Merry Christmas to all!

Some of our dealers put together a Christmas poem for Z-CoiL Footwear! Just so you know, Al Gallegos is the inventor, and Andres, Annie, Terry, Sequoia, Vol, Jason, Julie, Cindy and Nora are some of the staff members at Z-CoiL Headquarters that we rely on...

T'was the night before Christmas and all thru Z-house
not a creature was stirring not even Z-mouse
All Z-stockings were hung by Z-chimney with care
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there

I in my freedoms and Ma in her clogs (and Z-cap)
had just settled in for a long winterZ nap
When up on Z-roof there aroZe such a clatter
I sprang from my bed to z-ee what was z-ee matter

When what to my wondering eyeZ did appear
but a miniature UPS sleigh and 8 tiny reindeer
With a little old driver, so lively and quick
I looked at his shoesZ to see what was Z-trick!

His feet were a-bouncin', his smile was contagious
It was Al - Al Gallegos - now ain't that outrageous!
He was wearing Z-boots and he had a big pack
Of Z-CoiLs for all with a pain in their back...

Or a pain in their hip or their feet or their knees...
This great little man had a packful of Z's!
More rapid than eagles his helpers came.
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name.

Now Andres, Annie, Terry, Sequoia,
On Vol, Jason, Julie, Cindy and Nora.
To Z top of Z porch,To the top of the wall.
Now Bouncz away, Bouncz away, Bouncz away all.

All of us at EZ Shoes hope that you have a wonderful and pain-free Holiday Season!

We will be open Dec 24th from 10-5 and closed Dec 25th. For New Years, we will be open Dec 31st 10-5 and closed Jan 1.

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Marlene Sahr

Pictured above is camera-shy Marlene who first came into our start in early 2005 using a cane and limping very badly. She has severe arthritis in her knees and her right foot and also wears a brace for stability. Marlene volunteers at the local hospital and also is a tour guide at the Alameda Naval Air Station Museum.

"I met a couple visiting Alameda from South Dakota who both had Z-CoiLs and were more than happy to share their satisfaction with their shoes," says Marlene. "What they said turned out to be so true for me too!

"I no longer have a limp and my cane, which was in use for the last 5 years, is no longer in use. I find I can stand for longer periods of time, too. Just putting them on in the morning gives me a 'boost' and I'm ready to go! If I change to other shoes, I have to revert to using the cane. Hence, I stay with my Z-CoiL's!

"People stop and ask about my Z-CoiL's almost every day and I'm happy to pass on the website and information. In fact, I have copied your brochure to pass out!" concludes Marlene.

Marlene was in the store buying two more pairs of Z-CoiL's: a pair of white CloudWalkers and a pair of black SideWinder Sandals. She is now able to handle tours covering all three hangers at the air base and gets along just great! So, if you take a tour there, look for Marlene... of course, I didn't give you much to help recognize her except those snazzy new white CloudWalkers!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Anne Bliss

Anne is retired and in the past has suffered from lower back pain and a neuroma in her foot. She purchased her first pair of Z-CoiL Footwear in 2001 and now owns 3 pair.

"Due to a pain in my lower back, I could not wear tennis shoes or sandals without lower back pain," says Anne. "Once I started using Z-CoiL's, I could take 1-2 hour walks again! It also helped with the neuroma problem in my toes.

"These are the only shoes I can wear and will always have a different style. I have the tennis shoes and the clogs and feel they have really helped my ability to walk and stand for long periods of time," concludes Anne.

Anne was in the store today adding a pair of bone sandals to her collection. She's a bit camera shy and would not let us take her picture!

Till later,
Caesar...

You Connect!

I had a young woman come into my store the other day who was suffering from severe leg pain due to an injury. She has been going through physical therapy for a couple of years just to get to a point where she could walk. As is normal with any new customer, we sit down and explain the design of Z-CoiL Footwear and talk about how they can help the person. In her case, we talked about the injuries, the struggle she has been through, and what is now missing in her life since she is not able to function in her day to day tasks without pain. She asked why I wore Z-CoiL Footwear and I told her about the injuries that I had endured and the relief that I experienced.

She was pretty hesitant when she first came into the store not knowing what to expect, but the time that we sat down to put a pair of shoes on her feet, she told me "You make me very comfortable talking about my pain. I feel like we really connect!" Needless to say, that helped make my day!

Our goal is to make you comfortable, to understand your situation, and to see what we can do to make your life more enjoyable. Many times, there will be multiple people in the store, all brought together by their pain. Sometimes, there are repeat customers in the group. It almost becomes a pain management support group connecting on level that only they can connect since they have all experienced some sort of life altering pain.

All we can say is "Welcome to the Z-CoiL Experience!" We are not just a shoe shop, we are a pain relief center, working to relieve not only the pain in your body put the pain that is in your heart caused by your issues... And hopefully, make positive changes in your future so you can live life to the fullest!

Till later,
Caesar...

Great Christmas Gifts!

Looking for something for that special person on your list? Z-CoiL Footwear makes an excellent gift for that hard-to-buy for person on your list! Just think of how you can be remembered all year round when they are living a pain-free life. We offer gift certificates in any amount for your purchase.


Does that special person already have enough pairs of Z-CoiL Footwear (although I believe there is never enough)? How about some soft, cushioned Thorlos Socks. Right now we have a special "Buy 3 Get 1 Free" sale on some of the most comfortable socks you have ever had on your feet. They have excellent wicking to keep the moisture away from your feet.



There's always Z-CoiL Earrings to compliment that wonderful pair of Z-CoiL Footwear. What woman wouldn't want a pair of these special keepsakes.











Tired of seeing your loved ones shoe laces untied? A pair of Knoty Boy Laces turn any tie shoe into a slip-on so you never need to tie your shoe again!



We also carry a wide selection of Spenco shoe care products including cleaners, brushes, protectants, laces and polish. We also have great shoe cleaning kits that include a brush, polish, mink oil and conditioner.

Who would have thought that a Z-CoiL dealer could be a one-stop-shop for all your Christmas needs!! At least, ones that are practical and that will put a smile on someone's face! What a better gift than a gift of pain relief!

