Customer Reviews MBT Shadow

My surgeon told me to get these... My foot was destroyed in an accident and I have had 5 surgeries so far. My foot and ankle are in constant pain so my surgeon suggested these shoes. When I first put them on, they felt a little snug but as I wore them they became more comfortable. Keep in mind if you order these that they are European sizes, so you may want to go a 1/2 size up. Overall, I've been very happy with this purchase and will probably buy another pair. Also, Zappos gave awesome service! I was blown off again and again by the Walking Co in Lynnwood, WA. For over a month I tried to get this shoe. Zappos had it in stock and gave me overnight shipping. Should have come here in the first place, will definitely order from here again.

Fantastic all day shoe! Anyone who works on their feet all day needs this shoe! My feet feel better, my back feels better and I have more energy at the end of the day because my back is not aching. This is a great shoe for anyone who has low back pain/fatigue (or anyone who is carrying around extra weight). The funky sole takes the weight off your bones and joints and make you use the larger muscles instead. They are expensive but well worth it. They're not gorgeous but they are average good looking (for sure better than the picture). As for sizing I wear a 9.5 if the shoe is wide and the 10 fits great (though it's a medium width.) The return policy makes it do-able to try the next size if your feet are wide.

Best walking shoe EVER! I bought a pair of MBT’s a few years ago when they came out, but never really wore them because they looked so bulky and I didn't walk much. Since I've moved to the city and now do a ton of walking, I decided to try them again bought the Shadow style. They are fantastic! They are narrower than the sneaker style and slightly dressier so that I can often get away with wearing them with black pant suits without anyone noticing. (Although the laces are way too long and have to be tied in double knots.) But more importantly, my knees no longer hurt after walking all day. And I mean ALL day. I have worn them for up to 6 miles of walking at a time and my feet don't feel tired AT ALL. As for the claims about toning your legs, I can't really tell, probably because I exercise often anyway. But they do keep you walking upright, which has helped my back pain and posture. I absolutely adore these shoes. I only wish they made a summertime version that were as streamlined as this style. Also, in this style, I ordered a full size larger than normal for correct fit.

I'm Won Over!!! My friend raved so much about her MBTs--cured her back pain, she bought 3 pairs--that I had to check them out. My husband got them, too. Now he won't jog in any other shoe. I bought the high-top hiking MBTs for "cuteness" but they strangled my ankles. Also, too heavy. Next I got the black "Shadow"--I really wanted to like them, but they kept falling off, and rubbing my foot, and pulling my socks down in the rear. Tried tying shoelaces tighter, and voila! Much better. I'm finally won over. Even convinced myself they look sexy (it's all in my attitude and long confident stride. They really do feel spongy and bouncy!). Comments: They work your shin muscles like crazy, especially going uphill or up stairs. They definitely run a half size too small. Zappos, thanks for this forum. It's helped me research and make informed choices. Together with your shipping policy--fast 'n free--I'm shopping here more often.

These shoes are great! I bought this style for work after I had tried the Sport for walking. I do a lot of walking and standing at work, and with these shoes my legs and back never hurt like they used to after a long day. They are even fun to walk it because they give a bounce to your step. They are really great, and I have since bought two of the sandals also. I guess I'm hooked, but regular shoes just don't feel good anymore. Also, this Shadow style runs about 1/2 a size small. Now they just have to make a more formal looking women's shoe that can be worn with skirts and dresses, but given how these shoes are look, I doubt that can be done to anyone's satisfaction. Highly recommended.

