Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™

Our August newsletter is out.

2011-08-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest news on our products! Plus a special for all of you educators out there...

August is proving to be hot and we have some great sorbet recipes too!

www.ez-shoes.com/news.htm

Somnio Closeout! Great prices!

2011-08-16T15:10:00.000-07:00

Somnio Footwear

I know that many of you have become Somnio
fans since we have been carrying them,
including me! But it appears that they are
struggling big time!

I placed an order several months ago and
have not been able to receive any shoes. I placed several phone calls and
sent many emails but have had absolutely no response. I took a drive to
their headquarters and it was vacant. I reached a previous sales rep and
was told that they got rid of all of their sales reps. I talked with several other
dealers, and they are having the same delivery problems as I am having.

I finally called their sales line and reached a real person and said “I want
to talk to someone about dealer sales.” The response I received was
“We no longer have any dealers. The shoes are only sold online.” Hmm...
I could have sworn that I was a dealer! Why was I not notified that I was
no longer a dealer? Not a way that I would do business… but we all
have a different view of integrity. Be very, very careful if you order them
online. They may never get delivered. If by some chance, you do get them
from the online store, we will fit them for a fee.

So, we will be closing out all Somnio’s at $99.95 until all are gone. It is
very sad since they are great shoes with great technology. Unfortunately,
the company's ethics do not match up to the technology…

Our latest newsletter is out.

2011-06-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

We have a special for Father's day so check out the newsletter. Some great recipes for that Fourth of July Barbeque plus some more information on the Joya shoes! Check it out! http://www.ez-shoes.com/news.htm

Joya, the World's Softest Shoe, has arrived!

2011-06-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

I am very particular when it comes to shoes, since I have foot, knee and back issues. There are not a lot of shoes on the market that I can wear without being in pain.. but I found another to add to my very, very short list! Although they are not touted as a pain relief shoe, they do keep my pain in check.

As they say on their website: Joya uses futuristic internationally patented Sole Technology that delivers a sensation while walking that has really never before been encountered. You are given the emotional experience of walking effortlessly on a concrete planet. It's not about sculpting and toning a chiseled physique. It's not about being the "cure-all" shoe for orthopedic pain. It's simply about making walking a joyful and effortless experience.

And they have a real winner here! Come on in and try some on. You won't regret it.

No Sales Tax Event!

2011-04-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

With tax time upon us, we have decided to help out with the tax burden that everyone faces. From now until April 23, you will pay NO SALES TAX on any item in our store! With the cost of sales tax in California, that is a huge savings. So don't delay... we will see you in the store.

Check out our latest newsletter...

2011-03-19T18:38:00.000-07:00

We just published our latest newsletter with some great news for the Spring - the SideWinder Sandal is back for one last run in a very limited quantity. We are taking preorders at this time and they will arrive in the store next week. We are only getting 30 pair so don't delay! Act now to get yours reserved.

Al Gallegos, inventor or Z-CoiL footwear, Turns 80!

2011-03-04T18:29:00.001-08:00

Our beloved inventor of Z-CoiL footwear turns 80 years old this month! Al is such a great person who is full of zest and energy that we thought it would be great to send him a birthday card with well wishes from his customers who's lives he has touched.

We have in our store a HUGE birthday card and we invite all of you to come in and sign the card, writing Al a message about how his wonderful invention has changed your life. Don't worry, it is plenty big to accommodate all of you!

We sincerely hope you can take a few moments to pay us a visit and send well wishes Al's way. He will be absolutely thrilled! We have a little thank you treat for those of you that can spare the time to come in. The last day to sign the card will be Friday, 3/11, in order to get it to him in time for his birthday.

Click here for more information!

Thanks for your support and we look forward to seeing you in the store!

Our latest newsletter is out!

2011-02-16T18:05:00.000-08:00

Click here for great specials like 40% off Aetrex footwear and significant discounts on Smnio and Z-CoiL footwear!

Rolling the prices WAAAAY back!

2010-11-24T12:15:00.000-08:00

You have to do your feet and body a favor and check out these fantastic prices on Z-CoiL Footwear! Selection and quantity won't last long so come in early to take advantage of this great offer.

Happy Thanksgiving! Check out our latest newsletter!

2010-11-24T12:08:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving Holiday. It is truly a time to be thankful for everything we have, including our loyal customers.

Check out the great deals that we have for you until the end of the year! Click here...

Somnio Casual Shoes have arrived!

2010-10-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

And boy are they comfortable. Leather uppers in two styles that will make getting through the day much easier. The Corporate Climber is great for all day wear, hiking, or work. The Boardwalk for men is a nice looking casual/semi-dress shoe for retail, restaurant work or everyday wear.

They look and feel great! Click here for more information.

Our latest newsletter is out!

2010-10-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

If you haven't checked it out, you better get to it now! Specials on Z-Walkers, sandals and Aetrex. Click here to get your own copy. And while you are at it, sign up so you don't miss a single issue!

Stable versus unstable rocker shoes - What's the difference?

2010-10-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of hype in the market right now about rocker sole shoes and what they can do for you. The market is growing at an unbelievable rate. One of the most popular is the Skecher Shape-up. What people do not realize is that there are two categories of rocker sole shoes: stable and unstable.

The unstable rocker sole shoes, like Skecher and MBT, allow your foot to move in all planes. In other words, not only just back to front, but also a lot of side to side motion. This works your core muscles more and is touted to tone all of the muscles in the legs. This works well for many if they have no medical conditions. One of the issues with an unstable rocker shoe is that if you have issues with flat feet, overpronation, weak ankles or weak knees, they can actually make matters worse. There is a class action lawsuit right now about exaggerated claims and injuries regarding these shoes.

The stable rocker shoes, like Z-CoiL and Tenevis, are more controlled and prevent a lot of the side to side motion so your gait cycle is more secure. Your body moves in the direction that it is supposed to move. Your alignment is better and you do not have as much rocking and rolling in your joints. The impact reduction and smoother gait makes you feel great.

Our philosophy at this point is to carry shoes that help you, not hurt you! If you are in the market for a rocker shoe, try Z-CoiL or Tenevis before you buy one of the unstable rockers. Your body will thank you as a result.

Our latest newsletter is out!

2010-10-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

We have some great specials going on for the month of October. This includes the popular Z-Walker at $185, Spenco and Fitflop sandals at 20% off and most of our Aetrex footwear at 30% off! These are some really great deals but they won't last long. Come on in now for the savings! Here is a link to our latest newsletter. Enjoy!

It's a pain scale from 1 to 10!

2010-09-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

We are trying to do our best to meet the needs of all of our customers. Some people that come into the store have minimal pain, maybe in their heel, and some people have severe pain in various parts of their bodies. We are on a quest to find the right solutions for everyone.

OeTZI3300 Suede

Take for instance a person who has minor plantar fasciitis with minimal pain in their heel. The OeTZI3300 has great arch support and a gel pad in the heel. Or maybe just a Lynco orthotic with a cupped heel pad and great support will meet their needs. An Aetrex shoe, which is double depth to provide room for your orthotic and accommodates hammertoes well, is also a great choice in this arena. Or an Arcopedico to ease the pressure on the bunion works well for many people.

Somnio Runaissance

Someone who has pain in the ball of the foot will do well with a pair of Somnio's and a Cluffy Wedge since we can adjust the amount of cushioning in the shoe. We can also adjust the arch support and resolve pronation issues with the Somnio with the different various wedges and insoles that they provide. These shoes are great for runners or people that are on their feet all day.

Z-CoiL Bella

Customers with more severe pain are best suited with Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear or Tenevis to really reduce the impact on their whole skeletal system. Both are rocker shoes that ease the impact on either the heel or the ball of the foot. Of course, these shoes also work well on any level in the pain scale.

Tenevis La Jolla

We try to meet your needs, whether it is a one or a ten! And we are always on a quest to find more solutions for your issues... whether it be pain related or just dog-tired after a hard day at work! So, give is a try and see what we can do for you.

It is all about "customized comfort and freedom from pain"!

The OeTZI3300 has arrived!

2010-09-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

The OeTZI3300 is a very unique shoe made with oiled suedes or canvas with a breathable yet stretch sock liner and a cork footbed designed for comfor that gradually molds to the individual footscape. They also contain a gel insert in the heel for impact reduction with every step. The antimicrobial cork foootbed combined with the soft sued or canvas upper provides an unparalleled walking experience!

OeTZI3300 takes you on a journey back in time to a prehistoric man called "Oetzi" who has been carbon dated to 3300 B.C. His mummified body, unveiled from his frozen state by global warming was wearing nothing more than the basic essentials he needed for survival - gear for protection and warmth, as well as a unique pair of shoes.

Inspired by the simple yet functional design of Oetzi's shoes, OeTZI3300 needed to be environmentally responsible and promote the art of well being. They are remastering the essentials from the past in a fresh and relevant way. They use no glues in their shoes and are also a part of a project that is working to provide financial assistance to the Arthritis foundation, since Oetzi's body showed signs of arthritis.

We are currently carrying the classic suede and the black/white canvas styles. A truly remarkable shoe at a great price, I am sure you will love how they feel on your feet!

Introducing Tenevis!

