Z-Coil to expand operations - 2003-06-03 - New Mexico Business Weekly

Z-Coil to expand operations - 2003-06-03 - New Mexico Business Weekly: "Albuquerque-based footwear manufacturer, Z-Tech Inc. (d/b/a Z-Coil Footwear), announced that it has executed a purchase agreement to acquire land at 501 Eubank NE in order to accommodate for its record sales growth.

Under the agreement, Z-Coil would acquire an 11,274-square-foot, two-story office building on 1.8 acres of land at the Eubank location. The company also plans to build an additional 12,500 square-feet of warehouse space and 2,500 square feet of additional showroom space on the land.
'We needed more administrative space,' says Thomas Clausen, chief financial officer for Z-Coil. 'We don't have enough room [at our current location], so we decided to increase our infrastructure.'

Consolidated sales for the privately held company's fiscal 2003 third quarter ending March 31 were about $1.7 million, compared to $820,000 during the same period last year. "


Heather Harrison
NMBW Staff

Albuquerque Tribune Online: Z-Coil Footwear endures knockoff accusation (March 2001)

Albuquerque Tribune Online: Business: "Sometimes it just doesn't pay to be the originator.

Z-CoiL Footwear Inc., the Albuquerque developer of Z-CoiL Shoes for Pain Relief, learned its biggest shipment of shoes to date was being held in El Paso. It seems the U.S. Customs Service was concerned that the shoes, which feature a coil under the heel, were a knockoff of Nike Shox.

If anything, say the Z-CoiL makers, Nike Shox athletic shoes, introduced last year, are a knockoff of Z-CoiLs. CEO Al Gallegos founded his company in 1989 and sold the first pair of Z-CoiLs in 1996.

Z-CoiL's Korean shoe manufacturer had shipped three containers of the shoes, with 12,000 pairs, and the shoes reached El Paso.

'Two days later they still hadn't been released,' says Andres Gallegos, executive vice president. 'I got the word from my broker it was something to do with infringement.'"


By Sherry Robinson
Tribune reporter

Denver's 1st authorized Z-Coil dealer: Why I opened Footopia

Welcome to FOOTOPIA : Where Art & Feet Meet! / Denver's 1st authorized Z-Coil dealer!: "I took my Z-coil shoes for a six-month hike across six Asian countries. They were marvelous, carrying me at least five miles a day to places as diverse as the sidewalks of Bangkok and the small towns of Laos. But it was on a three-week trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal that I realized how wonderful they are. Unlike companions half my age, my knees, hips and back did not complain! We walked the windy, steep mountain paths taking in exquisite, spiritual views. Thanks to Z-coil my posture remained as balanced as my spirit felt.
I was looking for my next challenge. There on a mountain top in Nepal I realized it was right under my feet. A utopia for your feet - Footopia.

It was a logical step to open Footopia to match healthier, good fitting shoes to the feet that cry out for them. Call it a mission in which I hope to do my part to make the world a better place.
I have been trained to fit Z-coils properly to your feet so you can make your own Annurpurna treks. Please come in and let me help you try them.

At Footopia I am always ready for a chat about feet or where you want them to take you. Or visit the gallery and make the connection between a healthy body and healthy soul.

- Donna Rabbitt, owner of Footopia."


Nepal

KCBS: Z-Coil Shoes For Pain Relief

KCBS: Z-Coil Shoes For Pain Relief: "LOS ANGELES (KCBS) It's an unusual pair of footwear, but some swear it's making a difference with certain kinds of foot and leg pain.

So they're not a fashion statement. But loyal customers of Z-Coil shoes say it's a small price to pay for relief they feel from problems such as foot, leg and back pain.

Lara Kjersted is a restaurant owner. She's on her feet all day and says these shoes have helped relieve pain she's had for years.

'I'm there 10-12 hours cooking and supervising. These shoes do wonders. I don't have ankle, knee and hip problems,' she says.

Retailers say Z-Coil shoes won't fix problems, but can help people feel better and say many experience immediate relief.