Till later,
Caesar...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our Holiday Hours are as follows:

Wednesday, November 23 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday, November 23 Closed
Friday, November 24 - 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

We wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving! We all have things to be thankful for, so take a moment to reflect on the positive things in your life!

Till later,
Caesar...

You're Not Alone!

We keep several testimonial books in the store. Two of them are from the cards we send out 4-6 weeks after you own Z-CoiL Footwear. Another book has the more complete testimonials from people that have owned Z-CoiL Footwear for over 6 months. Those are the ones that I publish on this blog.

I had a woman come into the store yesterday who had been in a severe accident when she was 18 and damaged many areas of her body. Many of her toes had been severed and reattached and her feet were in pain. Besides that, due to the injuries, she had arthritis in her knees, feet, ankles and back since she is now in her 70's. She came in and wanted to know if I could possibly help her reduce some of her pain. We talked a long time about what had occurred and what she was experiencing and put to rest some of her fears about the stability of Z-CoiL Footwear and she decided to try some on.

Because of the condition of her feet, she needed a fair number of adjustments, so I gave her our testimonial book to read, which had several people who had similar conditions. After I came back out from doing an adjustment, she made the remark "I guess I'm not alone! It's amazing to see how many people suffer from the same issues. I'm just glad that I'm willing to put sanity before vanity and try something that looks a little different!"

Sanity before vanity... what an interesting concept. Z-CoiL's definitely have a unique look, and if you are willing to put sanity before vanity and try them out, they may be your answer to a pain-free life! You aren't alone in your pain... thousands and thousands of people have chronic pain... and only you can do something about it!

Till later,
Caesar...

When Should I Change My Coils?

All I can say is...

WAY before this!!!



These were taken off of a pair of Z-CoiL's yesterday that a customer brought in because they were not quite feeling right... These are her gardening 'coils. She has 3 other pair which are in much better shape.

To get more info on when to replace your coil, visit http://ez-shoes.blogspot.com/2005/07/when-should-i-replace-my-coil.html.

Till later,
Caesar...



Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Joan Highsmith

Joan first came into our store in March, 2005 suffering from issues in your back and knees. She works as a receptionist for a Podiatry and Orthopedic office at Kaiser and spends a lot of time on her feet.

"I have tried other shoes that have not helped at all," says Joan. "Within one week of buying my Z-CoiL shoes, I was no longer taking any pain medication for my back. Within two weeks, my knee pain was gone!

"I am now the proud owner of three pairs of Z-CoiL's. I am on my feet 8 hours a day and I can't imagine wearing any other shoes! I wear them everywhere now, not just at work.

"I am the grandmother of 8 and have had the back problem for over 20 years It is great to be pain-free! Thanks Z-CoiL!" concludes Joan.

Joan is pictured above with 3 of her grandchildren and as you can imagine, chasing after 8 grandkids can also keep you moving. With Z-CoiL Footwear, Joan is up to the task!

Till later,
Caesar...

Is Z-CoiL Footwear the Only Answer?

I had a customer yesterday who came in for an adjustment on her shoes. She had issues with her back when she purchased her Z-CoiL's and her back was feeling much better now. She has been seeing a chiropractor and also an orthopedist and asked me if she should continue with their treatments or just continue to wear Z-CoiL's? This isn't the first time I have been asked this question, and the answer is that you should pursue anything and everything that helps to resolve your issue!

I am not a medical doctor nor a chiropractor. I can't tell you whether you need to continue wearing your orthotics or not. I can't tell you if you should totally change your course of treatment because your pain has diminished or totally gone away. You see, each person that you are dealing with is a specialist. We at EZ Shoes specialize in providing pain relief. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible and as pain-free as possible! Can we cure a ruptured disk? No... Can we cure scoliosis? No... Can we assist you in living a life that is more rewarding and full because you have less pain to deal with? In most cases, yes!

I do want to make one clarification... I firmly believe that if you can treat something with a non-invasive technology, like Z-CoiL Footwear, you should do so. I have customers who have been able to discontinue their cortisone shots by wearing Z-CoiL's. In cases like that, I think that is a wise decision. I have had people who have canceled their surgery because they are living pain-free with Z-CoiL's. Again, if the surgery is just to get them pain-free and they are, they should discuss this with their doctor and see if the surgery can be postponed.

The bottom line is that you need to keep your medical professionals involved and informed as to the relief you are getting with Z-CoiL Footwear. Maybe a change in course of your treatment will be recommended after the discussion.

Till later,
Caesar...

We All Have Bad Days... Response to my Customer Service Post

As you might be aware, I had a circumstance with another company that was very contrary to what I would have expected in the area of customer service. It was still a heated situation a bit this morning and he offered to refund my money in full if I just refused the package when UPS delivered it and sent him a fax with my intentions, which I decided to do.

Now, here is where TRUE customer service comes through! We all have bad days, and sometimes we say or do things that we shouldn't... sometimes it is caused by a stressful day at the office, sometimes it is caused by a stressful day at home. None the less, sometimes we do not put our best foot forward. The thing about it, though, is that when you realize it, you need to take action, which is what the president of this company did:

Mr. Snee,

I received your fax and will refund 100% of costs associated with your poster purchase. Additionally, I have discussed the circumstances with my wife and partner, Hope, who strongly suggested that I owe you an apology.

After hearing her comments, it gave me pause to consider the events and I do wish to sincerely apologize for the anguish and harsh comments I have made. Please rest assured, that I am not in the habit of alienating our customers, all of us here have worked too hard to lose customers. Being in business, you understand the value of keeping customers happy and my comments, conduct and attitude simply did not measure up to what I expect of myself or my employees.

As a gesture of sincerity, please accept the UPS package containing the poster free of charge. I have already reversed the charge on your credit card.

I also withdraw the strong-arm tactic of using the threat of lawsuit to force you to retract your comments on your website. Although I would wish you remove the negative remarks, I will not assume to tell you what to do.

If there is a positive side to this, I have learned that when having a bad day, pause before responding to situations which cause challenges.

