Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which ailments do Z-CoiL® shoes normally alleviate?
- Arthritis & Joint Pain - immediate and long-term relief
- Back Pain & Sciatica - immediate and long-term relief
- Foot Pain - immediate and long-term relief
- Heel Spurs - immediate relief and quick recovery time
- Plantar Fasciitis -- immediate relief and quick recovery time
- Metatarsal (forefoot) Pain -- immediate relief and quick recovery time
- Body Fatigue - immediate and long-term energy boost
2. Is the shoe stable?
Yes, the shoes are exceptionally stable and are often more stable on uneven surfaces than normal shoes. The flexible spring can absorb deviations on uneven surfaces without forcing the ankle to turn.
3. Can I run in the shoes?
Yes! If you run, walk or stand, Z-CoiL® footwear will reduce your impact. Runners love Z-CoiL® shoes because they dramatically cut the shock incurred with each stride (impact = 3 times the body weight).
4. Will rocks and debris get caught in the open spring?
Anything that gets in will come out. Rocks and debris getting caught in the spring doesn't happen very often. However, you should always use caution around cords, hoses, and other tripping hazards.
5. How long will it take to get used to my Z-CoiL® shoes?
It takes from 5 minutes to a few hours for most people to adjust to the tremendous
cushioning and overall "softness." Many customers complain that after wearing Z-CoiLs,
their ordinary shoes feel flat and unsupportive.
6. How long will my Z-CoiL® 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-CoiL® 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-CoiL® 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%.
7. Will Z-CoiL® footwear make me jump higher?
No, but you will land softer.
8. 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-CoiL® shoes; others achieve only partial relief, though they may be able to reduce the amount of pain medication they take.
9. Can I use custom orthotics with them?
You certainly can. In fact, Z-CoiL® footwear makes an ideal footbed for custom orthotics. Skilled Z-CoiL® 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-CoiL® fitter to further enhance the performance of your orthotics.
10. Aren't Z-CoiL® shoes considered high heels?
Not at all. The Z-CoiL® 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.
11. 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 System™(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.
12. Will my insurance cover some of the cost of Z-CoiL® shoes? Because Z-CoiL® 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.