"Most people know within a minute of putting the shoe on if it's going to make a difference for them," says Richard Redlein, of Z-Best Pain Relief Footwear."

Wichita Eagle | 08/26/2003 | Z-coil shoe puts a spring into the wearer's steps

Wichita Eagle | 08/26/2003 | Z-coil shoe puts a spring into the wearer's steps: "The Z-Coil shoe, with a steel spring mounted on its heel, looks a bit like the spring-loaded shoes Wile E. Coyote sometimes wears in his fruitless pursuit of the Road Runner.
But Z-Coils have a serious purpose: an escape from pain. The spring suspension system absorbs the impact of walking or running. And despite its high-heel look, the Z-Coil is designed to offer greater stability than other shoes.
Ruth Lamers, 70, of Colorado Springs has worn Z-Coils for about three years. The shoes have eased her chronic back pain and truly put spring into her step. Before, walking half a block was a struggle. Now she takes a half-hour walk on most days.
'I can go shopping,' she says happily. 'I still get tired if I do too much, but I can shop like normal people.'" (Click Title to read full article)


BY BILL RADFORD
The (Colorado Springs) Gazette

Z-Coil of Florida: Testimonials: THANK GOD FOR SPRINGS!

Z-Coil of Florida: "I am an avid runner and business owner. When I am doing business I wear heels. When I run and workout, I wear Z-Coils. I am on my 2nd pair and Z-Coils just keep improving!

I wear them when going to theme parks, zoo and mall shopping. They save my legs, feet and back from getting fatigued. They invigorate my legs and feet.

I would advise anyone to try one pair. It will make a world of difference."

Kelly Anne Kras, Classix Threads
Sunny Florida

See, Hear, Speak Z-COIL

z_coil: See, Hear, Speak Z-COIL: "Yesterday (September 22, 2003), Bob Kennedy, Santa Rosa LIVE TV, rolled tape as Carolyn Linzner, Santa Rosa Z-Coil Dealer (speak), Michelle Lambert, singer/songwriter/fiddler (hear), and Maria Lambert (see) after the American Heart Association Walk FinishLine festivities at Howarth Park (Santa Rosa, CA).


Michelle performed a 45 minute set while Carolyn sold CDs and passed out Z-Coil brochures to the attendees at the annual fundraising event. Bob will air songs from the redwood grove show in future broadcasts."

NOTE: Click headline to see Santa Rosa store photo gallery.

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: Lending Support to Sore Soles

Lending Support to Sore Soles: "A spring in your step is one thing. A spring in your shoe is another. But the makers of the Z-Coil shoe promise that their curious-looking footwear brings immediate relief from heel spurs, arthritis pain and other ailments that dog people's dogs.

With an exposed steel spring glued to the heel, Z-Coil shoes are designed to provide extreme cushioning. In addition to the spring, Z-Coils contain a plate system dubbed the Z-orthotic, which can be adjusted to correct for gait problems such as overpronation, which occurs when people roll their feet inward as they walk. Z-Coil Footwear says this combination of stability and shock absorption not only eases pain but also helps heal and prevent nagging conditions such as plantar fasciitis, which affects the arch.

An estimated 75% of Americans will experience foot problems at some time in their lives, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association, and millions suffer from knee, ankle and back ailments. Z-Coils are billed as a therapeutic solution. Available in several models, including running sneakers, hiking boots and clogs, they're sold only at authorized dealers, and the price ranges from $150 to $260 per pair.

The quirky footwear was born in the 1980s, when inventor Al Gallegos, a heavy runner at the time, had a butcher slice apart his shoes so he could glue a spring inside to relieve his chronic heel pain. After years of research and testing, his company started retailing the Z-Coils in 2000 and expects to sell 130,000 pairs in fiscal year 2004.

Testimonials from satisfied customers are posted on the zcoil.com Web site -- but the company also points to evidence from independent tests. In 2001, researchers at Sandia National Laboratories found that a Z-Coil shoe offered 50% more heel cushioning and more than 100% more toe cushioning than an unnamed, high-end running shoe. A separate analysis by Los Alamos National Laboratory had similar results and concluded the Z-Coil spring returns energy to the foot, instead of just absorbing impact. But neither test asked injury sufferers whether Z-Coils offer better pain relief, and no studies have investigated whether the shoes promote healing."


