Rocker sole shoes popular in the Mission Valley
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Popular MBT shoes have soles that look like rockers on a rocking chair, thicker in the middle of the sole than regular shoes.
Most people recognize the less expensive Skecher’s Shape Up brand even though MBTs were introduced first. Now other athletic brands have started manufacturing similar shoes.
Jackie M’s Footwear in Polson carries both MBTs and Skechers brands, and they’re “pretty popular,” according to Jackie Cripe, co-owner of the business. They’ve been selling MBTs for two and a half years and just started stocking Skechers this year.
“Mike (Jackie’s husband and business partner) has got his on right now,” Cripe said.
Cripe said they sell more Skechers than MBTs. That may be because Skechers launched an advertising program that made many people aware of the shoes, but another reason may be price. Skechers retail for between $100 to $110 while MBTs sell for $250.
Customers comment favorably on both brands, and Cripe said MBT buyers have come back to tell them the shoes have helped with ankle problems, plantar fasciitis and back problems.
“When you first start wearing the, they make you walk heel to toe,” Cripe explained.
According to the MBT website, the shoes mimic walking on sand or any soft uneven surface. This “natural instability” causes the body to constantly make small adjustments to keep balanced and also works muscles in the back, stomach and buttocks and improves posture.
“They are remarkable shoes,” Cripe said.
Krystal Piedalue agrees. A certified dental assistant as well as a registered dental assistant, Piedalue works with Dr. David Bull at Bayview Dental. She spends a lot of time on her feet and said she really likes her Skechers.
“I liked them because of the cushioning in the sole,” Piedalue explained, saying they feel kind of like you’re rolling.
“The first day they felt weird just because they are so tall,” Piedalue said, “but they feel great. I didn’t limit myself to how long I wore them. I just wore them all day at work.”
Brian Piedalue, Krystal’s husband, is a painting contractor, and he purchased a pair of the shoes. He works such long hours that he found they make his legs hurt. The rounded sole is challenging for someone who is up and down ladders all day, also.
As far as whether Piedalue would buy another pair, she said, “Oh, absolutely. I’m just waiting for the sale.”
