Spring-Loaded Shoes

Spring-Loaded Shoes FARM HOME Clothes 29-3-30 Spring suspension works great on cars and trucks so why wouldn't it work just as well on shoes? That's what an Albuquerque, New Mexico footwear company asked before finding success with its new "Z-Coil," shoes that have a spring on each shoe. The shoe was first patented by Al Gallegos in 1995 but it has taken 10 years to reach the point where it's now becoming widely available. The shoes have a 3-in. wide coil steel spring that compresses down to about 1/4 in. "Excessive impact is a major cause of foot, leg, and back pain. Each step is a collision that sends shockwaves up your body," he says. Z-Coil footwear reduces this impact by providing four times more cushioning than any regular shoe. They also have a built-in orthotic for re-aligning the foot to a healthier posture and equal pressure distribution. The company says users have found immediate and long-term relief from arthritis, joint pain, back pain, sciatica and foot pain. The coils also provide an energy boost, fighting body fatigue. Because the coil is adjustable, the shoes can be custom-fitted for specific problems such as over-pronation (feet roll inward) and supination (feet roll outward). Adjustments of the built-in orthotic can also be made for flat feet, low arches, narrow feet, bony prominences and minor leg length differences. "If you wear your Z-Coils every day, you can generally expect them to last about one year, depending on the surface you walk on. Often, it is only the heel pad that needs replacing after one year. In that case, we recommend replacing both heels," the company says. "Rocks and debris getting caught in the coil does not happen very often, however you should always use caution around cords, hoses, and other tripping hazards." There are currently seven styles of Z-Coil footwear including running shoes, hiking boots, hikers, sandals, clogs and one style of work boot. The work boot comes with an enclosed heel, which is also available as an option on other shoes. Prices start at $179 per pair. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Z-Coil Footwear, 501 Eubank Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87123 (ph 505 345-2222 or 800 268-6239; email: info@zcoil.com; website: www.zcoil.com).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.