This particular model is my 2nd pair, and I like it more than my first. My main issue with many of the MBT models is that they are not very attractive. This one though has gotten compliments from an assorted set of folks, and looks good enough that it can go with a business casual look. It also seems to be better at handling rain than my previous pair, which was a micro-suede. That one became discolored after a while and was strictly a casual shoe after a short while.

This model has been great, and my wife also bought a pair now has joined the MBT world.

If you are suffering from knee pains, or want to get a little help with posture, these shoes could be an easy way to help.