2010-08-26T15:29:00.001-07:00

We have found a great new shoe for women that is specifically designed for walking. Imagine a shoe that will reduce the impact by 40%, change your posture, tone your legs, and reduce pain. The Tenevis shoe is an incredible shoe that will do all that plus it is adjustable! We can vary the amount of cushioning in the heel, add an orthotic or build up the arch support to fit your needs. The Tenevis La Jolla's are the cutting edge of technology at a very affordable price. People describe them as "walking on air". Lightweight and comfortable for standing on your feet all day or walking miles.

They have a second style, the Cardiff, which is similar to the Sketcher Shape-up, but better quality at a price tag less than $100. A double rocker sole that is extremely cushioned and stable.

Tenevis produced a limited number of shoes for the United States market to test the waters and they are flying off of the shelves. There are only a handful of dealers in the United States, and we happen to be lucky enough to be one of them. These shoes are limited at this time, but if you want a soft, cushioned ride, you have to come in and try these! You can find out more information by watching this video here.

San Francisco store closing July 27, 2010

2010-07-27T13:29:00.000-07:00

We regret to inform you that the San Francisco store closed on July 27, 2010. We are still available to service your need in the San Jose location at 2077 Camden Ave, San Jose, CA 95124. (408) 558-9596. The parking is free and plentiful and the tax rate is less plus there are lots of great restaurants in the plaza to chose from.

If you are a previous San Francisco location customer and need more shoes, give us a call and we may be able to customize them and ship them to you by mail.

Thanks for your understanding.

Come join us for a Somnio Fitting event and receive a free hat!

2010-07-15T17:28:00.000-07:00

Somnio will be hosting a special fitting event at our San Jose store on Saturday, July 24, 2010 from 10am to 7pm. Company representatives will be on hand to answer any of your questions and fit you in the most comfortable running shoe that you have ever had on your feet! Buy a pair of customized Somnio shoes and receive a free run hat.

We are locatd at 2077 Camden Ave in the Camden Park shopping center at the corner of Camden and Union Ave in San Jose. We hope to see you there!

To read more about Somnio shoes, visit our website at www.ez-shoes.com/somnio.htm.

The July Newsletter is out!

2010-07-15T17:22:00.000-07:00

We have several new products in our San Jose store, including shoes by Somnio, Alegria, Arcopedico and a new one that has just come into the states. Our focus has expanded and we are adding products that are customizable, comfortable and help with pain related issues and fatigue. We want you to enjoy life and will do everything we can to make that possible! Come in and try on some of the new styles.

Don't Call Them Flip-Flops: Spenco Total Support Sandals | Practical Travel Gear

2010-07-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a great article about the Spenco Total Support Sandals. We are having a hard time keeping them in stock! They have fantastic arch support and are super comfortable. You gotta come in and try some on. Summer is here as evidenced by the 94 degree weather this week!

Don't Call Them Flip-Flops: Spenco Total Support Sandals Practical Travel Gear

Our latest newsletter is out!

2010-06-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

Our latest newsletter just hit our site. Click here for your copy or to sign up for our mailing list. We do not sell, trade or give away your information. It is always safe with us! We frequently run subscriber-only specials, so if you are looking for deals that are not on our website, subscribe today.

Right now, we are offering a discount for today and tomorrow (June 19-20, 2010) to get your dad something special for Father's Day! Hurry and don't miss the great price. We also have other gifts that are great for your Dad, like soft, comfortable, cushioned Thorlo and Aetrex socks or how about some Xtenex laces to make their tie shoe into a slip on. They will be in your thoughts every day as they get dressed! Just no tie, OK?

Happy Father's Day to all you Dad's out there! I hope you have a great day with your family. I have to work... :-(

Somnio Running Shoes - our latest addition!

2010-06-16T14:08:00.001-07:00

Over the course of the last two years, we began a search for other products that could assist people in their quest for pain relief and came across several different products which our customers love.

Our latest product, Somnio Running shoes, are very adjustable and allow us to tailor the shoe to meet a person's specific issue. We can make the heel strike or ball of the foot softer, we can deal with pronation issues and also handle different arch types. It is one of the only shoes, besides my tried and true Z-CoiL shoes, that I can actually wear for a full day without having pain in my hip and my knees. It is really exciting technology and customers that have purchased them are raving about their comfort.

If you want a shoe that is more lightweight than Z-CoiL footwear, then come in and give these a shot. Great for walking, running or standing on your feet all day.

I haven't blogged for almost two years now...

2010-03-05T19:10:00.000-08:00

All of our current news and specials are sent out via email monthly so if you want to be included, please visit www.ez-shoes.com/news.htm and sign-up! You won't miss any of our specials, recipes, health articles and more! Someday, I will get back to blogging... I hope!

Update from Patricia Kane...

2008-05-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

I sent the link to the entry in the blog about Patricia to her and she added the following:

"I really do think that you should mention about "my Masseuse running 12 miles each morning up the grades of Jamestown/Sonora who warned me 3 years before to buy them and about your own health story about how you can run again. I think it would encourage folk that they can again get their sport together--the shoes make it possible.

Your personal story really inspired me and your employee who went home who told me that cosmetologists, barbers, doctors, lawyers, and welders all stand on their feet and buy your product. These are the people that should know what works, have the money to buy the best, and buy your shoes--what a testimonial!

Furthermore, the cost of your quality shoes was cheaper than my Sass shoes, a former standard shoe among my friends.

Just a thought of what you could add to your blog from me.

Sincerely, your fan, Patricia Kane"

So, all you people on your feet all day or those that really want to get back into an active lifestyle, give Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear a chance! It might change your life!

Until later,

Caesar...

Newsletter subscription

2008-04-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

We have a newsletter that you can easily subscribe to. It is sent out 6-8 times per year at this time and contains advance notice of new styles, product additions, sales and other tidbits of information. To subscribe, click here.

Till later,

Caesar...

Testimonial - Patricia Kane

2008-04-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

I remember Patrica well, since she came into our store at 10 minutes until closing and needed a pair of Z-CoiL footwear. She had driven many miles to get to the store and we proceeded to fit her in a pair of SideWinder Sandals. Patricia works at a local college and has turned many other people at the college on to Z-CoiL Footwear. It turns out they had a lot more benefit than she even expected...

"When I bought them, I only wanted good shoes--what I got was an unexpected bonus of a much needed 5 hours night of sleep that I hadn't had in a while!" says Patricia. "I own an over $5K machine for my sleep disorder. I never imagined that the pain was from my feet and knees and that your Z-Coil would assist me in getting a good night of rest!

"I don't need to see the podiatrist as often, the better news is that I walk erect, something that that physical therapist wanted me to do more of, and I can walk with more ease now," Patricia adds.

"Thank you for your amazing product! They look great and I am not the least embarrassed to wear them-- I am doing all in my power to spread the good news of your remarkably good shoes. Thanks for your newsletter! Good luck in business!" she concludes and signs it "Your Fondest Fan."

As Patricia found out, everything's connected and everything can be related. If your knees are hurting, it might be due to your foot alignment. If your hip is hurting, it might be due to your posture. Z-CoiL Footwear can resolve many different issues due to the unique nature of the shoes. So come on in and give them a try... The only thing you have to lose is your pain!

Till later,

Caesar...

In Memory of Kathleen Bolton

2008-04-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

If you live in the Bay Area, you might have recently remembered hearing about an accident that occurred in Stern Grove in San Francisco where a woman was killed by a falling redwood tree branch while she was loading her dog into her car. That woman was Kathleen Bolton, a enthusiastic, fun-loving, vibrant woman and a very avid Z-CoiL supporter.

I had the pleasure of dealing with Kathleen on many occasions, since she had several pairs of our footwear and was a bit of a tough fit due to her issues causing her to have to return to the store for adjustments. Whenever Kathleen would enter the store, it would light up! She always had a smile on her face and was so full of energy. We talked about everything while she was there and there was never a dull moment! I especially enjoyed it when there was another customer, because I could sit back and just listen to Kathleen sell the other customer on Z-CoiL footwear! I never had to say a word and the other customer always bought! It was amazing...

She had a zest for life and a love for her animals. I had the pleasure of meeting many of her friends also, since she would refer them into the store and I know that she will be missed by many. She was a truly remarkable person!

Till later,

Caesar...

The Transformation has begun!

2008-04-16T18:50:00.000-07:00

You've seen them... people walking around everyday with a piece of thin rubber on their feet called a flip flops! Did you know that they are the worst thing possible for your feet? No protection, no arch support, and no cushioning...

In a recent article published in USA Today, a spokesperson for the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons says "Flip-flops were never meant to be everyday shoes. They were meant to wear from the locker room to the pool and back." Common foot ailments associated with ordinary flip-flops can include heel and arch strain, heel calluses and hammertoes. (Read the full article here).

Well, we have the solution. Although Z-CoiL's still remain the most cushioned, impact reduction footwear on the market, the "fitflop" provides much more than an ordinary flip flop provides. Many of our customers are looking for that wear-it-around-the-house shoe, or that go-to-the-bathroom-in-the-middle-of-the-night shoe or even that I-want-to-go-to-the-beach-and-not-get-my-ZCoils-dirty shoes. The "fitflop" is the perfect solution!