By JUSTIN MATLICK
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
June 1, 2004; Page D4
ACHES & CLAIMS
DOW JONES REPRINTS

News 8 Austin | Health Beat | Strange looking shoe offers pain relief (Video)

News 8 Austin 24 Hour Local News Health Beat Strange looking shoe offers pain relief: "If you're one of the 59 million people suffering from foot pain, finding the right kind of shoe can be nearly impossible.

Just ask Yvonne Graham, a former world-class runner and silver medalist Olympian.

She no longer runs competitively. Now she owns a nutrition store and spends hours on her feet.

'It's a lot of strain on your body. Anyone who works retail knows what I'm talking about,' she said.

She traded in her running shoes for a new kind of pain relief footwear called Z-coils.

'Believe me, when I first saw the shoes I said 'Oh my goodness, I'm not going to wear those ugly shoes.' But the minute you put them on they become very pretty to you.'"


By: Emily Schmitz
News 8 Austin
2/18/2004

Bless My Soles - Wichita, Kansas - Testimonial

Bless My Soles - Pain relief footwear - Wichita, Kansas - Testimonials: "I'm addicted to Z-CoiLs!
I have a chronic heal pain syndrome in both feet and THANK GOD I FOUND Z-COILS! I can stand longer and walk much more normal with these shoes than traditional ones. Z-CoiLs are all I wear.
I have the Cloudwalker and the Freedom shoes, both of which are over a year old and still looking great. The convenience of just changing the heals periodically is such an advantage.
Thank you Z-CoiL for your amazing product, it has truly enriched the quality of my life.

H. Fennelly
Dearborn Heights, MI"



See photos of Bless My Soles (Click Logo)

comfortzoneshoes-folder1938 -- Testimonials : I am a podiatrist in Minnesota

comfortzoneshoes-folder1938 -- Testimonials: A few weeks ago a patient introduced me to the Z-CoiL shoe. I told my patient I'd be willing to try a pair for a month. So far, I'm quite impressed. I can't emphasize enough the number of patients I have seen in the past twenty years with lower extremity problems that could be attributed, at least in part, to their footwear. I am constantly on the lookout for innovations in footwear. The Z-CoiL concept appears to be a potential breakthrough after years of gimmicky modifications to (mostly) athletic shoes. I can see great possibilities for our aging population to remain active for a longer period of time and for prevention of injuries in athletes.

Ed Espe
D.P.M.,Minnesota

Bemidji Z-Coil Shoes: I don't have to have knee surgery!

Bemidji Z-Coil Shoes: About two years ago Bob introduced me to z-coils. At first I was skeptical, but after trying on a pair and only walking a few minutes, my knees were not hurting. Now I have the clogs and the hikers and wear them all of the time as a waitress and bartender.
- Lisa"

Streakers Footwear - School 84 — Buffalo, NY Testimonials

Streakers Footwear - Testimonials

At the end of the day, I don’t have all those little aches and pains in my legs and back from being on my feet all day. I don’t feel like I need to hurry home and kick my shoes off the minute I get into the house.

Mary Maines
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I work two jobs, and by the end of the night my legs and back were always hurting. But ever since I started wearing Z-coils, I feel better at the end of the night and I’m ready for the next day.

Beverly Semenow
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I bought the black sandals to wear when I go out dancing. No one even noticed my Z-Coils but they all remarked at how I have so much energy, I never sit down. My legs and feet used to hurt me after being out in the evening, but now I feel fine the next morning.

Sara Alvarado



School 84 — Buffalo, NY

Gentle Solz: Charlottesville, VA: Local Testimonials

Local Testimonials: On October 2nd, 2003 at the Virginia State Fair I came across a booth run by Lisa Lewis and John Gathright who were selling Z-Coil footwear. I stopped and asked some questions and they offered to let me try them on and walk around the exhibition hall. I figured, heck, the shoes can't be as good as they're describing. All it took was for me to stand up and walk a few steps and I knew I had to have them. I had no money with me at the time and asked them to hold the shoes, which they graciously did.

