Testimonial: "I Can Walk Circles Around the Youngsters"

Janice and Narayan Baltzo, of Living Music Radio.com, came in recently with mom to buy more Zcoil pain relief footwear.

Z-CoiL Seattle: Janice shared her compelling story of her first contact with Zcoil footwear and how they changed her life..
" I've had a lot of back trouble for decades. I have tried naturopaths, chiropractors, osteopaths, icing, yoga and acupuncture for any help in easing my pain. "

"I injured my spine when I turned wrong while holding a light truss (heavy gear) in1979. I ended up in the hospital with a "frozen" spine."

"One day while on the road in June of 2008 we had stopped at a rest stop. I had to hobble to the restroom my back hurt so much."

What was to follow was a life changing event at the next rest stop.

"We stopped for some ice cream and met a lady who said "I can walk circles around these youngsters". She said it was because of her Zcoil footwear she was able to be so active. Her late husband it turns out used to sell Zcoil pain relief footwear and she happened to have some in the back store room that fit me. That was the first pair of Zcoils I bought-a pair of Black Freedoms."

After that is history: "OMG look at this, I ran out to the van saying "I am running".
I then ran around the rest stop jogging the perimeter right after I got them and was giggling. I was so darn happy.

I looked up where Zcoil was on the web and came in for my next pair- a Black Taos Strap (Mary Jane style). She also bought the Lynco arch supports, our Injinji "toe socks", and several of the bamboo socks.

Narayan has a pair of the grey Freedoms and ZWalkers. Mom got a pair of Z Walkers with laces that stay tied "knotty boys". She was so pleased with the way the Jobst compression socks made her legs feel with better circulation.

Janice is so moved by her experience with the footwear she mentions her story everywhere their music and their connecting communities work carries them-to churches, yoga centers, independent bookstores, and outdoor concerts. "How can you not want to spread the word about Zcoil?"
Here is more about the work of Janet and Narayan:



Vision Statement
To create, perform and promote music & lyrics that are expansive and life-affirming. To help advance music beyond its current common usage as entertainment or stimulation, and utilize its power to inspire, heal and uplift.- Composing music with Sacred Intention- Performing this music with uplifted consciousness in receptive venues- Promoting awareness of Sound and Music's effect on us so we can make healthier choices- Infusing conscious music into every possible form of media, including radio, television, movie soundtracks and advertising- Increasing awareness of artists to be more conscious of the effect of their art on themselves and others- Creating opportunities and opening venues for conscious musicians and audiences- Connecting communities through shared musical experiences- Increasing the appreciation of Music, Art and Beauty in our society
© 2008 You're Loved & Living Music Radio with Narayan & Janet

Shoes to help ease your pain and improve posture

ABC15.com
12/16 11:07 am
Z Shoe Store Etc

One of the most often asked questions is: "Are they stable?" Also, many people look at the shoe and comment that they would fall off the shoe.

In all actuality, the Z-coil is the most stable shoe in the market place. Just like a shock absorber for a car, the Z-Coil works the terrain the same way. It always wants to keep you stable. It is very hard to fall or twist and ankle. (Read More)

The coil in the heel is cone-shaped, and so it compresses straight down, following the line of least resistance rather than tipping. The flexible coil also absorbs some surface deviations to protect the ankle. - Z-CoiL FAQ

Jerry Peterson Home Depot

Jerry Peterson, Home Depot Master Electrical Specialist (Sequim, WA) only wears his Z-CoiLs on the job. "When I started working here," he said. "I would go home sit in a chair and could not get up because the pain in my feet and legs was so intense. My wife is a massage therapist and has had her pair for a couple of years. So, at her suggestion, I bought a pair of hikers. In just a couple of days, I was able to get out of my chair at night and be normal. I was an Electrician for 15 years and would spend as much on my work boots as I did for my Z-CoiLs. I want these to last as long as possible so I only wear them working the concrete sales floor."

Jerry purchased his Z's at The Shoe Safari, Silverdale, WA

Personal Trainer “Bad Feet, Bad Knees, Bad Back” Suggestion #1: Z-Coil Footwear

Many people I talk to have seen Z-Coils…they have a unique look to them…and they are highly effective footwear. The coil/spring on the heel of the foot cushions each step, so much so that it cuts the impact in half on your feet, knees, and back. To your joints, it feels like you instantly lost half your body weight.