Your initial email deserved a better answer, and I failed you. I am sorry.

Once again, please accept the poster at no charge.

Sincerely,
John
President
[company name withheld by me]

I was once again shocked... only in a very positive manner! Although I did not need to, I felt compelled to change the other post to take out any identifying information. I thought about deleting it totally but if anyone had read the first version, they would get the wrong idea and wonder why it was deleted. I also contacted the people I talked to earlier who I had referred to the site and they were very impressed with this resolution and plan to continue to use this company.

This took a lot of thought and courage for him to send this email... but what he accomplished through this email is to make me understand also that we are all human... we have bad days... we have to take a deep breath at times and look at the big picture. I have to ensure that if I have a bad day, that I don't let it reflect upon my customers. And if I do react inappropriately, I need to take action to resolve, just as he did.

What else he has accomplished is to gain me back as a customer... a paying customer. I plan to send him an email telling him to charge my account and I will accept the posters! I deal with companies that have integrity, and this man has shown me that he and his company does!

Till later,
Caesar...

Customer Service is Key!

I had an experience yesterday with a company who sells posters for labor law. We have to post current labor laws in our store for our employees in order to comply with federal and state regulations. I have always ordered them from this company, but searched around to see what the going rate was. I found some less expensive, but since I usually try to remain loyal to a company if they treat me right, I went through the order process on their site. At checkout time, I looked at the total and it did not add up right. The cost of the posters was shown as was the tax, but the total was $8.50 higher then the two together! I called the business and was told that there is an $8.50 charge to ship a poster to San Jose, California and they just slid the cost in there... I went ahead and ordered anyway but sent a note to the company telling them that I thought the shipping cost was outrageous and that although they advertised the lowest price, they just hid the shipping charges making it just marketing hype.

Usually, I receive a note back from someone in customer service explaining the reasoning, but I did not expect the response that I received!

"Caesar,

You have no idea what shipping costs are, nor do you understand the value of our pricing. I suggest you take your business elsewhere.

[president's name]
President
[company name] "

I was shocked to say the least! You see, that is not exactly what I call a customer service attitude... Especially from the president of the company! Unfortunately, the posters had already shipped, other wise I would have canceled.

We have a much different approach to customer service. We have a "12 Steps for Gold Standard Service" that we follow. We assist the customer with their purchase, including taking their shoes on and off and ensure that the shoe is fit well and the customer is satisfied. We send a feedback card out to each person when they buy shoes to solicit how we are doing and how the Z-CoiL Footwear is working out for them. We take that card seriously and personally call any person who has an issue with their Z-CoiL experience.

If we took any different approach to customer service, we would not be doing our job. I guess the difference is that we are a specialty pain relief center geared towards changing customer's lives. Our customers are people who are trying to lead a pain-free life, and we have to deal with the emotions that they bring in during their struggles.

Till later,
Caesar...

Intel Santa Clara Picks Z-CoiL Footwear as the Comfort Shoe for the Fabrication Area!

EZ Shoes is proud to announce that it is supplying Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear to the fab employees not only for pain relief, but pain prevention as part of their Comfort Shoe Program. Intel is known as a very ergonomic conscious company that takes great care of their people. They realized that the constant standing in front of the various machines can take a toll on their employees. By taking the impact off of the employees and giving them a solid base orthotic platform, they can make the lives better for the fab workers.

Almost two years ago, I spoke with a safety manager from Intel Corporation who was impressed with Z-CoiL Footwear and purchased a pair for himself. During the course of the last two years, several employees have come in from Intel with foot, leg knee and back issues and experienced relief through our technology. Word spread! Soon, there will be a lot more of our unique shoes to go along with the unique bunny suits that the fab workers are required to wear.

We are excited about this partnership and look forward to providing the A+ service that we are known for here at EZ Shoes!

Till later,
Caesar...

Two Trillion Ways to Lace a Shoe!

Did you know that there are 2 trillion ways to lace a 12 eyelet shoe? Unbelievable...

Another dealer pointed me to a site that is dedicated to shoes laces - how to lace shoes, different knots, tips and hints for shoelaces, ratings on lacing and knots, plus loads of other useful (and sometimes useless) information! The site was created by an Aussie gentleman named Ian Fieggen who, as he puts it, has way too much time on his hands!

Did you know that the end of a shoelace is called an aglet? Have you ever had that plastic tip fall off and then you couldn't get the shoelace through the eyelet? Ian shows you how to repair it!

Do your shoes constantly come untied unless you double knot them? You are probably tying a slip knot. Find out how to correct this!

Have you ever wondered how some of the younger generation tie lace their shoes into such fancy patterns? Ian will show you many ways to have an ornamental lace pattern!

Have I peaked your interest? If so, visit Ian's site by clicking here. A fun way to spend some time...

Till later,
Caesar...

Cortisone Shots

A common treatment for plantar fasciitis and other inflammations is cortisone. It is a hormone produced by a small gland on top of the kidney called the adrenal gland. It is essential to the proper functioning of your body, particularly when under stress. Cortisone is sometimes effective in suppressing inflammation in the short term, and in the long term, dissolving scar tissue, stabilizing the body's defenses, and speeding the healing process. It does however, have a weakening effect on tendons if injected directly into them. It can also soften cartilage when injected into a joint. (Information comes from experiments on animals and not human beings.) It can also dissolve the fatty pad in your heel, which happened to one of our customers. Three shots in a three month period is all that is recommended.

However, the effects are temporary and do nothing for the underlying cause. Pain relief from the shot begins within a few days and may last for a few days or up to a month, but unless you address the cause, it will recur.

The reason I bring this up is that I had a person come into the store who had already received 2 cortisone shots and was scheduled for a third. I discussed our Z-CoiL Footwear and told your of the success we have had with reducing or eliminating the heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, even showing her the numerous testimonials that we have in the store from our customers. Most times people get some immediate relief from heel pain just by putting Z-CoiL Footwear on and walking around for 10-15 minutes in the store. She would not even try the footwear on! Instead, she opted for the invasive treatment of cortisone, even though the first two shots had no impact on her pain...