It may be me... I’m plagued with foot, knee, and back pain. I believe that I need a hip replacement on the right hip having had a left hip done last April. This said, I'm having a difficult time in my feet, right knee, and right hip when I wear this shoe for a long period of time and sometimes for a short time. My right shin and a toe on one foot start to bother me and I know I'm in for it. I also bought the MBT Boost, which seems to perform better in most ways for me, but I need the black for work as I am on my feet in a retail environment for 8 to 9 hours, 5 days a week, so I got the Shadow. The leather is more comfortable as it is not as stiff as the Boost. I'm wondering if I’m not walking correctly in these shoes. That could throw the whole thing off definitely. Also am having a small problem with the Kisimu sandal, again may be because I feel a little awkward in them. I am persevering because I really believe in the technology of these shoes. They don't crunch my toes and hurt my metatarsal and that tells me my weight is better distributed. I also don't feel the impact of the concrete /linoleum floor - great! Really, they are worth the investment, but take them seriously - they are not just any shoe. They could be your answer! Beware of putting the wrong insole into these (they have little arch support), they can make for a lot of discomfort. I took mine out again and they are better now. The company needs to get on board with wider widths!!! I have used Zappos for years now and LOVE their service SO much!!!

Big black shoes - Feels narrower than the unisex models and less bulky - more comfortable and, with dark pants, looks more like a regular shoe - a plus for daily wear.

They do feel good! I have flat feet and now possibly arthritis in my feet. All I know is that they have been painful my whole life and much worse this year. I am trying MBTs out of desperation more than anything! I ordered a couple of styles and the Shadow was definitely the most comfortable and feels the softest on my feet...most like their claim of "walking on a cloud." Definitely follow the instructions about ordering a half size or one size larger - I'm an 8.5 and this 9 fits nicely. They definitely feel off balance, which is the point and it takes getting used to them. Stairs felt funny at first! They are not pretty, but my feet feel so crummy all the time, I don't care about pretty. My feet are not cured, but they do feel better in these shoes, especially when I have to stand a lot. So I guess 4 stars from me is a rave!

Good for You - This shoe was hard for me to adapt to and I'm still a bit rocky when I head down stairs in the morning. I bought it because of the insistent recommendation of a friend; she says that the toning qualities are significant over a period of time. Then we bought some for my husband and they solved his high/arthritic arch problems entirely; first time in years he isn't wearing $25 shoes because they are the only comfortable ones he can find.

The Shadow - My wife likes these shoes very much with the only down side being that they make her feet very warm after a while. A more breathable material would correct that.

Shadow - Real comfortable and tall enough to wear with dress slacks when you want to slip out of your heels for a after dinner stroll.

Takes some time to break in - I found this leather a bit stiff, not much padding in the shoe, so it does take some time to "break them in." They do have a nice casual, non-athletic shoe look. I love MBTs and the workout you get when wearing them and these were my first pair in the lower heel style, which is great for everyday wear. I hope MBT continues to create new styles and that they'll add some padding to their "street shoe" styles.

now I finally found my shoe to walk all day with - I'm totally happy with my black leather MBT's. Sure they are a tad pricy, but they are very comfy and after a day on my feet with no backpain or footpain I don't care that they cost so much. Before I bought them I read a lot of the review of about five different shoes that were in my final list, based on the reviews I bought the shoe half a size bigger than I normally wear - and voila - perfect fit. It takes a little time to walk on the rounded sole, but you really work your legs and behind when you walk. In addition to the shoe you get an instruction video, telling you about all the features of the shoe, how you should walk with it and gives you the company's website for FAQ's. Finally these are orthopedic shoes, no beauties, if you are going for the looks of your shoe you can forget them - but they shure are comfy.

Comfort and Ugly - I stand for six or seven hours at a time and while the shoe definitely takes the pressure off the heels, it slants the foot and there is pressure on the ball and toes. Not sure about overall comfort haven't worn them but twice for several hours each time. Will say that knees, hips and shoulders were definitely less painful at the end of the day.

Completely different shoe - I wore my new Zappos shoes for about 2 hours the first day I wore them. My co workers told me I looked very unsteady on my feet while I was wearing them. I developed a severe Charlie horse in my left calf and I started to limp. Luckily, I had packed my older shoes, Ecco’s, and I put them back on. I would suggest that you advise customers to break in the shoes slowly. Wear them for one hour the first day and then add an hour every day for the first week. Because the shape of these shoes makes you use your leg muscles so much, a breaking in period seems essential.