A current client of mine was in a major car accident and had three reconstructive surgeries on her foot. She’s hobbled around in a velcro boot for the last two years! Her unusual foot shape (an unpleasant by-product of her surgeries) has not allowed her to wear shoes since her accident. I took her to Sprongs in Minneapolis (go to zcoil.com to find the dealer closest to you) and my client was fitted with a pair of Z-Coils. Three weeks later she is walking all over the place, even up flights of stairs, which she has not done for over two years! I have many Z-Coil stories like that.

If your back, knees, or feet hurt a lot, start by taking care of your feet. It’s always good to start from the ground up! (Body Change Tips from an In-Home Personal Trainer)

Z-CoiL TV Commerical

Locally produced for the West Columbia, South Carolina retail store, this TV Commerical tells the Z-CoiL story in 60 seconds.

Testimonial: Elizabeth Sutton

Elizabeth Sutton talks about how Z-CoiLs improved her quality of life.

Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear® design features a unique conical steel coil in the heel, which absorbs up to 50% of the impact from walking or running and delivers a 40 to 50% energy return.

This spring-suspension system works in conjunction with a rigid, built-in orthotic that distributes pressure evenly across the mid-foot, dramatically reducing the pain caused by heel spurs or plantar fasciitis.

Thick, resilient cushioning under the forefoot and a rocker sole further reduce the shock of impact to the body. And less impact means less pain.

Ergonomic Study Conducted At New Mexico Highlands University

Wayne Scheler, New Mexico Highlands University, conducted a study on Ergonomic Implimentation to reduce Plantar Pressure.

Al Gallegos Reflects On His First Customer Success Story

On the new Z-CoiL YouTube Channel, Al Gallegos, Inventor and Founder of Z-CoiL Footwear, talks about one of his first customer experiences.

Al Gallegos and a runer's story
Sherry Robinson
Daily Times
November, 24, 2008
Read Story (PDF)

Jumping for joy: “Pain-relieving” footwear promises to put a spring in your step

nurse2_freedom white
Originally uploaded by Z-CoiL hw

"Nurses know it. So do hair stylists, factory workers, letter carriers and others whose jobs require them to spend hours at a time standing. Spending hours walking and standing can be a pain in the neck, not to mention the hip, the back, the knees and the feet.

On Dec. 10, the St. Charles Mercy Hospital Auxiliary is sponsoring a sale of a line of pain-relieving footwear that can bring welcome comfort and even put a new “spring” in your step.

John Thierry, Z-CoiL Comfort Shoes in Dearborn, Mich., visit to St. Charles is an encore, requested by employees who weren’t able to purchase when he came last month, according to auxiliary president Irene Csanyi.

“They made a big hit, so we decided to bring them back again,” she said. When asked if she purchased a pair for herself, Csanyi said, “Not yet.” (Read More)

Z-CoiL Corporate's New Blog

A new voice in a mature industry « Official Z-CoiL® Footwear Blog: "Although Z-CoiL has been in business for over 10 years, management felt it was time to breathe some new life, and new outlets of communication, into the footwear industry. So, the Z-CoiL Blog was started last month.

I see this blog as a community hub regarding all things Z-CoiL. A place where you can learn about the Z-CoiL Brand, get a sneak peak at new products, meet our distributors from all over the country, chat with other Z-CoiL wearers, participate in exclusive contests and events, keep abreast of the latest health news, and browse our testimonial and photo galleries. There will be even more exciting interactive content so check back often! We look forward to receiving your feedback and engaging in an open exchange of information with all of you all over the world!"

English actress Helena Bonham Carter Caught In Z-CoiLs

English actress Helena Bonham Carter was recently spotted in London wearing these funky-looking Mary Janes. It turns out they are made by a New Mexico-based footwear company called Z Coil. Its claim to fame is a heel made out of a 3-inch steel coil designed to act as a shock absorber. The shoes were developed by a runner who suffered injuries from the sport. Z Coil offers about 14 different custom-fitted styles ranging from sneakers to boots at a cost of $200-$300. Celebrity devotees also include Dustin Hoffman and Matt Damon. (Read More)

Z-Coil - "Comfy" Shoes That Make You Look Like A Tool

Austin store owner Cam White explains the technology behind the Z-CoiL shoe

One of our health obsessed fans sent us this gem. Aside from inducing a massive Inspector Gadget flashback the Z-Coil shoes supposedly reduce foot-leg-back pain generated during walking, running and jumping. - GadgetKing

Podcast: An Interview with Austin TX Z-CoiL Dealer

Gabcast! The Dr. Lotchie Kerch Show #7



Dr. Lotchie Kerch D.P.M talks to Austin TX Z-CoiL dealers.