Just so everyone is aware, we don't charge for trying shoes on... yet!! We also don't believe in high pressure sales. We let Z-CoiL Footwear sell themselves on their pain reducing qualities and their comfort.

So, if you make a trip to the store, at least put them on your feet! You will never know if they can be beneficial to you unless you try them...

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Berna Nolte

Berna is a receptionist in a dental office who first came into our store in April of 2004 after being referred by her employer that is also a Z-CoiL customer. She was suffering from pain in her lower back, knees and hips. Her employer had absolutely raved about them, so she decided to give them a try.

"I originally purchased the Z-CoiL Clog to wear to work because of the pain in my back," says Berna. "The results were fantastic! Even my chiropractor doctor says that my posture and alignment were greatly improved just after 3 weeks of wear.

"For the summer, I purchased a pair of sandals and today I purchased my third pair for everyday wear. Anyone wanting comfortable shoes in their life should purchase a pair. And the staff is the most helpful and courteous you could ask for and that includes after the final sale!"

Another satisfied Z-CoiL footwear owner!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Charlotte Fernandes

Charlotte wandered into our store in November of 2004 with back and knee pain. She had great difficulty standing and walking for long period of times without suffering excruciating pain.

"After purchasing my Z-CoiL's, I went straight to a soccer game and stood for one hour and twenty minutes," says Charlotte. "Usually, I would end up very stiff and sore after standing that long.

"With Z-CoiL's, I felt no stiffness! I am also able to walk for long periods of time with no pain or discomfort," concludes Charlotte.

Charlotte came in today to purchase a pair of dress boots, which have been discontinued. So instead, she was fitted into a pair of the brown High Desert Hikers which she absolutely loved! That makes her 4th pair of Z-CoiL Footwear.

Charlotte was a bit shy and would only let me take a picture of her feet!

Till later,
Caesar...

Z-CoiL's and Pregnancy

I had a woman come into the store last week who was 8 months pregnant and showing just a wee bit, to say the least! She was miserable... Pregnancy can bring on a myriad of issues. A few of the common ones, and ones that she was suffering from, are sciatica, lower back pain, and swelling in the feet. She wondered how Z-CoiL's might help.

If you know anything about Z-CoiL's then you know that by reducing the impact we can reduce the pain in the lower back and relieve pain caused by sciatica. The swelling of the feet is a whole other issue. That is more of a water retention issue. Although we can't stop water retention, we can adjust the orthotic on the shoe to ensure that it is wide enough and comfortable on the feet. We also have different strength coils which can be put on to accommodate for the extra weight gained during pregnancy.

The best part is that after the delivery of the child, we can bring the orthotic back in to make the shoe snug and we can put a smaller coil on when that extra weight is gone! Of course, the child will be in your arms for months (and months and months...) which means the added weight will be on your lower back and legs for awhile!! We have had great success with expectant mothers, so if you are in that situation, drop on by and give us a try! Click here for a testimonial from one of our customers who talks about her pregnancy with twins!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Dottie Murfee

Dottie is a traveling nurse who has been into our store on many occasions. Although she has not purchased from us, she owns 3 pair that she bought in her hometown. Dottie suffers from knee issues related to what she calls "gross obesity" and has been wearing Z-CoiL footwear for 4 years.

"My knees [used to] hurt all of the time," says Dottie. "Stairs were impossible! I had also been through over a year of treatments with my right ankle due to a spur.

"My doctor recommended a gastric bypass and bilateral total knee replacements in that order. A female radiologist came to take a portable x-ray of a patient and I noticed her strange shoes with coils. She told me her story of woe and how her shoes had stopped her back pain.

"I bought my first pair of Z-CoiL's in Florida. My knees no longer hurt at all, even when wearing regular shoes! I have no spurs, and I now do 20 mile hikes without pain," concludes Dottie.

Dottie has referred many people from the local area into our store and she told me that she has now accepted a full-time position at a local hospital and has moved into the area! Congratulations and best of luck goes to Dottie on her new job.

Till later,
Caesar...

Now Hiring!!

I knew it was too good to be true... a trusted employee, well-trained and great with people working for over 2 years. Alex recently finished his bachelor degree and has decided to move on to bigger and better things! I wish him well in his new endeavors.

So, I now have an opening for a bright, enthusiastic, energetic person who has great people skills to join me in my journey to provide pain relief to all those in need! You must be patient, have a desire to improve the lives of others, and be a quick learner. As those of you who own Z-CoiL's know, it takes some work to fit a pair properly. Training will be provided in order for you to learn the art of fitting Z-CoiL's. I will provide a pair of Z-CoiL's also to the committed individual.

So, if you are local to San Jose and interested, email me at caesar@ez-shoes.com or call me at (408) 558-9596. We are just at the beginning of Z-CoiL growth and you have a chance to get in on the ground floor!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Alana S.

Alana first came into our store in April, 2005 with knee and back issues. The picture above was taken in Costa Rico on a recent trip she made.

"I love my several pairs of Z-coils!" says Alana. "I have worn them to dressy occasions, and hiking in Costa Rica! They make the sacred ground we walk on, more as nature intended, before the advent of compressed roads, concrete and asphalt.

"When I am on a concrete floor for hours at a time working, I remain comfortable, and relaxed. I have noticed that after work, I still have plenty of energy and am not anxious to get my shoes off and get off my feet! In fact, in my 'shoes off' home, I often leave the Z-Coils on, simply because I am so comfortable.

"We are planning an extended stay in Costa Rica, and my Z-Coils are my shoe choice, so durable and washable. It is also fun to connect with the many folks who want to know about them. I’ve made lots of new friends this way!

"Get your feet, legs, and body happy, with a pair for yourself!" concludes Alana.
So, come on in and try a pair for yourself!

Till later,
Caesar...

Great Weekend at the NBC11 Living Well Expo... and a little info on MBT's!

The above picture is what I looked like after the two days at The Living Well Expo! It was a great event with many different activities and vendors catering to your over all health. This included not only your physical health, but your mental health! There was rock climbing, scuba diving, soccer, and other activities to get your heart rate up.

