Rock your stride with MBT-2000 II shoes

(This review originally featured in Trail Run Magazine #55)

Kate Dzienis 27.05.2025

Key Details of MBT-2000 II Shoe Review

Best For: Everyday walking, soft trails, footpaths, and light running up to 10km
Avoid If: You tackle highly technical trails, deep mud, or ultradistance terrain
Foot Type Fit: Ideal for neutral arches and runners with low arch support needs
Terrain Tested On: Single track, compact footpaths, grass, woodchips, and pea gravel
Support Highlights: Excellent for plantar fasciitis relief and posture improvement
Design Feature: Curved rocker sole encourages a natural, rolling stride

If you’ve ever felt like your runners were conspiring against you – flattening your arches, numbing your toes, and making long walks feel like a medieval form of torture – meet the MBT-2000 II.

Designed to revolutionise how you move, these shoes don’t just support your feet – they practically coach them into a healthier stride.

MBT originates from Masai Barefoot Technology, which draws inspiration from the Masai people known for their upright postures and athletic physique. MBT shoes aren’t your standard trainers, with footwear featuring a patented sole construction with the Masai Sensor, providing comfort and natural instability to enhance lower body muscle activity, posture, and balance.

In fact, MBT shoes are known to provide enough foot support for those suffering from painful ailments including plantar fasciitis – which is the case for me with my left foot. For the past two years, I’ve been religiously wearing orthotic insoles with my shoes, but the MBT-2000 IIs reduced pressure on the arches of my feet, and helped stretch the PF gently while protecting it and stretching the muscles that support it. I 100% felt no need to use my insoles.

Although not technically a trail shoe because the bottom of the shoe is smooth like a road runner, I did use the MBT-2000 IIs on soft, easy trails and footpaths, as well as in every day use.

They feature a signature curved sole designed to mimic natural walking mechanics, improve posture, and reduce joint impact. Essentially, you’re walking on a subtle seesaw, which might sound odd at first but quickly becomes addictive – like the moment you realise trail running downhill can actually be fun (when you’re not tripping over random roots, of course).

The MBT-2000 IIs bring the same innovative sole structure as other shoes, with a breathable mesh upper and a lace-up design that kept my feet snug and secure. Slipping them on was like stepping onto a cloud that encouraged me to keep moving. The cushioned insole absorbs impact with every step, and I was fully expecting to have to swap in my usual inserts, but to my surprise – like mentioned earlier – I didn’t need them.

While many stability-focused shoes to look…well, orthopedic, the MBT-2000 IIs pull off a sleek aesthetic without compromising function. The lavender colour offers a pop of personality without feeling overly flashy, and you won’t feel like you borrowed your grandma’s walking shoes (though she might try to borrow yours!).

These babies excel at providing a smooth, rolling motion that makes running and walking feel easier – I highly recommend these for beginner runners, and for those who enjoy the walk-run method up to about the 10km mark. That said, if you’re used to rigid, traditional running shoes, the MBT-2000 IIs will take a few kilometres to get used to, but once you do, the rocker sole helps propel you forward, making them also a solid option also for all-day wear.

When it comes to delivering on support and sustainability, the eco-friendly heel counter in the shoe provides additional stability while reducing environmental impact – a win-win for both your feet and the planet. Meanwhile, the well-padded ankle collar ensures extra support, preventing unwanted rolling or strain, especially if you hit some uneven terrain.

If you’re looking for a shoe that supports your every step and prioritises comfort and better posture, then the MBT-2000 II should be high on your list.

So lace up, rock on, and see where these shoes can take you.