It provides 38% impact reduction, cushions the body with every step, and even more, tones your legs as you wear them! I won't guarantee that you will end up with legs like Cameron Diaz, but it will help! The "fitflop" was developed in a biomechanics lab in London and this revolutionary footwear activates the muscles in your feet, calves thighs and buttocks, while helping you maintain better posture! It is a perfect shoe to wear when you need something to slip on around the house or while going to the beach.

We just got them in last week and they are selling like hot cakes! Many customers are buying them as an adjunct to their Z-CoiL's. We have several colors available for a cost of $49.95. Come in and try a pair on! You will be glad you did!

Till later,
Caesar...

A Transformation!

2008-04-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

During the course of the next few months, our stores here in the San Francisco/San Jose area will be going through a transformation! Our goal has always been to be the ultimate pain relief center for our customers here in the Bay area, but we realized we were falling short... Not everyone can wear Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear for some reason or another. Even our most loyal customers want a shoe that is good to wear to the bathroom in the middle of the night, or once a week to church or even on the beach on a Sunday without having to put on their Z-Coil shoes for fear of getting them dirty.

After talking to some other dealers and doing some research, we found some other shoes that will benefit our customer community immensely. We will be adding lines of shoes to our store that compliment Z-CoiL footwear. We still want to provide impact reduction and relieve the stress that concrete puts on your body, but we will not be adding just the run-of-the-mill footwear. Every style we select will provide incredible impact reduction, although not as much as Z-CoiL's, and will help our customers achieve their goal of being pain-free.

We will also be carrying a new line of orthotics that work extremely well inside of a Z-CoiL shoe or can work in that go-to-church-on-Sunday shoe that you still put on occasionally.

This will also require some rework of the stores in order to be able to display the new lines of shoes, so there will be a couple of days where we will need to close. We will publish those dates ahead of time so that hopefully you will not make a wasted trip to the store.

The first of these new lines of shoes will hit within the next week. Keep your eyes peeled here for more information!

Till later,

Caesar...

Testimonial - Lori Byrd

2008-03-31T17:49:00.000-07:00

We recently sent out a newsletter and I received an unsolicited testimonial from one of our customers. She is a flight attendant at a well known airline who was having difficulty with the long hours they were having to keep. Can you imagine being on an airplane, up and down the aisles for hours dealing with customers... keeping that smiley face on at all times?

"Thank You,Caesar!" said Lori. "Z-coil saved my career! I am a flight attendant. Our adjusted contracts demand more hours in flight.Yeah, my colleagues laugh at my ugly shoes. I walk like Tigger,but at the end of a day above my colleagues' moans you can still hear me laugh feeling no pain! " she concludes.

This isn't the first career that Z-CoiL footwear has saved! In many cases, we have people on their feet all day, whether it be a flight attendant, restaurant personnel, medical professional or retail clerk, our footwear makes it much easier to make it through the day!

Until later,

Caesar...

Referrals...

2008-03-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

As all of our customers know, we have a referral program here at our store. If you refer 10 people that buy shoes, you get a free pair! We give out several pair per month to lucky people who help us spread the word about Z-CoiL footwear. How we do it? We ask every customer who referred them into the store and record their answer as they tell it to us. Sometimes the people are very specific and tell us Joe Customer. Sometimes it is more vague like "Jean or Jeanette something that goes to our church." Many times it is even more vague than that, like "someone I saw on the street and they gave me a card but I lost it." This makes our job of keeping track of the referrals very difficult, but we try our best to match them up when possible.

At least once a month I will have a customer tell me that they should be attheir 10 pairs, so we look them up and see only 5 people that mentioned them as referrals. Hmmm... so why the discrepancy? We ask them for the names of the people that they know they referred and that bought shoes and many times we find that the person gave someone elses name or they told us they couldn't remember the name or they told us they saw us in the newspaper. We have absolutely no control over what people tell us when they buy the shoes... we just write it down!

Another situation that comes up is that a person will refer someone in and a husband and wife come in. The wife will give us the name of the person that originally sent them in and the husband will give us the wife's name. Again, we just write it down...

So, please do not get angry with us... we do not make the entries up but just record what we are told...

Till later,

Caesar...

Our Quarterly Newsletter and Sandal Sale!

2008-03-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

Our quarterly email newsletter has been sent out talking about the Good Question piece that was on the news, some reviews on yelp.com and a sandal sale! You can download the newsletter by clicking here!

In the newsletter, I talked about reviews on yelp.com. Unfortunately, I only listed the link for the San Francisco store. Here is the link for the San Jose Store: Click here. Some good and some bad reviews, but the nice thing about yelp.com is that you are entitled to your opinion!

We managed to purchase over 70 pair of SideWinder Synthetic sandals at a reduced price so we are passing the savings on to you! The current price for the sandals is $189.95 but we have the synthetic sandals on special for $149.95 starting this Saturday, 3/15. They are on a first come, first serve basis with no returns and no additional discounts given. So come on in and get yourself a pair for summer! While supplies last!

Till later,

Caesar...

TV News KPIX San Francisco - What Are Z-CoiL Shoes?

2008-03-05T11:17:00.000-08:00

CBS 5 Eyewitness News answer man Ken Bastida visits the San Francisco Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ store to test out a pair of Z-CoiL Footwear.

Click here to watch Video

Unfortunately, he had the name of our store wrong, did not give any identifying information like location, website or telephone, and basically concentrated on the strange look rather than the benefits that our footwear can provide! Needless to say, I was very disappointed... maybe because I take the job of helping people live a pain free life very seriously... a commitment to our customers... Well, as they say, sometimes bad press is better than no press at all!

After you listen to it, if you feel you have a story to tell about your Z-CoiL experience, please email Ken Bastida at the following address: mailto:bastida@kpix.cbs.com?subject=Z-CoiL Footwear. Maybe he will understand that we are about changing people's lives!

Till later,

Caesar...

It's been awhile...

2008-03-04T16:21:00.000-08:00

A long, long, while! I actually have gotten several notes from people asking where I have been and why haven't I kept up my blog? Well, the answer is simple... kinda, sorta... I purchased the San Francisco location from Marifran Mazza on May 2, 2007. Marifran is now leading a more relaxed lifestyle and is being missed by her customers, but we will ensure we give the same high quality service that we are known for in her absence. Leading up to the purchase was a lot of research and work to understand what it meant to run two stores 60 miles apart. Since the purchase, we have done a lot of work tying the two stores together to try and ensure we have a balanced inventory which meant a lot of new computer systems... We now have both stores linked, the policies the same, and carry the same styles at both stores!

We also changed the names of both stores to Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear (formerly EZ Shoes and Z-Connection.) This has helped us get some better brand recognition for our great product!

So, I have made this promise before... I will try and get better at posting on a regular basis! There is always so many interesting and life-altering things that happen in our stores that we want to let the world know!

Thanks for being patient and we look forward to a bright future in the Z-CoiL world!

New Test Drive / Return Policy!

2008-02-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

We have instituted a new test drive and return policy, not that anyone would want to return their Z-CoiL's!

If you are dissatisfied with your footwear for any reason during the first 14 days after purchase, you may either:

Visit any participating Z-CoiL® distributor for a free fitting adjustment or repair; or
Return the footwear during the first 7 days with your sales receipt to the store that you purchased it from in San Jose or San Francisco for an exchange of equal value or for a refund (minus a $10 return fee to cover costs) provided the footwear is in like-new condition and in the original box. After 7 days, you will be charged a return fee of 20% to cover cleaning and repackaging of the product or the costs associated with returning the product to the home office.

We have faith in our product and want you to know that you can feel comfortable trying Z-CoiL Footwear to relieve your pain. We do hope that if something is not right with the footwear, that you give us a chance to adjust them and make them right... but if we can't, rest assured that you can get a refund.

Until later!

Caesar...

Sea To Shining Sea Walk for Diabetes! Correction...

2007-02-12T14:00:00.000-08:00

***** I had their website wrong but it has since been corrected... my apologies *****

What an incredible story this is! 4 people have started a journey across the country, 3 on foot and one driving a motor home for support. They will go from San Diego, CA to Savannah, GA, a total of 2,850 miles! Z-CoiL Corporation donated 2 pair of Z-CoiL footwear each for their trek to make the trip more pleasant.

The trip is very ambitious considering the time of year and the unpredictable weather, but they are doing it for a good cause, and that is to raise awareness for diabetes. Here is some information on the trip and where you can send money if you care to donate to their diabetes awareness or help pay their expenses.

The Trip: San Diego, CA to Savannah, GA
Distance: Approximately 2850 miles
Goal: Walk 20 - 25 miles per day
The Dates: Saturday Jan. 27, 2007 - ?

The walkers are Byron Moats, Wyatt and Margie Moats. Byron's wife, Julia Moats will be driving their motor home, which will be our base support and lodging most of the time. We are walking for the American Diabetes Association. We are hoping to raise awareness of the following:

A. The Dangers of Diabetes
1. High Blood Pressure
2. Heart Disease
3. Stroke
4. High Cholesterol
5. More Prone to Infections

B. The Necessity of Good Exercise Habits
1. Walking Reduces Blood glucose levels
2. Proper Diet Helps Control Glucose Levels

We have two goals:
1. Raise $10,000 for the American Diabetes Assn.
2. Raise $10,000 for our expenses on the walk

Our expenses will include gas for the motor home, food, and occasional lodging in motels to do laundry and just "recharge our batteries." We are about half way to our goal for expenses with about $5,000 in the bank. We are about 1/4th of the way in our quest for ADA funds.

