I have been using MBT for several years - they have helped with middle and lower back pain along with a few other things. Since ownership of the MBT was transferred I don't like the way they are made anymore and I gave these Z coils a try. Not only are they good for my back, they are very, very comfortable and I think good for the joints too - as advertised. These shoes have the same cushioning feel as walking in the sand at the beach. The icing on the cake is the ability to use different instep thicknesses (when purchasing an insole offered by Z Coil).