Known as “pain relief footwear,” Z-Coil® shoes are designed to reduce pain related to the impact that occurs from various activities including running and walking. The idea for the design began in the 1980s when Alvaro Z. Gallegos was searching for a solution to the pain he suffered from related to his daily regimen of running. Gallegos thought that adding a “shock absorber” to his shoes would help reduce the impact and make running bearable again. He found relief from a crude design that included a spring that he inserted in the heel of his shoe.
As the style caught the eyes of family and friends, Gallegos improved the “springy” shoe design and made it available to a wider audience. Eventually popular shoe manufacturers, including Nike® and Reebok®, partnered with Gallegos to include the Z-Coil design in their collection of running shoes.
The Z-Coil® design is rather unique. While there are various Z-Coil® shoe designs, from running shoes to sandals, all of them have the same characteristic feature — a coil or spring in the heel. Often the spring in Z-Coil® shoes is left visible to show off its unique design. The primary purpose of the coil, however, is to reduce impact and various types of foot, leg, and back pain. The Z-Coil® Company and a Sandia National Laboratories study claims that the Z-Coil® design footwear provides 50% more cushioning than regular shoes. Additionally, Z-Coil® shoes are said to prevent the ball of the foot from jarring, which can cause injury from the repetitive motion in running and walking. Z-Coil® shoes may be helpful for people suffering from a variety of pain, including joint ailments, arthritis, lower back problems, sciatica, and heel problems. A doctor should be consulted to determine whether Z-Coil shoes will help your individual problems.
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anon106924
Post 5 |
I have been wearing Z-Coil shoes for 10 years. I started wearing them to correct plantar fasciitis. Within one week I was walking. In two weeks the pain was gone and it's still gone. They take me everywhere: trips, hikes, backpacking, church and work. If people laugh and comment I simply say,"Yea, they look funny, but I can walk again"! |
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anon36421
Post 4 |
Do they come in ladies 4E? Yes, it's true I have short fat feet, as well as a bunion. Can you help me find a retailer near me in Sandston, VA? |
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anon35623
Post 3 |
I don't think Z-Coil has "partnered" with any big name manufacturer like this article suggests. Looks to me that they jumped on board to the innovative design, to a lesser quality. I had a pair of Nike Shox for $150 and they didnt help my heel pain at all! Then I bought Z-Coils for the same price and I am now pain free! 12 months later and my shoes still look new! Now I just have to decide what style from their website I want next. |
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caesarjr
Post 2 |
Z-CoiL's changed my life! I injured my knees, my foot and my hamstring and could barely walk. I found these shoes and was able to start running again within 4 months. They reduce the impact to your body so much that it is like walking on air! If you have any issues with pain, I highly suggest you try these shoes. You won't regret it! |
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ttibbar
Post 1 |
The visible coil placement in the Z-Coil shoe is NOT for showing off the unique design as so stated.
It has a purpose and a great one. Because the coil is centered directly under the skeletal system and the back of the coil is directly under the actual heel bone of the foot one's balance becomes more natural on their own body. This is one of the greatest feature of the Z-CoiL shoe and in itself assists with pain.
In addition, the Z-CoiL shoe is adjustable to assist better foot placement of the wearer. The coil itself can be adjusted as well as there are a number of coils (interchangeable) to conform with the wearer. The gait of the wearer can improve substantially and the wearer can immediately feel a stronger and more erect posture.
The coil itself does in fact absorb, not only approximately 50% of the impact, but it also stores energy which it releases as the foot goes forward. In other words the same aerobics with 1/2 the energy expended with every step.
This is the best ergonomic shoe out there and anyone can feel it for themselves as soon as they put them on. It is not only for pain but also works to prevent future problems stemming from hard surfaces while working, walking or running. |