To make a Donation:
To the American Diabetes Association: Please send a check or money order to:
ADA
Attention to Beth Hefner
1900 Powell St. Suite 120
Emeryville, CA 94608.
Please make a notation on the envelope and the check stating it is for "Walk '07".

To help cover the Moats' expenses: Please send check or money order to:
Wyatt Moats
1900 Plymouth Dr.
Providence Village, TX 76227.

You can follow their progress at http://www.c2c4ada.com/.

We wish them success in their journey!

Till later,
Caesar...

A Kodak Moment!

2007-02-12T13:34:00.000-08:00

We regularly see people's lives being impacted to some degree in the store, but this last weekend, it was one of those "I wish I had a camera right now!" type of moment...

A woman came barely walking into the store and just made it into a chair. She said that her sister made her come into the store to try a pair on so she is doing what her sister wants. She explained that she has really bad arthritic knees and her sister thought Z-CoiL footwear might help. A minute later, her sister walked in, who is one of our customers that owns several pair of Z-CoiL shoes. The first woman, Susie, didn't really seemed to be too much into trying these shoes on. She was just waiting for her third sister to get back with aspirin so she could ease the pain somewhat in her knees.

I went through my normal explanation about the makeup of the Z-CoiL shoe and the benefits and Susie picked out a style. We got them on her feet and she began walking around, focusing of course on the fit of the shoe. The one she tried was not the best style for her foot, so she tried on a few others. Each time, she was walking more and more, and her pace was getting faster and faster as she walked around the store. Her posture changed dramatically and no longer was she bent over so much. Her gait went from a flat-footed stomp to an actual heel/toe walk because she was able to move her knees better and the rocker sole was giving her benefit. You would not have believed it was the same woman that walked in the store just 40 minutes previously! Well, both of the sisters took note and mentioned to Susie about how straight she was standing and how well she was walking. It finally hit Susie, and she rushed over to her her sister and started hugging her, saying "I can Walk again! I can walk! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Then they both started crying with tears of joy...

Those are the kind of days that make this job so wonderful! Neither she nor I will forget that day...

Till later,

Caesar...

Z-Buzz Newsletter Winter 2007

2007-01-17T08:46:00.000-08:00

The latest version of Z-Buzz, the quarterly newsletter, is available. It contains an article on arthritis, care of your Z-COiL's, new franchises and more! It is available at http://www.ez-shoes.com/zbuzzwinter2007.pdf.

Enjoy!

Till later!
Caesar...

More Than Just a Shoe Store!

2007-01-15T16:55:00.000-08:00

One of my customers, Herb, bought a pair of Z-CoiL's in September and went from a walker to a cane and occasionally no walking aid at all. He's all of about 5'7", very thin and in his 80's. He is a true believer in Z-CoiL's.

He called the other day and said he desperately needed a new pair of Z-Coil's. His wife is sick and he is taking care of her and last night, he was in the living room without his Z-CoiL's and without his walker and she needed him. He told me his Z-CoiL's felt too small and they hurt so he tried to take them off but couldn't (Z-Walker ties). He ended up cutting them off of his feet, straight through the leather in the toe box. Now, I'm wondering what is going on because they were plenty big when he was fit... He said he was trying to get a ride and would be in to see me.

He came in and had Uggs on, was barely able to walk, was very short of breath and the bottom of his pants from about the knee down were soaked. I lifted his pant legs and his legs were about 18" in diameter and draining water out of his legs. Considering that he is a very skinny guy, this was serious. But he didn't want to deal with it... he just wanted another pair of Z-CoiL's so he could walk comfortably! It took me 5 minutes just to get the Uggs off of his feet and his legs and feet looked horrible. Red rash, scratches from where he was using a piece of wood to try and get his Z-CoiL's off, and water just oozing out.

I told him I would not sell him another pair until he got this taken care of and that he needed to get to the hospital. His symptoms were of someone having a serious heart issue and my concern was that he was on the verge of a heart attack. All he cared about was being able to walk so he could take care of his wife and he only way he could walk was with Z-CoiL's. I finally told him that if he agreed to let his ride take him straight to the emergency room (about a 4-5 minute drive), I would not call 911 and I would put a pair of Z-CoiL's on his feet so he could walk to the car and into the hospital, which he agreed to do.

He normally wears a size 10, but there is no way a size 10 would go on his swollen feet. I happened to have a pair of M13 Z-Walker Velcro that had been stretched extremely wide for a customer. I cut the tongue loose, we got them on his feet while his ride went to get the car, and got him out the door. He did not want to leave until he paid me! I told him these were loaners and that we would fit him with his own pair once his legs and feet were back to the normal size, so off he went.

They admitted him with what I believe to be congestive heart failure. They are getting the fluids drained from his body and have him on a regime of various drugs. He is feeling much better but will be hospitalized for a few days.

My point of this whole story? When we see someone who has a medical condition and has not been to a doctor, we will recommend they do so. There are times when we will not sell a pair of Z-CoiL Footwear to a person until they see a doctor. Many times the pain may be in one area but that is just a manifestation of another underlying issue. Although we are neither doctors nor licensed medical professionals, many of the people that come in our store are or should be in the care of a medical professional. We have an obligation to recommend they see a doctor for an evaluation. So, no medical aid is a substitute for medical advice. Make sure you consult a doctor when you have an issue!

Till later,
Caesar...

Christmas Gifts!

2006-12-10T16:32:00.000-08:00

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.

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 carry a wide selection of 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...

Children in Z-CoiLs

2006-11-12T17:28:00.000-08:00

We get asked many times in a month if we fit children in Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear. The answer is: only if there is a medical necessity for them to wear Z-CoiL Footwear. There are a few reasons for that...

First and foremost, kids tend to use their body before their head! Imagine a young girl jumping rope with Z-CoiL Footwear on. The coil would present a danger to them if they caught the rope in it.

Secondly, children's feet are still growing and Z-CoiL Footwear is an investment expected to last several years. I know that my kids outgrew their shoes every 3-6 months, and that would be very expensive if they were wearing Z-CoiL Footwear.

Last, kids can be intimidated by peer pressure. The first time that someone makes a comment about their shoes being a bit different, they might never wear them again, and we do not want closetware!

Now, that being said, I have many children in Z-CoiL Footwear. We talk to them about the dangers of the open coil, we give them responses to tell their friends if they do have a crude comment, and we will fit them a bit big with extra padding so that they will last longer as they grow. We also talk to their parents and ensure that they understand the risks and the benefits of their child wearing Z-CoiL Footwear.

A few examples of the children we have fit:

We have a very special customer who has muscular dystrophy. His feet always hurt and he could not participate in PE or other sports with his friends. He drug his toe and wore out shoes very quickly. With the Z-CoiL Footwear, he is no longer in pain, and he can run, jump, and experience the same childhood his friends are!
We have a young girl who destroyed her feet and knees doing gymnastics from an early age. With her special footwear, she is also living a normal life pain-free.
Another young boy was born with a congenital issue of the ankles and has always caused him severe pain. Again, Z-CoiL Footwear has allowed him to have a more normal childhood.

The list goes on and we have provided great benefit to many children when they are fitted correctly and the child is educated.

Till later,

Caesar...

What a Hectic Month!

2006-10-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

As I had posted, I was out of town for some very intense training for two weeks on my journey to become a pedorthist. I complete the pedorthic training and passed the test for the class! It was 11 days of 8:00AM to 7:30 PM with an hour for lunch with tons of information thrown at us, but I really learned a lot. It will help immensely in understanding people's issues and better fit Z-CoiL's for our customer's problems. I came back home for a couple of days then flew back out to Albuquerque to help out at the International Balloon Fiesta.

Z-CoiL Corporate had a booth there and were selling tons of shoes to people throughout the world! It is great exposure for our innovative product plus if you have never been to the Balloon Fiesta, there is a lot of walking everyday (just to get from the parking lot alone!) plus a huge field where all of the balloons launch from There were 700 balloons representing many different companies. So, here are at least a couple of shots for your enjoyment!

Till later,
Caesar...

Training time!

2006-09-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

I've decided to take courses to become a Certified Pedorthist. So, what is a Pedorthist? Pedorthists are trained in the design, fit and function of shoes and orthotics. They practice both the Âscience and artÂ of making feet comfortable.

As a Z-CoiL retailer, we are always seeing various medical issues that people arsufferingng from and in order to better understand how we can properly fit our customers, I think it is a wise investment for me to take this training...

So, I will be out of the store from Sept 16 through October 1. This will leave us a bit short staffed, so your patience is appreciated as Andrew provides the best service he can in my absence!

If you send any request into through our website, it will not be responded to until after Oct 1, but feel free to call the store for additional information.

Till later,
Caesar...

Great Day!

2006-09-07T16:13:00.000-07:00

How many times a day does someone say to you "Have a great day!" I know I hear it and say it a lot... Yesterday, a couple of things happened to help me understand better what a great day is. It is very relative, depending on your situation.

