THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: Lending Support to Sore Soles (Excerpts)

"A spring in your step is one thing. A spring in your shoe is another. But the makers of the Z-Coil shoe promise that their curious-looking footwear brings immediate relief from heel spurs, arthritis pain and other ailments that dog people's dogs.

With an exposed steel spring glued to the heel, Z-Coil shoes are designed to provide extreme cushioning. In addition to the spring, Z-Coils contain a plate system dubbed the Z-orthotic, which can be adjusted to correct for gait problems such as overpronation, which occurs when people roll their feet inward as they walk. Z-Coil Footwear says this combination of stability and shock absorption not only eases pain but also helps heal and prevent nagging conditions such as plantar fasciitis, which affects the arch.

Medical experts say the Z-Coil design seems promising but want more evidence before accepting the company's claims.

Howard Palamarchuk, assistant professor at Temple University's School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, has tested the shoes and says that like orthopedic shoes, they "allow the foot to roll more naturally forward from heel to toe," reducing wear and tear. He also likes how the spring's tension can be adjusted to account for different body weights. "It would definitely cushion the ride, even for people without foot problems," he says. (Full Article)


By JUSTIN MATLICK
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
June 1, 2004; Page D4
ACHES & CLAIMS
DOW JONES REPRINTS