Z-Coils on Good Morning America

The Good Morning America staff try on a pair of Z-Coils and MBT's and talk about their look and feel. (November 7, 2008)

The Pain Melts Away And The Shoes Start To Look Beautiful

Several Z-CoiL owners talk about their personal experiences and how the spring in their step has improved their quality of life. (WMAR ABC Channel 2 in Baltimore)

Podcast: An Interview with Scottsdale, AZ Dealer

Gabcast! Z-CoiL Dealer Interview Series



Dr. Lotchie Kerch D.P.M, Z-CoiL Seattle, talks to Scottsdale, AZ Z-Coil dealers.

Jump for joy | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

"Since Aaron Ball started wearing shoes with a bizarre coil of a heel, his leg pain from arthritis disappeared and he's stopped his pain medication. His 11-hour-a-day factory job no longer is an exercise in how much pain he can bear. The other day, he even jogged a short distance, something he hasn't done for four years.

The only downside? The guys at work have a new nickname for him -- Tigger." Read More:

Shoe Store Closes 2 Locations

The neon "Open" signs are clicked off, but shoes still line shelves and are displayed in store windows.

The truth is, the Z-Coil stores at 8230 Menaul Blvd. NE and 111 Rio Rancho Drive NE are closed for good. (Editor: Albuquerque, NM)

The retailer's Web site no longer lists the two locations, and signs on the doors confirm the situation, even if Z-Coil itself would not.

But the masters of coil are eager to put a positive twist on this tale.

Even those door signs puts a happy spin on the news, with wording that says the store "relocated to our North Valley Superstore!" (complete with exclamation points and an offer of a free gift for the inconvenience).

Z-Coil president Andres Gallegos would not comment about the closures.

"There's tons and tons of good news, and there's so much negativity in the news," he said in a phone interview. "I'd rather not comment on any internal operations."

Instead, Gallegos was quick to point out several good things happening within the company, including a new deal to expand into more than 50 Brown Shoe Co. stores nationwide.

"Z-Coil right now is basically a company that is bucking the trend of the current economy," Gallegos said. "The company's doing really well. We're a really stable organization."

Over the course of the next six months, Brown employees will file through New Mexico for custom training on how to fit customers with their spring-loaded soles.

"Z-Coil has become a bit of the landscape here in New Mexico, and these guys (Brown) are thrilled," Gallegos said.

Kristi Moore: Sitting On The Job Cost Me Money

I walk many miles each day and do a lot of standing on concrete due to my job in sales. There were times in the past that my feet, knees, and back would hurt so badly that I could barely get through the day. I found that I was having to sit more and more frequently, which cost me money. In commissioned sales you don’t make money unless you’re able to stay on your feet and talk to customers.

One of my co-workers had purchased a pair of Z-Coil Shoes from a shop in Gatlinburg, TN while he was on vacation. He too had been having a lot of knee and back pain. After a few days of wearing the new Z-Coil shoes, his pain was almost gone. His sales improved right away because he was able to stay up and talk to more people. He also could move faster when he was pain-free.

At first, I thought the shoes looked a little bunny. The heel of the shoes have a large, black spring that is attached to a rubber sole. Although I wasn’t too fond of the style, I decided that anything was better than being in pain all day, so off to Gatlinburg I went. The shoes were a little over $200, but worth every cent. I’ve now had my Z-Coils for about 8 months and they’re still as comfortable as the day I bought them. They’ve held up very nicely and are only just now beginning to show a little wear on the tread.

The springs in the heels of the shoes give each time I take a step. It completely eliminates all the impact on my feet and joints.

Best of all, my feet don’t hurt nearly as much as they did before and my back and knee pain is completely gone. The Z-Coils allow me to stay mobile for much longer periods and they paid for themselves the very first weak I had them due to the added sales I was able to make.

Sandia National Laboratories: Mechanical Testing of Z-Coil Shoe

Sandia National Laboratories conducts mechanical testing in 2001 through New Mexico Small Business Assistance Program on shoes developed and patented by Z-Coil Footwear. Al Gallegos, founder Z-Coil, explains the mechanical principles behind the coiled foot bed.