The first thing in the morning, I was out in the back of the store and noticed our cardboard man making his rounds. He makes a living by going around to shopping centers picking up cardboard boxes and taking them in for recycling. His truck was jammed full of cardboard, much more than normal. I asked him how he was doing, and he said "I'm having a great day! So much cardboard today!" That's what his measure of a great day was. He was smiling from ear to ear.

A little later, I had a customer come in the store. She was helped in by her husband to help steady her. Due to her back and knee issues caused by an automobile accident, she was very unsteady on her feet and in a lot of pain. We fit her for a pair of Z-CoiL Footwear and she was amazed! She could walk without assistance and her pain level had decreased dramatically. She made the comment "This is a great day for me! I just can't believe how much better I feel!" Her measure was the amount of pain relief and stability she had gained from the footwear...

This led to me thinking about my day. We had not sold as many pairs of shoes as I would like to have sold, but I realized that overall it was a great day for me also! I was above ground and breathing, I have a great family, friends and a comfortable home, and I had changed yet another person's life! What else could you ask for...

Till later,
Caesar...

Am I Wearing a MAN's Size???

2006-08-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

I sold a pair of Freedom 2000's to a female customer the other day. She came back into the store yesterday very irate because I sold her a man's shoe! She was a woman's size 9 1/2 and we come in full sizes, but it so happens that a man's size 8 is the same as a woman's 9 1/2 so it was a perfect fit. She returned the shoes, not because they were uncomfortable but because they said men's 8!

Many of our styles are unisex, ranging from a women's size 5 to a men's size 14. Some shoe manufacturers make men's shoes wider than ladies, but that is not the case in Z-CoiL Footwear. Our goal is to ensure that the length and width are appropriate and that the shoe is adjusted correctly, allowing you to experience the pain relief that is possible. We run on the wide side, but we have ways to fit narrow feet and we have ways to deal with half sizes.

Leave the fitting to us! We will fit you in the appropriate size and discuss with you how they feel to make sure they are comfortable. Don't be hung up on what the shoe says. Each manufacturers sizing varies, so if you wear an 8 1/2 but I put you in an 8, it will be because it fits!

Till later,
Caesar...

Vacation time!

2006-08-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

I will be out of the store from Aug 16 through Aug 23. If you send in a request for information, it will not be answered until after that time.

Andrew will be holding down the store and your patience is appreciated.

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Barbara England

2006-08-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

Pictured above is Barbara England, who first came to us in February of 2005. Barbara suffers from Lupus related issues and has had to have her ankle joint fused, which impacts her gait. She first bought a pair of Freedom 2000's in blue and white and has never regretted that decision! A year later, she purchased a pair of black Taos Strap's for more dressy occasions.

"I was in Stanford Emergency and noticed the nurses wearing the shoes (Z-CoiL Footwear)," says Barbara. "They said they could do 12 hour shifts with no pain.

"When I was released, my husband took me to get these shoes. These shoes allow me to walk straight for the first time in 5 years. They have also corrected my posture. They are spectacular!" concludes Barbara.

Barbara was in the store with her daughter looking at new styles. Barbara's daughter and son-in-law purchased two more pair of Z-CoiL Footwear for her since she no longer wears any other shoes except Z-CoiL Footwear!

Till later,
Caesar...

Interesting returns...

2006-08-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

As you are aware, if Z-CoiL's are not working for you, we have a 7 day no risk trial period. We do get some returns, although very few. I was going through the return reasons the other day, and thought I would share a few of the more interesting reasons:

- "I wore them for a full hour and they did not totally get rid of my pain!" You have to understand that this person had severe plantar fasciitis and heel pain for over 5 years and you could see the swelling in the heel. I know what our shoes can do, and in many cases, heel pain will be greatly reduced just by wearing them for a few hours... but to have total relief with such a severe condition as hers in an hour would take a miracle! She did say that her pain was 50% relieved, but that wasn't good enough. If she would only have given them a little more time...

- "I couldn't get into my sports car easily." This customer wore them for 1 day. In that day, her back felt much better and her poster improvement was incredible! We offered many solutions such as Knoty Boy shoelaces to be able to slip in and out of the shoes and wear a different pair of shoes to get in and out of her car, but to no avail...

- "I'm a woman and I am too vain to wear something that looks like that." This woman wore them for five days, and during that timeframe, was able to cut down on her pain medication for her knees, but she decided that she would rather take the pills than wear something that "ugly". As we say, vanity versus sanity... you choose!

- "My sister did not like the looks." This customer had bad back issues and the shoes were helping her tremendously in just a few days. She goes out to lunch twice a week with her sister and her sister did not like them? Who is wearing them? Who is in pain? Not her sister... So, the customer decided to go forward with surgery.

- "They make my foot look big when I look down!" The shoes did help this customer's knees tremendously and she said she was less tired at the end of her 12 hour shift. She decided to keep looking for something that made her feet look smaller.

Maybe I take my job too seriously, but when something works to cut down on the pain with no medication or surgery, why would you want to opt for another choice that is invasive? I wished all of them best of luck and sent them on their way...

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Kathy Phillips

2006-07-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

Kathy is a teacher who was suffering from knee issues. She was getting ready to go on the trip of a lifetime in Patagonia Chile! The map above gives you an idea of her route. She knew she was going to have trouble, so she stopped in to get a pair of Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear. Kathy chose a pair of Freedom 2000's in blue and white to take this trek!

"I bought my first pair the day before I left San Jose for a hike around the mountains of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile in South America," says Kathy. "I was apprehensive about this hike because I have lousy knees and was willing to try anything that would help me finish this hike."The hike was 80 miles and I spread it out over 13 days. The trail was every kind of terrain; flat, steep up, steep down, rocky, boulders, hideous mud slog, straight down the hillside slippery mud, down-climbing rocky areas, wading through the ice cold glacier fed stream...
"My Z-CoiL's worked extremely well on all these kinds of terrain. I credit the shoes with making it possible for me to finish all 80 miles!

"I also have a pair of sandals that work great when teaching," concludes Kathy.

You can see by the pictures that there was some pretty incredible terrain that Kathy covered, and her Z-CoiL's performed great!

Many people in the store are always concerned about having an open coil when they are out hiking. As long as you follow some simple, common sense precautions, you won't have an issue.

Until later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Barbara Miller

2006-07-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

Barbara is a registered nurse who first came into our store in January, 2005 with low back and knee pain. She tried on a pair of Z-CoiL's and what a difference it made!

"A friend recommended Z-CoiL's to relieve my back pain and they did that and more!" says Barbara. "I work on cement floors walking all day caring for patients and before X-CoiL's, my hips and thighs would sting and be severely painful.

"After one day of Z-CoiL's worn at work, no more pain anywhere! I use these forever and ever through all weather and activities.

"Thank you for helping make my professional and personal life so pain-free and give me a great attitude toward life again!" concludes Barbara.

Barbara came in today to buy a pair of sandals for the heat wave we are having to add to her collection of Taos and Zueco clogs.

Independence Day!

2006-07-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

Wow! The summer is almost half over already! Time has flown right by. We have had a very busy time in the store and we thank our customers for your continued success.

Independence Day is very special in that we have the opportunity to celebrate the true freedom we have in America... And Z-CoiL's are very special to many people in that they allow them a different kind of freedom... Freedom from pain! Freedom to live their life in a more productive manner! We are very thankful for having the opportunity to provide this freedom for our customers.

This week, another dealer brought a clip to my attention which says it better than I could ever do. For those of you who are young enough that you don't remember Red Skeleton, he was a movie star and comedian on television back in the 1950's. He created a number of characters and his show was watched by millions. He did this on his show one evening, back when shows were live. It is a bit long, but it is worth listening to! Click here to view the clip.

Enjoy the Holiday... and your freedom!

Z-CoiL's during Recovery!

2006-06-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

As I had reported, I broke three ribs in my motorcycle accident. My feet were both bruised and swollen I could not fit my Freedom 2000's on. My SideWinder Sandals were at the store since I don't ride my motorcycle in them, and all I could fit on my feet the next day were a pair of old non-Z-CoiL sandals. With every step, I could feel the impact echo through my rib cage causing much pain. My wife generously volunteered to take me to the store to get my SideWinders and what a difference they made! Getting rid of the pounding helped tremendously to reduce the pain... not eliminate by any means, but reduce!

I had a woman come into the store a few weeks ago. She had injured one of her ankles and was in an orthopedic boot. Unfortunately, the boot was a half inch higher than her regular shoes, and with the injury, she was coming down much harder on her good leg. Due to the difference in the leg lengths, her hip and back started hurting. She purchased a pair od Z-CoiL's and we adjusted the one for the good ankle. This put her in balance since we are a bit higher than a regular shoe, and the reduction in the impact eased her pain in both the hip and the back! She has since gotten out of the boot and has purchased 3 more pair of Z-CoiL's, which has also helped with the recovery of her injured ankle.

This is not to say that it is the best thing for every type of injury during the recovery phase, but we have been successful with many people in easing the pain as they get through different types of trauma to their body. So, when you have an injury, come and see us!