You see, I was injured about 10 years ago in the first Gulf War and was currently taking several different types of medication to control the pain in my right foot and lower back. The amount of time I was able to walk had been limited to 1 1/2 to 3 hours before I'd begin limping. Since the injury I'd had the pain medication dosages increased several times.

On October 3rd, 2003, my life changed for the better when I returned to the fair and purchased a pair of Z-Coil CloudWalkers. I wore my new shoes from about 1:30 that afternoon until about 9 p.m. that evening with no pain or limping.

I have worn the shoes every day since and have been very comfortable. For the first time since my injury some 10 years ago, I'm not in pain by the end of the day.

Everywhere I go I sing the praises of Z-Coil and recommend them to anyone who may be suffering foot, leg or back pain. I gave them John's telephone number and web address. All I can say is, 'God bless the person who invented Z-Coil' because I no longer have to suffer excess pain.

Sincerely
Terri Tsu

ZERGONOMIC: Featured Testimonial : Getting Fit with Zergonomic

ZERGONOMIC: Testimonial: "I usually shoot Get Fit with Leslie on cement. When shooting several shows a day, the shock of aerobic exercise on a hard surface can be traumatic.

I heard about Zergonomic and was amazed by their knowledge and care. They fit me with a pair of Z-CoiLs and now I'm protected.

Z-CoiLs absorb body-impact to prevent pain and discomfort in my feet and joints. Regular athletic shoes couldn't do that. Now I wear Z-Coils for everyday activities. It's about time someone offered a workout shoe that really works.

Thank you, Zergonomic.

Leslie Hoffman
Certified Fitness Instructor
Host and Producer of TV's Get Fit with Leslie


Zergonomic Footwear.
New Orleans, Louisiana

Z-CoiL Footwear : Significant price increase August 1

Z-CoiL Footwear : Significant price increase August 1: "We regret to inform you that we are forced to raise our prices effective August 1, 2004 due to a significant price increase from the manufacturer. In the long run, the footwear is still very well priced compared to other alternatives such as custom orthotics, pain medication and doctor bills. Plus it is very difficult to put a price tag on the quality of life you obtain when you are not in pain.

The new prices are as follows:
- CloudWalker - $189.95
- CloudWalker Velcro - $209.95
- CloudWalker Steel Toe - $219.95
- Freedom 2000 - $189.95
- Z-Duty Work Boot - $249.95
- Z-Duty Work Boot Steel Toe - $259.95
- High Desert Hiker - $209.95
- Zueco Clog - $179.95
- Taos Clog - $189.95
- SideWinder Sandal - $179.95

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause, but as many of you know, the footwear can be life changing and is well worth the expenditure even at the new price.

We thank you for your continued support. "

Shirley MacLaine wearing Z-CoiLs in the National Enquirer (Nov. 2002)

A photo of actress Shirley MacLaine wearing Z-CoiLs appeared on the second page of the November 26, 2002 issue of The National Enquirer.

The Caption Reads

TALK ABOUT putting a little spring in your step!Every out-there Shirley MacLaine puts her weirdest foot forward with a pair of truly bizarre shoes while strolling in Beverly Hills. The 68-year-old screen veteran is still a working girl in Hollywood, appearing last year in "These Old Broads." And it's only fitting that Shirley's latest movie is titled "Hell on Hells: The battle of Mary Key"!

E-Mail Excerpt from Shirley MacLaine's webmaster:

We meet folk at various spots in the country that have them and swear by them. Shirley still wears them and loves them.

Check out the Z-CoiL Celebrity list on the LiveZLife website.

