Product Innovation - No Pain, No Gain

By Troy Marcyes, Intuit

In the early 1980's, Al Gallegos was running an average of seven miles a day. He suffered all the typical injuries associated with running. And although he owned a shoe store at the time and had access to all types of running shoes, he was unable to find a shoe that eased his pain.

Realizing that the source of his pain was impact, Al reasoned that putting a "shock-absorber" in the heel of his shoe would reduce the force of impact. And as an added benefit, a spring would provide some form of energy return, to help him run faster and farther.

Caeser Snee, owner of Z-Coil Pain Relief Footwear stores in San Jose and San Francisco, recently shared his business insight at the Intuit Small Business Town Hall on May 14th, 2009. The Town Hall featured numerous Small Business owners sharing their views on how to survive and thrive despite the economic climate. (Read More)

Treating foot pain without surgery

By GLORIA CAMPOS / WFAA-TV

DALLAS - While the women's dress shoe industry is a $15 billion annual business, another $5 billion is spent each year trying to find relief for aching feet.

But there is some good news: Most foot pain can be treated without surgery.

"This is public enemy number one," said Dr. Kelly Walker while eyeing a high-heeled sandal in a catalog. "They are beautiful and I would like to be able to wear them every day, but I can't either."

Walker, a podiatrist, said she knows about foot pain first hand since she suffers from plantar fasciitis. (Read More, Watch Video)

Mommy Brain Reports: Review- Z-Coil Shoes

Apr-30-2009 By Monica

I’m always on the lookout for the coolest things around, and this review is no exception!

I was watching The Doctors one day, and they had on a pair of interesting looking shoes, that they claimed made them stand a little taller, and helped their posture. They also explained how these shoes acted like shock absorbers for their bodies.

I thought that had to be a gimmick, but I was willing to try them, so I contacted Z-coil and explained how my back, knees, and hips have hurt since carrying my twins, and my husband’s back and knees have hurt him from all of the running he did while in the Marine Corps.

They actually agreed to give us each a pair of shoes… But it wasn’t something they could just send us.

We had to go to a local authorized dealer to get custom fitted for our Z-coil shoes. (Read More)