Till later,
Caesar...

TV Advertising

2006-06-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

Many of you might have noticed our ads now running on your local television station. We were recently given permission to do TV advertising on major networks. This has definitely helped grow our business and busy-ness! It is really interesting to see the attitude of the people that come in off of the ad versus the people who come in due to an encounter with a Z-Coil wearer and who have heard someone's personal account.

Does the word "skeptic" describe it? Pretty close. When a person has had an opportunity to talk to a real live person (especially if it is someone they know), they become more intrigued and curious plus they are filled with hope that these unique shoes can also help them. When it is based on a 30 second ad, their interest is piqued but they are not a believer and in many cases do not have much hope... Many times they won't even try Z-CoiL's on! We had one woman today that saw the ad, drove 45 minutes to the store, but would not even try them on... The worst part is that she was suffering from heel pain, and I don't remember a single case where we were not able to provide some immediate relief in this area.

You do not have to take our word for it to become a believer... try them on, experience them for a week in your environment. If they are still not for you, then what have you lost? Just a trip to the store, nothing more...

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Wanda Elder

2006-06-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

Wanda first came into our store 2 years ago suffering from pain in the ball of her foot. She works as a financial analyst at a local hospital and had seen Z-CoiL's in the hospital plus her sister purchased a pair.

"My sister had terrible plantar fasciitis pain and when she put on Z-CoiLs, she immediately felt better!" states Wanda. "I almost stopped doing aerobics because of the pain in the ball of my foot. I too had instant relief with Z-CoiLs and continue exercising.

Wanda came in to purchase a second pair of Z-CoiL's to be able to swap off with her first pair.

Till later,
Caesar...

I'm Back...

2006-06-20T16:47:00.000-07:00

So, it has been three weeks since I have posted in my blog... and the last post said I would do better at posting every week! I do have a pretty legitimate excuse... I was in a motorcycle accident where my bike slipped out from under me at 50MPH on a curve where a natural spring had developed over the highway. I went down but survived! A few broken ribs, a broken finger, stitches, cuts and scrapes everywhere, but I survived! I was very lucky in that I didn't roll, but slid with the bike and an EMT was two cars behind me who took control of the situation and got the cars stopped and came to my aid. God was on my side that day!

So, my apologies for the lack of posts, but I had to take a bit of time off for healing but I'm back and raring to go!

Till later,

Caesar...

I've been a bad blogger...

2006-05-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

If you look back through my blog, I used to do several entries per week! Lately, it is several per month... I have a million excuses, like vacation of my staff and myself, very busy in the store, taxes, and the list goes on... But in the end, the priority will change and I will do better! I appreciate all of the feedback I get from people that come into the store about the usefulness of the entries and someone today told me that they miss the usual updates!

So, hold me to it... email or post a comment if I slack off!

Till later,
Caesar...

Cushioning

2006-05-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

Many people wonder why we stress the nature of the neoprene material in the front of our footwear. It's really quite simple... Most shoes use an EVA foam, which can compress to nearly 50% of it's depth and over a short period of time, it will remain there. This allows for the shoes to feel very cushioned and soft when you first buy them but within a period of months, you can feel the pavement again.

This is not the case with our shoes. I used to replace my athletic and running shoes every 4-6 months because they would loose that soft feeling. I now have a pair of Freedom 2000's that are close to 3 years old. I wore this pair for two years pretty much every day from 6AM to 8PM and they still feel cushioned! I still wear them when I ride my motorcycle and work in the yard, but wear my Anniversary Z-CoiL's and my sandals now for everyday use.

An interesting article was published that pointed out when you should replace your normal (non-Z-CoiL) shoes

"When Should Running Shoes Be Replaced?"

"Your kicks will cushion for only about 200 miles," says Lance D. Barry, D.P.M., a Georgia podiatrist who has completed 21 marathons. "After 200 miles, the midsole has lost enough impact cushioning to make you more prone to heel pain and carpal tunnel-like symptoms."

Don' t track miles? "Pinch the sole with your thumb on the outside and fingers inside," says Richard Braver, D.P.M., a science adviser to Runner's World. "If your fingers can't compress the sole, it's time for a new pair."

Source: Matt Bean, Men's Health Magazine (NAT) [5/24/06] "

I challenge anyone to take the pinch test with a pair of Z-CoiL's that are a year or two old... it will still compress! The quality materials used in Z-CoiL Footwear outperform all other shoes on the market.

Till later,
Caesar...

Z-CoiL's Help in a Marathon!

2006-05-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

We've featured Dan Crotty before on our website with pictures of him at the top of Mt. Baldy in New Mexico and in Ireland on some very rocky surfaces. Dan originally came to us with bad knees and problems with his feet in December 2003 and had to hike 70 miles in 10 days at Philmont Scout Ranch in the mountains of New Mexico. He did not think he could do it, but he managed the hike with no issues!

This time, Dan took on a team marathon with his relatives in the Big Sur Marathon on Sunday, April 30. The course varied from some straight and level to some pretty interesting terrain.

Here's Dan's comments:

"Hello, Caesar,

The attached photograph shows me near the finish line of the recent Big Sur Marathon. I ran the 5th and last leg of our marathon relay team: five miles up and down three hills.

The Z-coil shoes sure open up possibilities!

Thanks again.
Dan"

Your right Dan... Imagine the possibilities! Congratulations on your latest triumph!

Till later,
Caesar...

EZ Shoes Ranked 6th Among All Dealers!

2006-05-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

EZ Shoes has moved up from the 13th position at the end of 2005 to the 6th position at the end of the first quater of 2006! Our sales have increased tremendously due to additional advertising, word of mouth, and doctor referrals.

This is exciting for us since it not only means that our business is growing, but more importantly, it means that there are many, many more people out there who have benefited from Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear and are able to participate more fully in their day to day activities pain-free!

So, to all of you that have helped make this possible, we send our sincere thanks and look forward to a long and healthy relationship in the future!

Till later,
Caesar...

Vacation time!

2006-04-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

I am off to go skiing for the next 10 days! The store is in the capable hands of Andrew, but you have to be patient if we get a rush in the store! We want to ensure a quality fit and that takes time...

Till later,
Caesar...

Motivation...

2006-03-23T15:10:00.000-08:00

I had a customer come into the store today who has been evangelizing the benefits that she has received from Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear! She went from barely walking to now walking 6+ miles per day. She regularly comes by to pick up more cards to hand out to people, and she was wondering how many people had come in as a referral from her. She was very surprised to hear that no one at all had come in!

That's really not that unusual... it seems like people need to hear about or see Z-CoiL Footwear at least 3 times before they come in. Each time reinforces in their mind the benefits that they might receive and each time a little more sticks...

This week, there were a couple other motivators that were apparent. One of them is vacation! We have had at least 4 people this week who have foot or knee issues and are about to take a vacation of a lifetime... either to Europe, DisneyLand, or Mexico, and know they cannot make it without some help.

Another is that the doctor said to plan for surgery within the next few months in order to remedy the issue they have...

And the last one this week was that the doctor had to increase the amount of pain medication in order for them to "function".

So you see, there are many different reasons people come into the store... what will it take to motivate you and get you to try a pair of Z-CoiL Footwear? More medication? Missing out on a vacation? Surgery? Family problems because you cannot participate?

Don't let it come to that... Come in and at least try a pair on! We don't charge for that... yet!

Till later,
Caesar...

Transformation!

2006-03-20T19:42:00.000-08:00

Wow! I had two different customers come into the store this week... in both cases, it was hard to recognize them! The first person had originally come into the store about 1.5 years ago and was walking with a cane, overweight, and with very poor posture. This week, she no longer was using a cane, had lost over 40 pounds, and was walking incredibly well! The second person originally purchased her shoes about two years ago when she was pregnant. She gained 90 pounds during the pregnancy with twins, but this week, I swear she had lost all of it!

The reason? Exercise... By getting rid of the different pain related issues, they were able to start their exercise program and lose weight! They both looked fantastic, and the whole aura around them was different... Self confident, happier, and pain-free!

That's what we like to see!

Till later,
Caesar...

Z-Walker Slip Resistant Now Available!

2006-03-20T19:37:00.000-08:00

For all of you restaurant workers and people who deal with slippery environments on a daily basis, we now have the Z-Walker SR which sports a slip resistant sole!

The new SR outsole rubber is softer in order to make it resistant to slipping, therefore it may wear out more quickly. Wearing them on abrasive surfaces may also cause quicker outsole deterioration, so they are not recommended for heavy-duty use on rough surfaces.

Supplies are limited and the first shipments come with an extra set of heels as a bonus!

Till later,
Caesar...

New Colors!

2006-03-13T16:02:00.000-08:00

We have had many requests in the past for brown or earthy tones in our shoes. You spoke up and Corporate listened!

We now have in stock a Brown Z-Walker (renamed from the CloudWalker) and a tan Zueco Clog. The Zueco can also be dyed in other brown tones if you prefer a little darker shade. Supplies are currently limited in the store, so come on in and grab yourself a pair!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Michael McMillen

2006-03-13T14:17:00.000-08:00

Michael came into our store in January, 2005 with his wife, Qing, to purchase a pair of footwear. Michael has a severely injured back and had great difficulty walking. He is a college professor and must be on his feet constantly.