We were constantly swamped in the booth allowing people to experience the feeling of Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear. It was interesting because there was another footwear dealer at the fair demonstrating MBT's (Masai Barefoot Technology). MBT's describe themselves as follows: "Through its multi layered sole MBT® transforms flat, hard, artificial surfaces into natural, uneven ground. Wearing MBT® is like walking in sand. Unlike most conventional training shoes that only support and cushion your feet, the inherent instability and the unique rolling action of the MBT® sole challenges the feet and postural muscles to be more active. This reactive, more supportive muscle action creates good posture and increases shock absorption for all the joints, significantly reducing musculo-skeletal compression."

We were visited by their staff and several of the people from the MBT booth tried on our Z-CoiL Footwear. So,I figured I had to check out their technology also to understand how a show that transforms hard surfaces into uneven ground can increase the shock absorption. I tried a pair on, and before you stand up, they have you roll your foot back and forth to get used to the rocker sole. It is an extreme rocker sole. In fact, once you stand up, if you try and put any weight on your heel, you will fall back! As the rep told me, they want to center your weight in your insole area so as to improve your posture. What it felt like to me is that almost all of the pressure on my body was in the arch area, and in fact, it felt like a lump. It forces you to take small steps, which was very awkward for me.

As some of you are aware, I have a pretty severe hamstring injury, but with Z-CoiL's, I can run 4 to 5 times a week without pain. In the MBT's, my hamstring started bothering me after just a few minutes of walking around. I felt that I could not find that sweet spot and was fighting it just trying to stand upright!

Needless to say, MBT's are not on my list of shoes to buy, but if you have never experienced them, it is worth the experience. Many people at the shoe tried on both shoes, and those that we talked to rated Z-CoiL Footwear far superior for cushioning and comfort!

Till later,
Caesar...

Join us at the NBC 11 Living Well Expo

From Rock Walls To Celebs, Have Fun At Living Well Expo!

It’s free, and has something for the entire family! Take a look at just some of the activities -- free health tests and screenings, information-packed seminars, and educational & entertaining exhibits – and make plans to attend to attend this two-day celebration of the Bay Area’s healthy lifestyle. Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 25., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., San Jose McEnery Convention Center.
Of course, EZ Shoes will be there in both 923 in the Wellness Pavillion. We will have shoes available to try on for those who have never experienced this incredible footwear! Hope to see you there!

Additional information is available at the NBC 11 web site.

Till later,
Caesar...

Shame on you, Time Magazine!

Time Magazine has always been a fairly accurate source for news although I don't necessarily agree with the slant it takes at times in various areas!

Well, in the latest issue of Time Magazine there is a specialized feature about Spira Footwear and in the article is says that Spira is the only footwear with actual springs in the soles. Nowhere in the article does it even mention Z-CoiL!

Z-CoiL HQ contacted the reporter, Sean Gregory, this afternoon to set him straight and had a lengthy and educational conversation with him. Mr. Gregory said he knew all about Z-CoiL and had been on the Z-CoiL website, but decided to make a small differentiation that Spiras looked like regular athletic shoes and the small spring was built into an existing sole. Unbelievable! It is one thing to not know, but to actually know that Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear exists and lie?

I have already written a letter to the editor at letters@time.com and if you would like to express your story, feel free to click on the link above and shoot him a message!

Till later,
Caesar...

Join us at the Arthritis Expo September 17 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM!

Do you have arthritis and have you been wondering if there is some gadget out there that could make your mornings a little easier, or for that matter, your afternoons and evenings too? Maybe you are wondering if there is a pillow or a mattress or some special bedding that could make your nights more comfortable. Wondering if a scooter might be something to consider in your future? Wondering what car might have the best comfort and joint protective features for you? And how about that footwear that reduces the impact by 50% reducing the shock that your body has to endure? Of course, I mean Z-CoiL's!

Then you want to mark September 17 on your calendar now and plan to be at the Santa Clara Convention Center for the Arthritis Foundation’s first Arthritis Expo. This event will be open to the public and will be filled with exhibitors, including EZ Shoes, offering information and free demonstrations of many of their products.

We will have shoes to try on so you can get an idea of what benefit you will get out of our remarkable footwear! You can print out a coupon that is good for free admission by clicking here!

Hope to see you there!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Joanna Snyder

Joanna first came to us in September 2003 suffering from arthritis in the feet, knees and hips. Joanna is a dog walker and in her profession, she must be on the go constantly. Her pain was severely impacting her ability to do her work.

"I had been told by the arthritis specialist to expect knee replacement surgery in a few years," says Joanna. "I also had trouble walking because of osteo-arthritis in both feet.

"After 2 years in Z-CoiL's, I can honestly say that I can now walk dogs everyday, can stand for long periods of time and have almost NO PAIN! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" concludes Joanna.

Joanna was visiting our store to buy her third pair of Z-CoiL's which were a pair of Brown Desert Hikers (on the counter in the back of the picture.) She's saving them for winter!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Rick MacWilliams

Rick MacWilliams is a laser engineer who has knee pain and a compound fracture of the lower back disc. He first came into our store in November 2004 to see if he could get some relief.

"You can really tell the difference when you go for a walk in your slippers or old shoes compared to the Z-CoiL's that reduce the impact significantly!" says Rick. "I have been wearing them every day and also take the dog for a walk 2 miles each night and have not had the normal shoe related knee and back problems.

"I just had heel replacements [on my Z-CoiL footwear] that put me back into alignment and didn't have to get a whole new shoe, just the heel pads! Great customer service and knowledge also," concludes Rick.

We pride ourselves on our customer service, so if you have any knee or back issues, come on in and see if we can make a difference in your life also!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Larry Mitchell

Larry Mitchell child proofs homes and has suffered from plantar fasciitis and a torn ACL. In his line of work, he is on his feet a lot plus constantly moving throughout the house. He first came into our store in December of 2004 to see if we could help his issues.

"After a recommendation from a friend who had a bad back and a heel spur, I tried a pair on and thought I had gone to heaven!" says Larry. "My painful heel was gone and as I continued to wear the shoes, my back and knee felt significantly less painful.