Shoes: They don't fit in budgets

Sales down for the first time in a decade as economy staggers

Excerpt from News-Press Article
By Tim Engstrom
September 22, 2008

Customer Harold Pierce didn't have his shoes shipped. He drove down from Fort Pierce because Snyderman is one of only a handful of stores in the state that carry Z-Coil shoes, specialized pain relief footwear.

The shoes, which feature a heel linked by a coil spring, cost about $200 and, while that may be more than some conventional shoes, Kessler wasn't complaining.

"I'm shopping for physical care," said Kessler, who suffers from heel spurs. "These shoes made it so I can walk without pain again, so I'm willing to pay it."

Springz to close its doors : Redding Record Searchlight

It was supposed to be Gordon and Pam Baugh’s retirement nest egg.

But running a small retail store, no small task even in good economic times, proved more financial hardship than boon.

So it is with the Baughs who are closing Springz, their therapeutic footware store on Lake Boulevard, sometime next month.

The Z-coil shoes the Baughs sold have provided pain relief for numerous customers since Springz opened in September 2002, they said.
“It turned out to be a healing ministry. We are grateful for that,” 67-year-old Gordon Baugh said.

Said Pam: “We don’t want to sound like we’re whining — overall it was a good experience.” Read More

ABC News: Saving Lives In These Shoes

Last month, ABC News featured Z-CoiL in a Johns Hopkins Hospital 6-part miniseries that followed doctors and nurses as they balance their professional and personal lives in one of the nations busiest trauma centers.

In the Z-CoiL clip, medical staff explain how their footwear helps them work 12-16 hour shifts.

To Watch The Video Go To Hopkins.ABCNews

Springy Shoes Relieve Suffering Soles - Staying Healthy News Story - WRTV Indianapolis

"Feet take a pounding every day, and according to the American Podiatric Medical Association, 75 percent of Hoosiers will suffer from foot problems at some point in their lifetime.

'Podiatrists see the No. 1 problem, the heel,' said Dr. Richard Viehe, a podiatrist.
Heel pain triggered by plantar fasciitis nearly stopped Rachel Pergl, a fitness instructor, in her tracks." Read More, Watch Video:

Foot Health as seen on WABC News New York

Z-CoiL get an soft plug on this WABC News segment.

News : She hears ‘ugly’ every day but that’s the challenge (AzBiz.com)

"You might say it helps to be in pain to have the courage to fight the fashion trends of shoes that kill your feet.

'I hear ugly every day but once (customers) try them on people have immediate relief. I hear about and see miracles daily,' says Mary Ageton, owner of two Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear stores in Tucson.

I wouldn’t call the shoes ugly but they are different. They sport a conical shaped coil under the heel.

"The coil reduces stress on the foot 50 percent," said Ageton. "We have customers from age 12 to the 90s. Nurses and clinical people, anybody who works on their feet long hours, tries our product and finds instant relief. We have hundreds of testimonials from satisfied customers." (Read More)

Several Z-CoiL Dealers Are Now Selling Fit-Flops

Z-CoiL dealership in Omaha, Nebraska, Fit-Flop TV commerical.


Celia Tellez, Austin, Texas Z-CoiL store owner, talks about her experience with Fit-Flops.


Fit-Flops on Oprah.

Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear in Millersville, MD

TV Commerical for Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear in Millersville, MD

Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear - Omaha NE

KMPT Fox News, Omaha, NE, produced a very informative video report on the local Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear retail outlet. Check it out!

Let us know what you think about it.

New Z-CoiL(R) Pain Relief Footwear(TM) Sandals

Z-CoiL(R) Pain Relief Footwear(TM) Seattle has announced that a new sandal for men and women with a closed toe is now in stock.

Design Afoot

Nike exhibit at the San Francisco modern art museum. An interesting shoe design concept struck me as a little funny, the computer mouse show...

Seattle: Northwest Women's Show

Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™: Seattle exhibited at the Northwest Women's Show March 28 - 30th, 2008, at Qwest Field Event Center in Seattle.

Alex Pouliot, Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™: Seattle Manager,
stands front and center in the Northwest Women's Show booth.