Cloudwalkers For Comfort and Style

Pain Relief Footwear Blog Listen to a springy shoe story from Santa Rosa, CA:


A Step Above Footwear Blog - Two Minute Audio Interview (wav)

Salt Lake City: A personal story from a Z-Coil Dealer

Z-Best: Fine Retailer of Z-Coil Merchandise: "My Z-Coil adventure began in November 2001. For the last 29 years I have made my living in the entertainment business. Working as a stage and production manager, I averaged 10 to 15 miles a day, (I wear a pedometer). The floors of these convention centers are concrete and at the end of the day I could barely walk. You could not imagine the compression on my spine, knees and feet that was taking place.
While working an event in Boise, I met a Z-Coil dealer who let me try on his size 10 Z-Coils. Despite the tight fit caused my size 12 feet, I could feel the difference they made in just a few steps. What can I say; I bought a pair in December, and worked an event a week later. The difference I felt in my feet and back on the first day (a 12 mile day) was extraordinary. I had experienced the pain relief that Z-Coils provide.

Over the next few months my wife and I tossed around the idea of opening a store, (she also had become a Z-Coil believer). We made the decision in May and opened in mid June after attending a 2 day seminar in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the Z-Coil head quarters.

Sincerely,
Dick and Susie Redlein
Photo: Scott Sine/Park Record

Total Relief Footwear: Austin, TX: Z-CoiLs Around the World

Total Relief Footwear Don't let foot pain stop you from taking the trips you've always wanted!



”Vince, this is a picture of my Z-CoiLs on trek in Bhutan last month. They worked wonderfully on the trails.” --Trent Miller

Have you taken your Z-CoiLs around town or around the world? Send us a picture of your Z-CoiLs in action to info@totalrelieffootwear.com for our "Z-CoiLs Around the World" photo gallery.

Z-CoiL Footwear: Blog: Top names wear Z-COiL's!

Z-CoiL Footwear: "Does the name Joe Rogan ring a bell? He is the host of Fear Factor, and last week, he was seen on his show in a pair of, what else, but Z-CoiL's! I guess with all of the walking and stunts, he needed something to keep him going day in and day out!

How about Gary Grubbs? He has appeared in dozens of movies and TV shoes, including 'Runaway Jury', 'The X-Files', 'JFK' and 'Will and Grace'. He had a severe case of plantar fasciitis and was ready for surgery. Because of the reduction of impact that Z-CoiL provided, he has canceled his surgery and is actually jogging again for the first time in 4 years!

There are a couple of well-known athletes also in the footwear. Olympic Silver Medalist in middle distance running, Yvonne Green, ruptured her Achilles tendon and with the help of Z-CoiL's, she is now able to run again, although not in competition like before. Curly Johnson, a Super Bowl winning punter from the New York Jets is also sporting a pair to deal with the arthritis that has developed in his knees due to the punishment that they endured during his football career. He has gotten tremendous relief from various issues including Achilles tendonitis, knee arthritis, back and neck pain.

So you can see, the Z-Family extends to all walks of life and continues to provide relief form many different types of foot, leg and knee problems.

Until next time,
Caesar... "


San Jose, California

Z-Coil Shoes of Chicago: Testimonials

Testimonials: "Six years ago I had such horrible pain in my feet that standing to teach all day became unbearable. In the mornings it felt as though every ligament in the bottom of my feet was tearing. After standing and walking I would have horrible heel pain. I began wearing orthotics and received occasional cortisone shots. The pain subsided at times but I found that my feet felt tired and the night time throbbing in my feet and legs would cause me to either lose sleep or reach for pain relievers.

Within those six years I had four children. The weight from each pregnancy and the subsequent work-outs to lose the 'baby weight' took a toll on my feet. Being an active mother of four young boys does not give me a lot of time to concentrate on myself. I started Physical Therapy but found it to be such a time constraint and very painful. I was receiving over two hours of therapy three times a week. The therapy included stretching, massage, ultrasound, electrodes, and cold packs. Often I would walk out of a session on my tiptoes because of the pain.

A neighbor told me about Z-Coils and at first I was reluctant. I watched her bounce back (excuse the pun) from years of limping to walking normally. It has been less than a month since I bought by Z-coils but I can't believe the difference. I no longer say 'forget it' if I have forgotten a grocery item from aisles away. I can run more than one errand in a day and have even been seen walking in a mall again! My legs and feet don't have the tired and achy feeling that once kept me from my daily tasks. I can't wait for the Spring when I will be back in for my sandals. I know the kids will appreciate having a mom that can keep up with them!