"I was walking with a cane and couldn't stand for more than 15 minutes," says Michael. "The day I bought my first of two pair, we stopped at the San Jose Import Car Show. I walked and stood for 6 hours with no cane and no pain!

"Since buying the sandals and the CloudWalkers, I haven't worn any other shoes. I have told all of my co-workers about them. I wear the sandals every fair weather day and my CloudWalkers on poor weather days.

"I have a heart condition and have to walk to keep my blood flowing. Before, I couldn't walk more than 1/2 mile. Now I can do several miles with no strain or pain! Before buying Z-CoiL's, my only medical option was back surgery," concludes Michael.

Michael's wife is about to go to work as an X-Ray tech. She is getting her first pair today. She has witnessed what they have done for Michael and wants to experience the same level of comfort as she tackles her new position.

Till later,
Caesar...

Our Return Policy...

2006-03-02T17:57:00.000-08:00

Because our footwear is unique, we have a unique return policy. If your purchase a pair of footwear from us, we allow you to take them on a 7 day "test drive" to see if they are going to work out for you. We believe in our product and want you to be able to experience it without worrying about money down the drain! We do ask one thing in return... If you are having any issue with the footwear, such as pressure in the arch or increased pain somewhere, come in at your earliest opportunity and let us adjust the footwear. Most times, it is a simple change of the coil or adjustment in the orthotic and it will straighten it out. We can extend the test drive if necessary to have you try the Z-CoiL's for another 7 days. If you are willing to work with us, we are willing to put whatever time is necessary to help you reduce or eliminate your pain.

Our goal is to adjust the shoes as best we can while you are in the store and send you out comfortable. The fact of the matter is that we are changing your alignment plus when you are in your normal environment, you are doing things differently then when you are just walking around the store. Sometimes, we can't totally anticipate what the impact will be and adjustments will need to be made. We take our profession seriously... we want to help people lead a normal, pain-free life. We get a bit frustrated when we get a return from someone who will not work with us when we know that a simple adjustment will take care of the issue. Any footwear that comes back costs us money, which is a part of doing business... but I don't think that it is too much to ask to give us a chance to make it right before returning the footwear!

The other thing that is frustrating is abuse of our return policy. Two cases in point happened this last week. One gentlemen who was suffering from plantar fasciitis and gout came severely limping into the store, barely putting any weight on one foot. His one shoe was barely tied due to the pain he was experiencing. He brought the shoes back 7 days later and returned them saying they did not help. The interesting part was that he was not limping and his shoe was tied normally indicating that the swelling had gone down and he no longer had an issue. Z-CoiL's resolved his issue so he returned them... kind of like a free rental!

The other case was a woman and her husband that each bought a pair. They wore them for a week and returned them. When asked what the issue with the footwear was, they responded that there was no issue, they just thought it would be fun to wear them for a week since we had the "test drive" policy! She told me that they had no intention of keeping them when they purchased! Of course, it cost her nothing but cost me over 15% of the sale...

So, please, if you come into the store to buy a pair of Z-CoiL's, be sure that you really want them to work. Don't do it for fun and don't assume that if the footwear has a pressure point after a couple of days that they cannot be adjusted. We have fit thousands of pairs of shoes and understand what we can and can't do!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Deborah Renner

2006-02-27T18:42:00.000-08:00

Deborah first came to our store in may, 2004 complaining of foot and ankle pain. She is a Retail Supervisor at a large department store, and is on her feet all day, every day, ensuring the operations are running smoothly.

"I constantly had foot and ankle pain due to being on my feet all day," says Deborah. "Since purchasing Z-CoiL Shoes, I no longer have to worry about my feet and ankles. A very good investment for my feet!" concludes Deborah.

Deborah purchased a pair of Brown High Desert Hikers so she had a pair of Z-CoiL's to wear when she was not at work. After 21 months of wear, she also needed to replace the heels on her CloudWalkers... but the shoe itself is still going strong! Not a bad investment!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Christy Camacho

2006-02-27T18:17:00.000-08:00

Pictured above is Christy Camacho and Bill Stamp, who have been wearing Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear for about 2 months. Both were suffering from low back pain and foot pain.

"I used to have a great deal of low back and heel pain," says Christy. "I couldn't walk for more than 1 hour.

"Now with these shoes, I can shop all day long! They are the best investment I have ever made. I am here to buy my second pair. Just love 'em!" concludes Christy.

Bill's back pain is also gone and both of them were in the store to purchase a second pair for wearing when they weren't at work.

Till later,
Caesar...

How Much Time Does It Take?

2006-02-12T16:39:00.000-08:00

This is a question we get all of the time when people call on the phone, and it is not one that is easy to answer! The short and long of it is that it could take anywhere between 30 minutes and several hours.

If you have a "normal" foot (whatever that looks like) with regular arches, a perfect size for the Z-CoiL, not too narrow or wide and a normal gait, it might take 30 minutes if there is no one else in the store.

On the other hand, if you have severe issues with your feet, legs, knees or back and require a lot of adjustments, then it could take a couple of hours.

If there are a lot of people in the store, we try our hardest to service everyone, making the best use of our time. Saturday was a good example. We had a handful of people between 10:00 and 3:00, then the flood gates opened! We had people everywhere and boxes of shoes everywhere. Most people required a fair amount of adjusting and it took us a couple of hours on many of the people. Luckily, there were some returning customers who brought in their current pair which makes it easier to adjust.

So, please plan for adequate time. We want to provide the best fit possible, and if you are rushing the process, we can't guarantee that it will be the best fit possible!

Till later,
Caesar...

You got a screw loose??

2006-02-10T18:39:00.000-08:00

Are your coils loose or are you getting a clicking sound? This is not really common but it can happen... The coil on the Z-CoiL is held on by a screw that is reached by removing the insole. You will see a small flap, and under that flap is the screw.

Sometimes, depending on your use, the screw can come loose. If this happens, either come on in and we will tighten it or use a phillips screwdriver to tighten it up yourself.

If it comes too loose, the top of the coil, called the Z-Nut, can get separated from the coil. This needs to be reglued, which takes about two minutes in the store. Normally, if this happens, you will get a clicking sound. So come on in and we will fix it for you!

Z-CoiL Footwear is more than just a shoe, so sometimes things like this can occur. Hopefully, the pain relief you receive is well worth it!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - JoAnn and Gregory Batcheller

2006-02-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

JoAnn and Gregory live in Southern California and purchased their Z-CoiL's in Grand Junction Colorado in 2002. JoAnn had suffered from a bad lower back, neck issues and migraine headaches. Gregory had similar problems with his back and also his shoulder.

"I saw Z-CoiL's demonstrated at the Christmas Fair," says JoAnn. "The demonstrator let us try on a pair and walk around inside the fair to try them out.

"I was hooked on the shoes immediately! My headaches went away, my back felt immediately better and I have been wearing them religiously since then. I recommend my Z-CoiL's to everybody," concludes JoAnn.

Gregory had similar results from his footwear.

"My Wife and I saw the Z-CoiL's at a Christmas Fair and we each tried a pair on," says Gregory. "We immediately realized that these were the shoes for us...

"Our backs, shoulders and bodies felt better almost immediately. We each bought a pair on the spot! Since then, our family and friends have all bought a pair of the Z-CoiL's," concludes Gregory.

JoAnn's mother and father live in this area, and they recently purchased a pair for each of them. She was sharing that her mother was barefoot a couple of weeks ago and tripped over a treadmill and fell, seriously injuring herself. She had been in bed not able to walk. JoAnn came into town and told her to put her Z-CoiL's on and they were going out to eat. Sure enough, with her Z-CoiL Footwear, she was able to stand and walk to the car and into the restaurant, where she couldn't without them!

Till later,
Caesar...

Revitalize your Z's!

2006-01-25T17:02:00.000-08:00

Are your Z-CoiL's looking a bit tired and worn? Kinda like this??

The above clogs came from one of our customers who bought her Z-CoiL's originally from another dealer over 4 years ago. Since then, she has bought a pair of Taos Clog Straps from us, but does not want to wear them at work. So, she wanted to refresh her old pair and give them new life. She asked if our resident artist, Allison, could give them new life... and this is the result!

With some paint and a new set of heels, they look fantastic! So, if your footwear is looking a bit ragged on the edges, let us give them a tune-up and a paint job to make them fresh!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Alfonso Castaneda

2006-01-23T17:51:00.000-08:00

Al first purchased his Z-CoiL Footwear in July, 2005. He is the owner of the best Mexican restaurant in a small town south of here, San Juan Batista. Al was suffering from heel spurs which was impacting his ability to run his business.

"I was limping a lot plus I always had a lot of pain," says Al. "Now, I am so happy to say that I have no more pain and no more limping!

"The best thing is that now when I put on my regular shoes or tennis shoes, I don't have pain or limping. I tell everyone I can about these great shoes. I am the type of person that when something is good, I want the world to know!" concludes Al.

