Hiking in kybun shoes is far more fun because the soft, elastic air-cushion soles absorb the impact of your foot on the rocky ground
Wearing the kybun Swiss air-cushion shoes means you can walk on an elastic, springy, moss-like surface at all times. It is often the case that before, after or during a hike, you have to walk across kilometres of tarmac or hard surfaces.
The kybun shoes allow you to enjoy exercise again and noticeably relieve the strain on your joints, activate the vein pump, strengthen your deep inner muscles and support the cardiovascular system. Older people, in particular, can improve mobility and balance by walking in kybun shoes, which is an effective way of reducing the risk of falls.
Is it possible to go hiking without any pain despite knee, hip and back problems?
You’re probably familiar with this problem, too: Even after short hikes, your feet burn, your knees hurt and you struggle to maintain your balance. The mere thought of walking downhill makes us weak at the knees. The good news for everyone suffering from these problems is that we have a solution for you! It’s simple: we start with your feet. In any case, it is crucial to wear the right type of shoes when hiking.
Should hiking boots provide support?
No. Scientific findings show that the feet – not the shoes – should provide the support. The elastic, springy sole of the kybun shoe offers your feet greater freedom of movement and thereby trains the muscles.
Isn’t it a bit dangerous to walk on the soft-elastic soles in the countryside?
No, quite the opposite. You’ll be surprised by how much safer you feel in kybun shoes than in supportive hiking boots once you get used to them! kybun hiking shoes are suitable for light outdoor activities as well as all simple hiking routes. Sporty hiking enthusiasts have told us how much they enjoy hiking in the kybun shoes. We would only dissuade you from wearing kybun shoes if you plan to go hiking on steeply sloping fields.
The kybun hiking shoes are suitable for light outdoor activities as well as all simple hiking routes. Sporty hiking enthusiasts will enjoy kybun hiking shoes, too.
- Suitable for hiking on good, solid paths and in parks
- Suitable for gentle hikes in relatively flat countryside areas and in low mountain ranges
- Hikes that present greater challenges
Find out more about the effects of the kybun hiking shoes:
Leaflet for kybun hiking shoes PDF (136 KB)
Important for newcomers
New wearers of kybun shoes should know that it is important to take a pair of ‘normal’ shoes with them in their rucksack when they go on longer hikes. It takes some time to get used to the soft, springy sole. The air-cushion sole activates different muscles, which can result in noticeable reactions being felt in the body.
Customer testimonials
F. T. from Jona, Switzerland
I bought my first pair of kybun shoes last autumn, as I was still struggling with the consequences of the accident I had in the summer of 2013. The torn muscle fibres in my right calf were very persistent. I underwent six months of physiotherapy and had an ultrasound (showing a 15 cm haematoma between fibres), X-rays and an MRI. After that, I had another round of physio with shockwave therapy. I also received acupuncture treatments and intense massages. Things seemed to be getting better in the short term, but the breakthrough result appeared to be just out of reach. I had severe pain in my right foot every time I stood up, and this mystified my doctors. Why am I experiencing pain in my foot when it was my calf muscles that were damaged? I decided to try out kybun shoes in October 2014. The staff members in the shop were friendly and provided very good advice, and I left with a pair of shoes. I’ve been wearing the shoes all day since then, when I’m on the go as well as at the office. I’ve even gone on a few gentle hiking wearing them. Despite the pain and against the advice of my GP, I have continued to take part in my favourite sport – partner dance (mostly disco swing and jive or in other words, the types of dance that involve a lot of movement). Alongside that I’ve been doing weekly strength training and stretching exercises, among other things. My GP organised an appointment for me in the Etzel clinic in the autumn and called in a sports doctor especially to handle my case. I got an appointment for 22 January 2015. However, my pain was gradually decreasing, and when it came to the time of the appointment, I had no pain at all. My GP still advised me to go to the appointment. The doctors at the clinic were amazed. They took X-rays and asked a lot of questions. How is it possible? They could no longer see any symptoms. The two specialists could only agree on the fact that the X-rays no longer showed any abnormalities. One of them thought that a minor insole could counteract the mild inward bend of my foot (why?). The sports medicine specialist believed I had done everything correctly. STAY MOBILE! He praised the work I had put in and my choice of physiotherapy methods (shockwave therapy and acupuncture). He emphasized how he believed that the constant mobilisation relieved the pain in my foot. This is all thanks to my kybun shoes. He advised me to continue doing what I have been doing – wearing kybun shoe shows, taking part in sport, and dancing. He was firmly against the insoles! The pain was the result of the relieving posture I had been using from the time of my accident, which I continued to use for a long time after the accident. Continuously freely moving my foot allowed me to get out from the pattern I was stuck in almost unnoticed. Well, all I can say is: Thank you so much.
Franz Heinzer, World Champion and Swiss Ski Junior Coach
If I need to stand for a long time or spend a lot of time on my feet, then I put them on. I even go on mountain runs while wearing my kybun shoes. They’re suitable for light exercise. But I really do need them for exercising.
Walter Keller, pensioner, Bischofszell, Switzerland
"I am 74 years old and a passionate pilgrim. I first wore the kybun shoe on my last 250-mile walk along the French Way. Walking was very pleasant and my knee pain was a thing of the past. I was especially surprised at how cushioned and agreeable it feels to walk on asphalt. I could feel the kybun shoe strengthening the muscles in my legs and feet. I now only ever wear my sandals or my kybun shoes."