"I'm on my feet almost all day and I bought a third pair today to umpire fast-pitch softball games pain-free.

"The staff at EZ Shoes was patient and adjusted the heel and arch so I felt comfortable as soon as I left the store. I not only feel better - I actually smile more now as well!" concludes Larry.

Good for the body, good for the soul... if you are in pain, your whole demeanor is affected, and in Larry's case, a little pain relief went a long way!

Till later,
Caesar...

Dan Puts Z-CoiL's To The Test!

Dan Crotty is an adventurous type who first came to us with knee and foot issues back in December 2003. He was going on a hike at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and he had to hike 70 miles in 10 days with his scout troop and his son. Dan wasn't sure he could make it. We received a postcard from him at Philmont that simply said "I hiked 70 miles in 10 days and had a great time!" He had to have someone take a picture of him on top of Mt. Baldy!



Well, he was back on the road again, and we received an email from him yesterday.

"Hello. I recently vacationed in Ireland, and I wore my Z-Coil tennis shoes the whole time for sightseeing. Many people noticed the shoes, and I few people asked me about the shoes. We saw tourists from several European countries.

"I have attached a photo of myself wearing the shoes on a hill above the Ailwee Cave in the Burren. The Burren is an area in County Clare that is extremely rocky after centuries of erosion.

"Thanks again, I had a great vacation, and my feet felt fine! The shoes are great!"



I cropped the picture some to be able to include it here and still see Dan! Click here to see the full panoramic shot of the area he was hiking. Pretty amazing territory!

So you can see, stability is not an issue with Z-CoiL's!

Till later,
Caesar...

Anniversary Celebration a Huge Success!

We have had a great turnout for our event! It was nice to renew acquaintances with the people we have been able to help plus add new people to the Z-CoiL Family. We sold a lot of shoes and ate too much food...

For those of you that came in during some of our busiest times, especially Sunday, I apologize for any wait that you had, but our goal is to ensure we have a great fit and sometimes that can take time.

Of course, I wanted to get pictures of the mobs, but that's when we are so busy fitting we forget to do it, so you will have to suffice with just a picture of the outside!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Charlotte Hamilton

Pictured above is Charlotte Hamilton and Andrea Connell. Charlotte is a nurse who suffers from degenerative disc disease of the lower back. When she first came into our store, she was in pain and had to find some way to remedy it if she was to keep working.

"I have back pain and heel pain when I am on my feet all day," says Charlotte. "I work 10 hour 4 days a week and the hospital floors are cement. I thought I would have to give up my occupation because of my back pain and heel pain.

"Z-CoiL Shoes have given me a new lease on life! I work 10 hour days without 'pain' and I smile a lot because of my Z-CoiL shoes! I tell everyone about them and now 3 other nurses in my department wear them and one doctor.

"Thank you for giving me a new lease on life! P.S. I did 2 marathons in my Z-CoiL's and smiled all the way!" concludes Charlotte.

Charlotte was in the store purchasing a new pair of Anniversary Z-COiL's and she also brought her friend Andrea, so she could also purchase a pair. They will be heading to Africa next year and wanted to be prepared!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Shawn and Shawnee Grossman

Shawnee and Shawn are recently opened up a pizza restaurant and after the first week, realized that they were not going to survive on their feet all day without some help!

"My husband and I opened our restaurant in January, 2005," says Shawnee. "We would end each day in tears from the pain shooting through our legs after being on our feet 12+ hours each day.

"That has ended! We can pull a double shift wearing our Z-CoiL's and still have the energy to go out dancing. My lower back pain is gone and my husband's posture has straightened.

"We are purchasing our second pair this month because we wanted a pair to wear outside of the restaurant.

"When I think back to the pain we used to endure, I can't be happier that I discovered Z-CoiL's. We got our lives back with our first pair!" Shawnee concludes.

So, you can see, they really make a difference when you are on your feet for those long shifts.

Till later,
Caesar...

Anniversary Celebration Sept 1-5, 2005!

For a decade, Z-CoiL® Footwear has been providing pain relief for millions of people, allowing them to lead normal, productive, pain-free lives. EZ Shoes in the Bay Area is proud to have been a part of this mission for the last two years.

Through the use of a patented coil spring placed in the heel of the shoe, Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ reduces the impact on the body by 50% and provides a 40-50% energy return. By reducing the impact, the pressure on the feet, legs, knees and back is significantly reduced thus relieving inflammation and pain. People who suffer from arthritis, plantar fasciitis, lower back issues, knee issues and hip issues all benefit from this technology. Nearly 1 out of 3 adults suffer from arthritis which limits them in their daily routines, and Z-CoiL® Footwear has played a major part in assisting them with their quest for a pain-free life.

EZ Shoes is joining Z-CoiL® in the celebration of this milestone with an Anniversary Event in our store from September 1-5 with refreshments and a time to renew the friendships we have made with the thousands of people that we have been able to assist. A new limited edition shoe (pictured above) will be available for purchase and a percentage of each sale of this shoe will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation.

We hope to see you in the store!

Till later,
Caesar...

Posture and Z-CoiL's

I had a customer come in the other day and tell me that her Z-CoiL's had also fixed her chronic headaches! Hmmm, I thought to myself... why would this be? It finally dawned on me that the foot bone's connected to the leg bone, the leg bone's connected to the hip bone... Well, you know the song! It turns out that when this woman first came into our store, her posture was horrible. She had started out with plantar fasciitis, which caused her to limp. The limp caused her hip and lower back to hurt because she was leaning forward and to the side as she walked to try and hurry through her step and take pressure off of the foot. This caused the muscles in her whole back to tense up, all the way through her neck, which in the end caused the headaches!

It is amazing what good posture can do for your overall health. Z-CoiL's change the way you walk and stand. When you walk and stand improperly you put pressure and stress on many body structures in your feet, ankles, knees, hips and back. Z-CoiL's will tip your hips slightly forward and put your back up straighter, because you are properly supported under your skeletal system. It is amazing to see the instantaneous change in many people's posture when they first walk in Z-CoiL's! It happens daily in our store. I even had one of our senior customers tell me that he can breathe better!

