Z-coiL® shoes are a specific brand and style of shoe that features a giant coil or spring on the heel and is designed to reduce joint and other impact pain people suffer from walking, running, and other movement-related activities. The most basic model looks something like a running shoe with a big spring where the heel box would otherwise be, though it’s sometimes possible to find models where the spring is enclosed. Most people agree that these sorts of shoes look a bit unusual, but they can have a profound impact particularly for people who suffer from joint pain, arthritis, or plantar fasciitis, an inflammation problem that can cause pain in the heel. In fact, these shoes were designed in part to help people with foot pain issues get back into regular running or walking. The majority of the shoes with this technology are running or athletic in nature, though some more casual footwear is also included in the collection.
Basic Construction
The most distinguishing feature of these shoes is the giant coil or spring in the heel. In most cases, the spring is left visible to show off its unique design. It is about as wide as the shoe and serves to elevate the shoe bed. In most cases it takes a loose cone shape: it’s typically narrower at the top and widens into a large, springy base that makes contact with the ground. The shoe itself is usually also designed for maximum foot support. Most styles have a lot of cushioning and may even come with orthotic inserts.
Main Benefits
The primary purpose of the coil is to reduce impact and various types of foot, leg, and back pain. The shoes are said to prevent the ball of the foot from jarring, which can cause injury from the repetitive motion in running and walking. There hasn’t been a tremendous amount of research backing the company’s claims, but customer testimonials and a couple of studies have found that the footwear provides up to 50% more cushioning than regular shoes, and can make regular activities more comfortable for people who suffer from chronic pain.
They are particularly popular among people with joint ailments, arthritis, lower back problems, sciatica, and heel problems. It’s important for people to remember, though, that these or any other shoes aren’t actually cures in and of themselves. People with true medical issues should talk to a healthcare professional before beginning any new self-healing regimen, be it shoes or supplements. Medical experts are usually in a better place to provide specific advice and to discuss risks and drawbacks on a more individual level.
Design History
The idea for the design began in the 1980s, when American businessman Alvaro Z. Gallegos was searching for a solution to the pain he felt related to his daily running regimen. Gallegos thought that adding a “shock absorber” to his shoes would help reduce the impact and make running bearable again. He worked with his son Andres, then a university student, to design the coil technology, which was perfected in the early 1990s. As the style caught the eyes of family and friends, the father-son team improved the “springy” shoe design and made it available to a wider audience.
Different Styles and Manufacturers
The vast majority of Z-coiL® shoes are designed for running, and most look vaguely athletic in nature. Some more fashion models are available in many places, though. Loafers, sandals, and even clogs are some of the more popular designs. People who suffer from a lot of pain on a daily basis often wear these shoes everywhere they go, while others limit their use to athletics or high-intensity activities.
Z-coiL® shoes are sold in various retail shops as well as online, but the design is patented and the Z-Tech company is, in most cases, the only licensed manufacturer. Some major shoe brands have sought to add a similar shock system to their athletic shoes, but this is usually different in both technology and construction.