See more show photos

Testimonial: Celia Tellez, Austin, TX

Celia Tellez suffered from severe heel spur and plantar fasciitis pain. After all treatment options had failed, she discovered Z-CoiL Shoes. Her pain disapperared and she now owns the Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear store in Austin, TX

Interview with Joaquin Romay, Injinji Toe Socks

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Dr. Lotchie Kerch, Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear Seattle, and I talk with Joaquin Romay, product designer and founder of Injinji Toe Socks. Part 1 of 2.

SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE (JUNE 2007)

Like so many creations, this one was born out of necessity. Or in this case, dirty laundry. Brothers, Randuz and Joaquin Romay were hiking in Oregon eight years ago when Randuz exhausted his supply of clean socks. Joaquin, a Berkenstock salesman at the time, suggested that Randuz try a pair of his rainbow-colored toe socks.

The next morning the brothers headed off on a trail run, their toes snugly and individually tucked into multi-hued hosiery.

"Somewhere in the middle of that run we stopped and said, 'Hey, how do those toe socks feel?'" recalled Joaquin, now 33.

"It feels like I'm barefooted," said Randuz, 34.

Sitting around the campfire that night, the brothers - renaissance types who surf, play music and stage photo exhibits - could only talk toe socks.

"From that evening on," Joaquin said, "that was the rest of our lives." (Read More)

Next week, the second part of this interview will be broadcast live on this blog. If you are interested in participating in the online radio talk show via phone, IM or GoogleTalk, let me know through comments.



Randuz Romay, Injinji's Marketing Director, produced and directed this short video that showcases people talking about using toe socks.

Forum Topic Thread: Anyone have Z-coil shoes???

On February 22, 2008
Senior Low Carb Forum (LCF) member "Carbkinky" started a topic entitled: Z-CoiL

Senior LCF Member "Pescacat" posted this reply:

I have three pairs-1 pair of sandals and 2 pairs of tennis shoes. I used to suffer from really bad planar fascitis- I did all kinds of physical therapy, had shots in the bottom of my feet (really hurt BAD and shot my blood sugar through the roof for days!!) and I also have really huge bone spurs(xrays show what looks like a long talon in each of my feet). When I wear these shoes, my pain goes away completely. I can walk, run, etc. and be pain free. I don't want to wear anything else (except if I go out on a dressy evening and then I switch right back) Being pain free and able to get around is worth every penny and then some. I also find that just replacing the coils is actually cheaper in the long run than regular shoes.

I don't think they're that ugly either-especially the black tennis shoe-and I never knew how many people notice your shoes (kids AND adults) until I wore these. If you stand on your feet on concrete or have foot, leg or back pain, they are well worth getting (and no I don't work for these folks or have any affiliation other than their shoes have saved my feet and me from pain)

--Laura

TV News KPIX San Francisco - What Are Z-CoiL Shoes?

CBS 5 Eyewitness News answer man Ken Bastida visits the San Francisco Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ store to test out a pair of springy soled shoes.

Watch Video

Interview: Cathy Tate, SuperFeet

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Jack Olmsted along with Z-CoiL Dealers Dr. Lotchie Kerch in Seattle and Caesar Snee in SF talk with with Cathy Tate (photo), a sales rep for SuperFeet.

Based in Ferndale, Washington, Superfeet Worldwide, Inc. has remained the insole industry's leading designer and manufacturer for 30 years. Originally a sports division of one of the world's top podiatry labs, Northwest Podiatric Laboratory, Superfeet began designing and fabricating custom insoles in 1977. Their product line has since expanded to include Trim-to-Fit and Easy-Fit Premium Insoles for every type of sport and casual activity, in every type of footwear.

Interview: Margaret Chesebro, Wigwam Socks

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Z-CoiL dealers Dr. Lotchie Kerch, Seattle, and Caesar Snee, San Francisco, along with Jack Olmsted, Z-Blog Reporter, talk with Margaret Chesebro, a field marketing specialist with Wigwam socks.



WigWam Video: Ironman Wisconsin 2007

In The News

Wigwam to benefit from fed move to restrict sock imports
Gannett News Service

Business & Technology | Power-generating clothes? Keep your shirt on | Seattle Times Newspaper

Business & Technology | Power-generating clothes? Keep your shirt on | Seattle Times Newspaper: "Scientists have developed a way to generate electricity by jostling fabric with tiny wires woven inside, raising the prospect of textiles that produce power simply by being stretched, rustled or ruffled by a breeze.