Al stopped by the store to see the new styles and pick up more cards. If you are in San Juan Batista, stop in at Dona Esther's Mexican Restaurant and have a great meal! You won't regret it...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DOÑA ESTHER RESTAURANT (831) 623-2518 25 Franklin Street

Mon-Fri: 11 am - 10 pm, Sat: 9 am-10 pm, Sun: 9 am-9 pm
All You Can Eat Buffet Sundays 9 am-1 pm

Authentic Mexican food, full service cocktail lounge, patio dining, live entertainment on weekends, banquet room available
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Raenna Lanphear

2006-01-22T16:31:00.000-08:00

Raeanna first came to our store in May, 2004 with, as she puts it "bad, bad feet!" She was suffering from plantar fasciitis and heel pain. Raeanna works in a warehouse on her feet for long shifts on concrete... which has taken a toll.

"I came into the store one day when I was having a very hard time walking," says Raeanna. "I have worn every style of walking she and have had orthotics for years in my shoes, but nothing was working.

"So, I thought I would try Z-CoiL's. They are the only shoes I can wear! They save me every day. I can walk all over the place," concludes Raeanna.

Raeanna was picking up her fourth pair of Z-CoiL's... another pair of Freedom 2000's to add to her collection!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Bernadette Solis

2006-01-19T14:01:00.000-08:00

Pictured above is Bernadette Solis and her little one. Bernadette first came into our store in May of 2004 suffering from pain caused by plantar fasciitis and scoliosis.

"I have been battling with plantar fasciitis for two years +," says Bernadette. "I have undergone steroid injections but they only helped me temporarily.

"My doctor had suggested that I have surgery to correct my bone again. I was in a lot of pain until I was introduced to Z-CoiL. I don't need to have surgery and I am totally pain free!" concludes Bernadette.

Bernadette was in getting a second pair of Z-CoiL's when we went through the referral list. After deciphering some of the referrals, like Bernadette the charge nurse, or Bernadette the ER nurse, we determined that she indeed qualified for a FREE PAIR!

Congratulations to Bernadette! Enjoy!

Till later,
Caesar...

Customer Service!

2006-01-14T17:53:00.000-08:00

I have written about customer service before, and today, we had an affirmation that we are doing great in this area! We received an unsolicited letter from a new customer who came into our store with her mother for a pair of Z-CoiL's.

Dear Andrew,

I am writing to thank you for the great customer service you provided in assisting my mother, my sister and I to purchase our Z-Coil Pain Relief Footwear on Saturday, January 7, 2006 and on Wednesday, January 11,2006 respectively. Each one of us brought home a pair of nice shock-absorbing shoes. We like them very much as they are comfortable to fit on our feet and they function as described.

We concluded after visiting your store that you are a neat sales associate. Your professional knowledge about the products your store carries is apparent: you brought to us various relevant information about the shoes and in what way they might help. Your customer-oriented attitude is easy to tell: you went back and forth the showroom and the storeroom many times to check for the availability of the different styles and/or sizes for us happily. You also made sure the shoes were of custom fit on us before we left the store.

Your smile is beyond compare. Our ultimate comment is that you commit yourself to great sales service. We have to specifically thank you for your patience and your enthusiasm as we had taken prolonged time to reach our final decision as to our selection. We just want to express our feeling that it has been a nice experience to shop in EZ-Shoes. We all got what we want and we thank you!

We believe that we can count on your words for any after-sale service that we might need in future, albeit has not happened yet.

Once again, great products and excellent service! Please feel free to use this letter as a testimonial for your service/products/store.

Sincerely,
Susan Ho
Happy Customer

Thank you, Susan, for recognizing the effort that goes into our process and for allowing us to share the experience that you had! You know you can count on us also to follow through with any issue that may arise as you wear your Z-CoiL Footwear. And thank you, Andrew, for living up to our customer's expectations!

Till later,
Caesar...

A Tale of Two Nurses!

2006-01-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

One of our dealers, Debi Rogers, wrote this and it is a story we hear all the time in our store! Enjoy!

A Tale of Two Nurses

There once was a lady who worked as a nurse,
Whose 12-hour shifts left her ready to curse.
Her knees and her feet would be screaming in pain,
And her back felt as if she'd been hit by a train!

She tried to relieve it with heat and with ice...
And pain pills and bourbon... and green tea and spice.
She'd get some relief but the next day would be
As painful as ever - would she never be free?

Then one day another nurse stopped by her place
With a spring in her step and a smile on her face.
And behold on her feet were some funky new shoes!
"Yeah, they're strange, " said her friend, "but here's the good news..."

"That cool little coil on the heel of the shoe ......
It reduces the impact - it cuts it in two!
I'm telling you girl - your pain will be gone...
So lets go to the store and try a pair on!"

So she went to the store with her friend by her side
She tried on a pair and said "Wow, what a ride!"
It felt like she walked on a pillow of air
And she knew in a moment - she must have a pair!

Back at work, she felt good - and she thanked her good friend
For those great Z-CoiL shoes brought her pain to an end!
So my friend, if long hours on your feet you must toil,
Give your body a gift - try a pair of Z-CoiL!

--- Debi Rogers

Mike and Debi Rogers
Z-Life
1555 East Bay Drive
Largo, FL 33771
727-584-6700

==============================

Thanks again, Debi, for your creative talents! I think some people out there will identify with this...

Till later,
Caesar...
__________________

Testimonial - Steve Homen

2006-01-06T06:06:00.000-08:00

Steve Homen and his wife, Brittany, are both emergency room RN's, working long and furious hours. Steve also holds a second job as an operating room RN at a second hospital. He had been suffering from bad knees when he first came into our store in August 2004 and purchased a pair of black Taos Clogs.

"My first purchase was August 2004 for work," says Steve. "I work in an ER and an OR and am on my feet 8-16 hours a day.

"Z-COiL's help with my back and keep pressure off of my knees. They are the best shoes I have ever had for standing on my feet all day!" concludes Steve.

He wanted a second pair for himself and chose the new SkyWalker soft upper. Brittany decided to take the plunge and also purchased a pair of SkyWalker's for use in her job.

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - John Vanek

2006-01-03T18:41:00.000-08:00

John first came into our store November of 2004 complaining of foot and heel pain. He works as an Auto Service Manager and is constantly on his feet and on the go! He purchased a pair of CloudWalkers with enclosed heels.

"My brother Brian strongly suggested that I try Z-CoiL Footwear after bouting with extreme foot pain," says John. "This pain is probably related to plantar fasciitis, middle age and walking on cement floors all day. My feet were swelling and in bad shape.

"I literally limped in from the parking lot! I felt immediate comfort once I put on Z-CoiL's. My feet have healed and I would wear no other shoe at this time. I have decided to buy the High Desert Hikers so I can get back to hiking and backpacking. These shoes are very expensive, but worth the price!

"This is the best shoe buying experience. Caesar spends unlimited time making sure these shoes fit great. I am very pleased!" concludes John.

John was back in the store to have a new set of heels put on his CloudWalkers and to purchase the Gray High Desert Hikers. He has taken many hikes in his CloudWalkers, but wants to save them for work.

Till later,
Caesar...

WOW! Great New Styles!

2006-01-02T16:04:00.000-08:00

It's an exciting time at Z-CoiL! Two new styles have been released in Phase II testing with all sizes available and two other styles are in an initial test market phase with limited sizes available!

The Santa Fe

The Santa Fe is a glossy black dress shoe with soft leather cushions around the ankle. It has a padded pigskin leather insole with anti-bacterial fabric lining. It looks great for that more dressy or formal affair! It is available in women's 5-10 and men's 8-14.

The Soft Upper

The Soft Upper has a flexible and breathable spandex mesh upper for ultimate comfort. The lining consists of a soft, seamless neoprene with a spandex fabric covering. Special vents in the lining improve the airflow. It also comes with cushioned insoles lined with anti-bacterial fabric. An excellent choice for the diabetic. It is available in women's 5-10 and men's 8-14.

Men's Dress Sandal

The Dress Sandal consists of a full leather upper, an adjustable heel strap and soft neoprene padding lined with flexible spandex fabric. It also sports a padded pigskin leather insole. It is currently available in men's 9-11 only during this test phase.

The Sandia

The Sandia is a casual low cut boot with a matte brown leather upper and a moc-toe, A soft leather collar cushions the ankle and a padded pigskin leather insole with anti-bacterial fabric lining cushions the rest of the foot. It is currently available in men's 8-10 only during this test phase but seem to run a bit large.

These new styles are in limited quantities and are not available at all Z-CoiL locations. Call first to ensure your size is in stock! We will hold them for 24 hours if necessary.

I think you will be impressed... they look even better in person than the pictures!

Till later,
Caesar...

Merry Christmas to all!

2005-12-22T15:11:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-08T17:27:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

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!

2005-12-03T12:14:00.000-08:00

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!

2005-11-29T15:56:00.000-08:00

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!

2005-11-22T10:38:00.000-08:00

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!

2005-11-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

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?

2005-11-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-14T17:20:00.000-08:00

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?

2005-11-14T14:41:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-10T16:44:00.000-08:00

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!

2005-11-10T12:23:00.000-08:00

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!

2005-11-09T18:43:00.000-08:00

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!

2005-11-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

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

2005-10-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

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

2005-10-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

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

2005-10-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

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

2005-10-11T14:05:00.000-07:00

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

2005-10-03T17:39:00.000-07:00

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...