So, stand up straighter with less pain, walk better, and feel younger with a pair of Z-CoiL's!

Until later,
Caesar...

Company Honors Inventor and Founder Alvaro Z. Gallegos with 10th Anniversary Signature Shoe

(I-Newswire) - ( Albuquerque, NM ) – Ten years ago, Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ came on the scene, dramatically changing the way thousands of Americans manage their foot, leg, and back pain. Now, to celebrate the visionary creation of inventor Alvaro Z. Gallegos, the Z-CoiL Footwear company is releasing a special, limited-edition Z-CoiL® 10th Anniversary Signature Shoe. This one-time-only style will go on sale nationwide on September 1, 2005, and will be available only while supplies last.

Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™, specifically engineered to relieve foot, leg, and back pain, is a growing force in the pain-relief industry. The shoes are designed with three special components that work together to provide exceptional support, cushioning and impact reduction.

Each shoe features a built-in rigid orthotic, which runs from the heel to the metatarsal heads, helping to equalize pressure distribution and support the foot. At the forefoot, the shoes provide four times more cushioning than popular running shoes, as tested by Sandia National Laboratories. Unique to Z-CoiL® footwear is the visible conical-shaped coil under the heel. This tempered coil compresses with each step, helping to reduce pressure and the rate of impact while improving ankle stability.

More than 20 years ago, Al began toying with the idea of developing a special shoe with a spring in the heel to help reduce his own chronic foot, knee and back pain caused by years of long-distance running. In 1995, with the help of his son Andrés Gallegos, Z-CoiL’s president and CEO, the first marketable coil-based shoe went on sale in Albuquerque, called the Z-Tech Recoil. Further engineering and design improvements ultimately resulted in the current Z-CoiL® line of footwear, which paved the way for corporate growth in 2001.

The Z-CoiL® 10th Anniversary Signature Shoe is reminiscent of Al’s original “Z-Tech” shoe in terms of its colorful style, but is reconfigured with the current Z-CoiL® design, and features Al’s signature stitched on the back of the heel. “Z-CoiL is a realization of my father’s dream and years of perseverance to help others who are in pain,” says Andrés. “I cannot think of a better way to honor him than through this special shoe.”

“Z-CoiL® footwear is truly life-changing footwear,” Andres adds. “We have thousands of customers who share their amazing testimonials about how the footwear put them back into the game of life because of Al’s invention.”

Approximately 200 distributors now carry the footwear in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit the Z-CoiL website at www.zcoil.com to find a footwear distributor near you, or call 800.268.6239.

Testimonial -Kristi Dolan

Pictured above is Kristi Dolan and her daughter, Kelsey. Kristi is an ophthalmic technician who first came into our store in May of 2004. She was suffering from feet problems, which ended leading to problems in her back and knees.

"My husband met a lady who was wearing them (Z-CoiL's) at work one day and he asked about them," says Kristi. "She gave such rave reviews that I came the next day and purchased a pair of white Freedom 2000's.

"Being on my feet 8 hours per day, it was either finding relief from being on my feet all day or getting a new job. Within a matter of a few months, all foot and back pain were gone! They are the greatest!" concludes Kristi.

She was in the store purchasing a second pair of Freedom's to add to her wardrobe. The only issue she said was that she had a whole closet full of shoes that did not get worn now!

Till later,
Caesar...

It's Anniversary Time!

I can hardly believe it... It's coming up on our two year anniversary! What makes it even more special is that Z-CoiL is celebrating their tenth anniversary! Z-CoiL has now been providing a decade of pain relief for millions of people, allowing them to lead normal, productive lives pain free.

Thousands of people have been through our doors and as you can read in our testimonials, their lives have been changed forever. I remember one of our first customers who thought I was nuts... She worked in the shopping center that we are in and said that there was no way we would survive the first year selling these "ugly" shoes. Instead of discouraging us, it actually added fuel to the fire, making us want to succeed even more, knowing that there were a lot of people we could help.

We are planning something special along with Z-CoiL to celebrate September 1st, so keep watching this space for more information!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Corvette Wallace

Corvette first purchased her Z-CoiL SideWinder Sandals about a year ago. She came into the store using a cane and suffering from leg, foot and back pain. These conditions led to weight gain, which only caused the problems to worsen. Corvette is on her feet all day working in a Pharmacy, so she needed something to help reduce the pain.

"Since purchasing my Z-CoiL's, I've lost weight, been able to walk everywhere, and work 9-12 hour days with energy to spare!" says Corvette. "Before, I was in such pain that I was using a cane and a great deal of pain medications. Not any more!" she concludes.

Corvette told us that she had not used her cane since a short time after she purchased Z-CoiL's and that she does not miss it one bit!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Lynn and Richard Bennett

Lynn and Richard Bennett first came into our store a couple of years ago and both were suffering from back issues. The Bennetts own a clock and novelty item store in Capitola, CA called Hour Place. Besides their store, they both work full time jobs, so they are kept quite busy!

Lynn is an Administrative Specialist for the local school district in Santa Cruz. She currently has three pair of Z-CoiL's which includes the pair of Black Taos Straps that she purchased today.

"I have suffered from back pain for years resulting from a back injury on the job," says Lynn. "I have been doing chiropractic care for the past 7-8 years. It had definitely helped but I still needed regular treatments.

"Since having my Z-CoiL's, I have only seen the chiropractor once or twice in the past couple of years! I am able to walk several miles and stand for long periods of time without pain," Lynn concludes.

Richard also works as a grocery clerk full-time and currently owns two pairs of Z-CoiL's.

"In the grocery business, I am on my feet 9 hours a day, and with a second job, my days are 14 hours long!" says Richard. "Since purchasing Z-CoiL's, I have had minimal to no back problems. I am able to stay on hard concrete floors for extended periods of time with no problems. Using store equipment (handtrucks, forklifts, etc.) is not a problem.

"I was a frequent visitor (once a week) to the chiropractor. Since my first purchase of Z-CoiL's nearly two years ago, I have seen the chiropractor 3 times for a routine adjustment. He asked to see the 'miracle shoes' that have taken away his income. I did with pride!" adds Richard.