The research, described in the new edition of the journal Nature, combines the precision of nanotechnology with the elegant principle known as the piezoelectric effect, in which electricity is generated when pressure is applied to certain materials.
While the piezoelectric effect has been understood at least as far back as the 19th century, it is getting creative new looks, as concerns about energy supplies are inspiring quests for alternative power sources.

For example, a Japanese railway has experimented with mats, placed under turnstiles, that translate the pressure from thousands of commuters' footfalls into usable power. French scientists have proposed capturing energy from raindrops hitting a structure with piezoelectric properties.

For the research described in Nature, Zhong Lin Wang and colleagues at the Georgia Institute of Technology covered individual fibers of fabric with nanowires made of zinc oxide. These wires are 50 nanometers in diameter, 1,800 times thinner than a human hair."

Back Pain Spending Up, Relief Down - washingtonpost.com

Back Pain Spending Up, Relief Down - washingtonpost.com: "Americans are spending more money trying to ease back and neck pain, but new research suggests those extra dollars aren't buying more relief.

The increased expenditures were expected, said the authors of a study in the Feb. 13 issue of theJournal of the American Medical Association, but the lack of results weren't.
'This calls into question whether we're providing treatments to people who aren't going to benefit,' said study author Brook Martin, a research scientist in the department of orthopedics and sports medicine at the University of Washington, in Seattle. 'This calls for a need for more effectiveness studies and looking at which patients would benefit from treatments and diagnostic tests.'

'Spine problems are the most common reason why people of middle age have pain and disability, and we need to continue to search for better solutions because, although we have come up with newer techniques of treatments, we still have a large percentage of the of population with spine problems who are still disabled,' added Dr. Andrew Sherman, head of medical rehabilitation at the Spine Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine."

Interview: Dr. James Clough, DPM - The Cluffy Wedge

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Z-CoiL dealers Dr. Lotchie Kerch (Seattle), Hugh Solaas Shoe Safari in Old Town Silverdale (WA), and Caesar Snee (San Jose/San Francisco) along with Z-CoiL shoe owner Jack Olmsted talk to Dr. James Clough, DPM, about the Cluffy Wedge, a method that enhances the control of the foot as provided by a shoe, insole, or custom Orthotic.

"Unlocking the big toe joint can be your first and most critical step toward normal walking and physical harmony, by restoring your foot to healthy and correct function. As normal function is achieved, pressure on the ball of the foot is balanced. The entire foot and leg are brought into alignment and you are restored to a firm, stable foundation. This not only reduces your injury potential, but also enhances foot performance." - Cluffy.com

Watch Videos

The Associated Press: Power From the People, a Step at a Time

The Associated Press: Power From the People, a Step at a Time: "Researchers have developed a device that generates electrical power from the swing of a walking person's knee.
With each stride the leg accelerates and then decelerates, using energy both for moving and braking.
Max Donelan and colleagues reasoned that a device that helps the leg decelerate could generate power without requiring much additional energy from the person.
It's sort of like the way that some hybrid-electric cars produce electricity from braking.
With the device, a minute of walking can power a cell phone for 10 minutes, Donelan, of Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, said in a telephone interview. Other potential uses include powering a portable GPS locator, a motorized prosthetic joint or implanted drug pumps"

Z-CoiL Socks At End Of Month

Dealers are expecting the first shipment of Z-CoiL(r) ($1.99-$2.99) socks to arrive at the end of February.

I refuse to admit De-Feet - Z-Coil Shoes | money news blog

Z-CoiL owner blog post:

That pun was about as bad as they get, but I couldn’t resist.

I found some great shoes that I wanted to tell you about. They are called Z-Coils, and they’ve saved me endless pain and problems with my knees. They look funny (my daughter calls them my “Tigger” shoes after Pooh’s bouncy friend Tigger), but I don’t care. When you can be out of pain and able to walk all over, who cares? I feel like the z-coils are “shock absorbers” for my feet. Read More

Interview: Ann Thariani, Co-Founder Gilden Tree

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Ann Thariani is the co-founder of Gilden Tree. The small company in Omaha, Nebraska has been importing a pumice stone called the Footscrubber (photo) from Pakistan for over 17 years. Z-CoiL dealers Dr. Lotchie Kerch (Seattle) and Caesar Snee (San Jose/San Francisco) along with Z-CoiL shoe owner Jack Olmsted talk to Ann about her business, products and the educational program that has established for the families that produce their products.

