What types of painful conditions may be alleviated by wearing Z-CoiLŪ footwear? Z-CoiLŪ-wearers have reported significant relief from the pain associated with many medically-diagnosed conditions, including:
- Heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and metatarsal pain
- Lower back pain and sciatica
- Arthritis and other common joint pains
Will Z-CoiLŪ footwear help me jump higher? No, but you will land softer.
How soon before I can expect results?
The relief our customers experience may be immediate, or may occur gradually, over days or even weeks. Some people enjoy complete relief from pain when wearing their Z-CoiLŪ shoes; others achieve only partial relief, though they may be able to reduce the amount of pain medication they take.
Is Z-CoiLŪ footwear stable?
Many customers report that they actually feel more stable in their Z-CoiLŪ footwear than in regular shoes. 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.
Does it take a long time to get used to wearing Z-CoiLŪ footwear?
Most people get used to wearing the footwear right away. Others may take several hours or even a couple of days to adjust to the extraordinary feeling of the shoes. If this is the case, we suggest you wear your Z-CoiLŪ shoes for a few hours each day at first, and gradually increase that time until you feel more comfortable in them.
It is also normal to experience some soreness in your legs during the first few weeks of wearing Z-CoiLŪ shoes, due to the increased mobility they provide. If you continue to experience pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, or back while wearing your Z-CoiLŪ footwear, however, you should take them off and return to your Z-CoiLŪ distributor for a footwear adjustment.
Can objects get caught in the open coil?
Small rocks or loose materials may occasionally get caught in the coil, but they should be easy to remove with a simple shake. We do recommend caution around cords, wires, hoses, and chairs with rungs, which may catch in the coil.
Can I drive wearing Z-CoiLŪ footwear?
Yes, but be careful not to let the floor mat or pedals catch on the coil. Also be aware that the shoes thick cushioning may reduce your feel for the pedals. You may need to move your seat back an inch or so to compensate for the thickness of the forefoot cushioning. If you feel unsafe driving in your Z-CoiLŪ footwear, wear other shoes.
Can I use my Z-CoiLŪ footwear to play sports?
Our customers have reported using their Z-CoiLŪ shoes for walking, running, hiking, golf, and more, although we do not recommend them for sports that involve significant lateral movement, like tennis. You need to be the judge of how Z-CoiLŪ products will work for you. Many people have been able to become more active and get back in the game because of their Z-CoiLŪ footwear.
Can I use custom orthotics with them?
You certainly can. In fact, Z-CoiLŪ footwear makes an ideal footbed for custom orthotics. Skilled Z-CoiLŪ fitters will ensure that your prescription orthoses fit in your shoes properly. Your prescribing healthcare professional may even be able to work with the Z-CoiLŪ fitter to further enhance the performance of your orthotics.
Arent Z-CoiLŪ shoes considered high heels?
Not at all. The Z-CoiLŪ heel, when uncompressed, is only about 1/2 of an inch higher than the cushioned forefoot. When the coil compresses, an average distance of 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch, the heel is level or just slightly higher than the forefoot. This minimal heel rise is beneficial to most people, helping them achieve a healthier, more erect standing posture. In the rare event that this is not the case, the coils can be adjusted to a lower effective heel height.
How long will my Z-CoiLŪ shoes last?
The steel coils can last a lifetime, though the rubber heel pad will probably last between six months and two years with normal use. People who put their Z-CoiLŪ footwear to hard use may wear through the pad in three months, while those who go easy on their footwear have been known to wear them for several years. Fortunately, even if the heel pad does wear out, there's no need to buy a new pair of shoes. The coil/heel pad assembly can easily be replaced by a Z-CoiLŪ distributor at a minimal cost.
By comparison, most running or comfort shoes with EVA or gel-based soles have a life of 200 miles or 3 months, at which time their cushioning is reduced by 50%.
Some of your shoes have optional foam heel covers; why don't you cover up the coils on all your styles?
We do make an Enclosed Heel SystemT(ECS) that comes standard with our Z-Duty Work Boot and Z-Walker Safety Toe styles, and can also be retrofitted on our other styles. The ECS is designed to address workplace safety concerns, in environments where objects are more likely to get caught in an open coil. The molded foam material that encases the coil slows the speed at which the coil compresses, which dampens its shock-absorbing capabilities to some degree, although a stiffer coil also proves useful when a person is picking up heavy objects.
At first, many people are taken aback by the appearance of our shoes; however, those who put them on and experience significant relief from pain soon see them in a different light!
Can I order Z-CoiLŪ footwear over the Internet or by phone? There is no Z-CoiLŪ store near me?
Z-CoiLŪ footwear is sold only through stores by authorized Z-CoiLŪ distributors trained in our custom-fitting process. We believe that a personalized fit is essential for maximizing the incredible pain relief benefits of our shoes. If there is no store near where you live, you may find one the next time you're traveling. New Z-CoiLŪ stores are springing up all over, too; be sure to check the Store Locator on this website periodically for new locations opening in your area.
Where are Z-CoiLŪ shoes manufactured?
Z-CoiL Footwear is headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the products are designed and engineered. Our products are manufactured in South Korea. Al Gallegos had tried for years to find a U.S. shoe manufacturer willing to produce his unusual shoes, but they all laughed at his idea and turned him down. At last he found a willing partner in South Korea who had 20 years of experience, including making products for NikeŪ and ReebokŪ.
Will my insurance cover some of the cost of Z-CoiLŪ shoes?
Because Z-CoiLŪ footwear is designed for pain relief and incorporates a medical-grade orthotic, you may be able to get a prescription for the footwear from your doctor and receive some level of reimbursement from your insurance company. Check your health plan to see whether your insurance covers prescription orthotics. Some employers also have safety or workplace shoe reimbursement programs. Check with your HR Department. In addition, some Z-CoiLŪ distributors accept Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards with your doctor's prescription. You can then use your doctor's prescription and store receipt as justification for the medical expense.
