MBT Wins 2011 Red Dot Award for Product Design

Published: 31 March, 2011

Brand’s most technically advanced shoe, the Ari, is recognized for design excellence MBT is proud to announce that the Ari, the inaugural style in the Brand’s new “Ultimate” category, garnered this year’s red dot award for product design— the first shoe in the physiological footwear arena to do so. The award is just the latest example of MBT’s leadership and expertise in making footwear that provides the perfect blend of function and style.

The red dot is a globally recognized seal of quality bestowed on products that meet the highest standards of design excellence and distinguish themselves from others in their respective categories. The well-known competition is becoming increasingly significant internationally, with approximately 1,700 companies from 60 countries submitting a total of 4,433 products this year.

The comprehensive evaluation and judging process is based on various criteria, including a product’s degree of innovation and its level of functionality, which is based on usability, operation, safety, ease of maintenance, and whether instructions for use are easy to understand. These two criteria, innovation and functionality, in particular, are key components of MBT’s Ari shoe.

Aimed at those who demand maximum comfort and performance, the Ari has a powerful integrated ventilation system that helps keep feet cool and dry; it is the first physiological shoe to feature such advanced technology. Built on a contoured last that replicates the shape of a human foot, the Ari provides optimal heel and forefoot fit, while biomechanically engineered structural pillars offer guidance to the foot during the fall-gait cycle and enable the free movement of air. In addition, Ari’s multi-layered 3D mesh insole is antibacterial, removable and washable. The result? A successful combination of form and function that enables feet to stay drier and cooler, making every step more comfortable.

The term “ari” is Swahili for “spirit,” and the Ari shoe ― the most technically advanced in MBT’s 15-year history ― embodies the spirit and philosophy of the MBT brand, which is to increase movement and subsequently muscle activation through built-in instability while standing and walking. Credit for the development of the Ari goes to Hermann Oberschneider, one of MBT’s two primary shareholders; Vice President of Product and Marketing Sam Spears and his internal product team; and designer Tuan Le, from Breitenbush Design, in Portland, Oregon.

Ari will be available in stores in August, RRP £269.99

About MBT:

More than 15 years ago, MBT designed a shoe that would change the world. All these years later, we're still at it. As originators in the physiological footwear category, MBT offers active, stylish footwear that is inspired by nature, grounded in biomechanical principles and powered by patented technology. Employing quality materials, craftsmanship and construction, MBTs are designed to help support the natural physiological framework and help improve balance. MBTs are a Class 1 Medical Product in the 30 EEA states (European Economic Area) and Switzerland. They are granted a Medical Device Establishment License by Health Canada and are a certified Medical Device in Australia (TGA). MBT is now available in over 55 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.mbt.com.

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For more information please contact Connie Feast at MBT UK

Connie.feast@uk.mbt.com

t: 020 7684 5952
m: 07740 938 208

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