New Z-CoiL(R) Pain Relief Footwear(TM) Store Opens in Rio Rancho, AZ

Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ has now arrived in Rio Rancho, AZ to better serve residents who suffer from foot, leg, or back pain. Not your typical shoe store, Z-CoiL® specializes in a unique line of footwear designed to alleviate such painful conditions as heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and sciatica, and help restore people's mobility. The new retail store is located at 111 Rio Rancho Boulevard NE, about two miles north of Intel. The phone number there is (505) 892-7272.

The Rio Rancho store is the third corporate Z-CoiL® store to open in the greater Albuquerque metropolitan area. Invented in Albuquerque in the mid-1990s, Z-CoiL® footwear was first sold to the public from a small retail store on 4th Street in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque. Soon independent Z-CoiL® dealerships were cropping up across the country, opened by enthusiastic customers eager to share this product with other people in pain. Joined by a growing number of Z-CoiL® franchises, the company's distribution network now numbers over 140 locations across 42 states, as well as Canada and Puerto Rico. In 2006 a second corporate store opened in northeast Albuquerque, and the continuing demand for Z-CoiL® shoes has spurred this latest store opening in Rio Rancho.

"I have seen the amazing impact Z-CoiL® footwear has on people's lives," says Terrie Antal, Z-CoiL Footwear's Corporate Retail Manager. "Now with the Rio Rancho store opening, the convenience this will offer to all the families on the Westside means many more lives will be changing for the better. That is the vision and mission of this company." Read More

The Springy Soled Shoe Show

A 24/7 online video channel that showcases Z-CoiL owner's stories.

NOTE: To turn off the audio, click the speaker icon on the lower right of the player

Interview: Mike Gonzalez the CEO of Xtenex

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Z-Blog Reporter Show: Jack Olmsted and Caesar Snee, the owner of the San Jose and San Francisco Z-Coil(r) Pain Relief Footware stores, talk with Mike Gonzalez the CEO of Xtenex, the manufacture of The Ultimate Shoe Lace - Knotty Boys.

The Ultimate Shoelace is comprised of laces with pre-tensioned elastic knots that control lace movement through a footwear's eyelets. When stretched, the knots collapse for easy lace-up and adjustment. When tension is released, knots re-emerge to surround both sides of the eyelet securing a desired fit.

It differs from regular laces because it can customize footwear fit around personal comfort and performance needs. It stops lace migration which is a leading cause of footwear pain, discomfort, numbness, foot fatigue and Diabetic concern. It allows custom fitting throughout the shoe instead of limiting adjustment to just an ankle tension.

Sergey Brin, Google Founder, Talks A Little About His Z-CoiLs

Sergey Brin, a native of Moscow, received a bachelor of science degree with honors in mathematics and computer science from the University of Maryland at College Park. He is currently on leave from the Ph.D. program in computer science at Stanford University, where he received his master's degree. Sergey is a recipient of a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship as well as an honorary MBA from Instituto de Empresa. It was at Stanford where he met Larry Page and worked on the project that became Google. Together they founded Google Inc. in 1998, and Sergey continues to share responsibility for day-to-day operations with Larry Page and Eric Schmidt. (read more)

Sergey shows off his Z's at the end of this Google vid.

springy sole shoes story series playlist

In September 2004, I worked a 10X10 foot Z-CoiL booth at the Puyallup Fair for minimum wage and the opportunity to conduct interviews with owners of the springy soled shoes using a Kodak DC290 digial camera. Over 100 stories were recorded during the ninteen day Washington State event. Everyone that puts a spring in their step has a story.

If you would like to share your story and have it added to the playlist, simply create a video, add it to YouTube and tag it with "zcoil" or call into my online radio show (local phone numbers are available).

Seattle: Pain Relief is a Family Affair

Jack Moore came in from Tacoma with his wife, Anne, and son David. David is the third generation of the family to work at Boeing. Dad has had multiple injuries at Boeing working, with 23 years seniority, as a quality assurance inspector. 4years ago he stepped into a hole in a platform and his T4-T6 was inflamed. He was taking a lot of pain pills, having pain on a scale of 10, it was an eight. While undergoing an MRI, he saw several nurses walking in Zcoil pain relief footwear. Read More

Video: Z-CoiL Testimonials #1

Part 1: Audio interviews with Z-CoiL(r) owners at the 2004 Puyallap Fair.

Subjects: Work Accident, Auto Accident, Bad Leg, Jazzersize