Rebekah P.
Batavia, IL"

Streakers Footwear - Testimonials

Streakers Footwear - Testimonials: "I bought my first pair of Z-Coils in late October; I am a big guy, 6'1 and about 375 lbs.
I had objections to when I first got my shoes. Now it is over four months later and wearing my Zs every day in all kinds of weather and at all events. I wear no other shoe, I just replaced the coils and the shoe itself is like brand new still. I ordered my second pair of Z-CoiLs brown in color so that I can switch when the occasion calls for it.
I had to go without my shoes for two days while I had them at the dealer in town and I can tell you that just about killed me, I will NEVER be without my Zs again. I have recommended them to so many people that they think I am a dealer for them.
ROCK ON Z-COIL!"

Richard Froshiesar

Z-CoiL.com: Testimonial of the Month

Z-CoiL pain relief footwear TM: "I have never worn shoes that make me feel the way I do when I'm wearing my Z-Coils. These shoes are amazing. I love talking about them and I want to tell everyone who hurts what a difference they have made for me.
After 30 years of hospital nursing in intensive care and maternity, my back and knees were feeling the painful effects of all the years of standing, twisting, pushing, bending and lifting. I had four knee surgeries and two back surgeries and my hopes for relief were fading. Then I learned that I had severe degenerative osteoarthritis in my back and knees.

About a year and a half ago my daughter told me about Z-CoiLs. At first I was skeptical because they were weird looking and I thought they were a little expensive. I accidentally stumbled on the new store location in Traverse City. The minute I walked in I knew I was committed to at least try them on. The store staff was super friendly, the shoes were all over to try on and there was no pressure from anyone.

I spent about an hour and a half walking around the store and the Z-CoiLs felt great. I wanted to talk to my husband before buying them. After I took the shoes off and left the store, my feet felt like they were weighted down with lead and my knee pain was even more noticeable. I was sorry that I hadn't bought them but I knew I would be back." (read the rest - click on title)

Photo: Amy Mueller
Traverse City, MI

FOOTOPIA : Where Art & Feet Meet! : Denver Dealer: Tesimonials

Welcome to FOOTOPIA : Where Art & Feet Meet! / Denver's 1st authorized Z-Coil dealer!: "August 5, 2003, Julianna Alberle-McClellan
I bought my first pair of Z-coils right before a job had in Chicago. I was gone for 6 weeks. Since I am on my feet a lot when I work I thought I would try something new. I have been amazed by Z-coils. My lower back, kneed and feet rearely hurt when I work now. AND, when I went back to see my chiropractor after the 6 week trip, he could not believe I had been gone so long. I have never made a better investment into my back and feet."

CraZcoil: Houston Dealer Testimonials

CraZcoil Store 713.779.4500:


"CrazyCoil Footwear is the official tennis shoe
of the Houston Aeros 'Sonic Boom'
dance team for the 2003-04 season."

Sneakers aren't necessarily shoo-ins for a day of walking at the fair

North County Times From Ankle to Z-Coil

The prize for most unusual shoe would arguably go to anyone wearing a model of the Z-Coil.

Judy Matlock, of El Cajon, was wearing the spring-loaded sneakers as she perused the house and Garden exhibits in O'Brien Hall. She had heard from friends that they were "easy on the back," so when she ran across them on a shopping trip, she bought a pair for herself and a pair for her husband, she said.

The shoes, which can be seen in the fair's Exhibit Hall, were created by Al Gallegos in the 1980s to reduce the pain caused by the impact on the foot as it hits the ground. The shoes contain a large, wide conical steel spring that compresses for shock absorption, and a built-in orthotic. They come in a variety of styles including hikers, walkers, sandals, clogs and boots, and the springs can be replaced when they wear down.

Matlock said several friends and family members have now purchased the patented footwear and are enjoying their comfort.

"They hold you up straight," she said. "They keep you upright. I walk about five miles every other day in them. The heels screw off and on. They're expensive, but they're well worth it."