They were on their way through town returning from a buying convention for their store, which was 3 days of walking on concrete floors for many miles. They commented that without the Z-CoiL's, they could not have done it!

If you are in the Capitola area, make sure you stop by and visit them in their store. They have many unique items that are great for the home or make wonderful gifts! You can visit their web site at www.hourplace.com.



Till later,
Caesar...

Watch this space!!

So, you might ask, "What am I watching for?" Well, I can't tell you yet... but I know you will like it! It's very, very special and people will be envious... Just a few weeks of suspense...

Till later,
Caesar...

What a Great Day!

Number one: I am alive, healthy, pain-free and doing something I love!
Number two: We had a lot of customers in the store today!
Number three: We made a whole lot of people much happier and in less pain than they were before they walked into the store!

What else can you ask for?

The customers today ran the gamut from foot issues to lower back issues to hip issues... In all cases today, the people felt much better than before they visited us! All of them had immediate relief while walking in Z-CoiL's. One person was amazed with the amount of cushioning that she felt and how it really reduced the impact on her back. Another thought we did something to her old shoes, because when she put them back on, they felt horrible, and she had always thought that they were the most comfortable shoes ever invented!

Can I guarantee that everyone that tries on a pair of Z-CoiL's will get some amount of relief immediately? No! But what I can guarantee is that we will do the best possible job to make you as comfortable as possible and relieve as much pain as possible so you can live a more normal, pain free life.

Until later,
Caesar...

Adidas 1

The Adidas 1 is the newest impact reduction footwear on the market retailing at $250. So, we decided to test them out to see how they performed against the Z-CoiL footwear. Adidas describes them as follows:

- Using a magnetic sensor beneath the heel, the adidas_1 monitors changes in impact, pace and ground condition 1,000 times per second.
- A tiny microprocessor, beneath the arch, is the brain of the shoe; capable of 5 million decisions every second; It reads the data from the sensor and uses it to figure out the level of cushioning you need.
- Then the microprocessor sends instructions to a small but powerful motor that adjusts the cushioning level to give you the optimal level of performance

Sounds great, right? Well, my 16 year old cross country track runner decided to put them to the test. Here's a brief synopsis of the shoe from Matt:

"I am a 16 year old cross country runner for Los Gatos High School who has experienced severe pain in my knees due to growing pains. The terrain that I ran was a combination of asphalt roads, running trails and mountain dirt trails. It varied from very flat to very steep with most of it being on hilly terrain. It has 5 different softness settings, so I set it on the softest to help with my knee issues.

"The shoe was much heavier than any of my other running shoes due to the extra weight of the magnet, spring, cable and microprocessor. The material on the shoe was very stiff and I received blisters in the heel and on the side of the ball of my foot the first time I ran in them. After some modifications of the heel and some point stretching on the ball, the blister issue was resolved. The front sole of the shoe, though, was stiff which made going up hill difficult. They did reduce the impact on my knees and reduce the pain while running.

"After 67 miles and less than two weeks, the right shoe started rattling and felt different than the left shoe. The magnet had come loose in the heel and the microprocessor was not sensing the impact correctly, causing issues with my right knee. I exchanged those for a new pair, made the same adjustments for the heel and ball of the foot and began the trial again. After 34 miles and less than one week, the left shoe was rattling and once again the magnet had come loose. This time, the shoe would constantly adjust itself from soft to hard to soft again while running! These wreaked havoc on my knees to say the least! It was decided not to try a third pair for fear of causing injury.

"I would not recommend these shoes to anyone!" concludes Matt.

As you can see, the shoe did not hold up. With the Z-CoiL's, we can replace and repair the heel if necessary. Also, the uppers of the Z-CoiL are much softer and can be stretched easily if necessary. We have no batteries nor microprocessors so the longevity of the shoe is greater and care of the shoe is much easier.

Revolutionize the shoe industry? I don't think so... at least not with the Adidas 1.

Till later,
Caesar...

Hip day!

Today was an interesting day in that all customers had hip issues!

The first person of the day had already undergone two hip replacements and it was time to get one replaced again. Just like our "real" hips, artificial hips will wear out to. This young lady came into the store limping and it was evident that she was in pain. She tried on a pair of Z-CoiL's and walked around a bit. After just a few moments, she just stood in one place, shifting her weight from one leg to another and said "Hmmmmmm." I asked if that was a good "Hmmmmmm" or a bad "Hmmmmmm!" She replied that she could not believe it but her hip wasn't hurting! She walked around a bit more, but decided she needed to do some more research on Z-CoiL's before she took the plunge and invested in this unique footwear. I think she will be back... and she's probably reading this as I write!

Another person had a hip replacement and her other hip was starting to go. She did not want to go through another surgery at age 71, so that brought her into our store. After wearing them for awhile, her daughter noticed that she was not limping in the Z-CoiL's! It took awhile to fit her due to her pronation, but I think we got it!

There were several other hip issues also, and we managed to get Z-CoiL's on their feet and in all cases, the pain was greatly reduced or totally disappeared.

The bottom line is that the natural shock absorption that we have does wear out over time. Z-CoiL's add that shock reduction back, supplementing what you have left, and the net effect is that the pain is reduced or eliminated!

Till later,
Caesar...

Another free pair given away!

One of our great customers, Marilyn Carstens, came in to purchase a pair of the bone sandals and in the process qualified to claim a free pair of Z-CoiL's as she reached her referral target of 10 people that purchased footwear.

Marilyn is the kind of person who doesn't do it because she wants the credit, but instead she does it because she wants to help people! She hands out many cards and doesn't even give her name as the referral to the people.

"I just want them to be pain free and enjoy a better life," says Marilyn.

While she was in the store, she saw someone walking by that she knew could use Z-CoiL's and she literally herded the person into the store. Once we got the shoes on this person's feet, she was in love and purchased because the pain in her feet was much less.

You can view Marilyn's story by clicking here!

Our thanks go out to Marilyn and her husband Patrick for their work in making people's life easier through the use of Z-CoiL's!

Till later,
Caesar...