Testimonial - John Vanek

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Marlene Sahr

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

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

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

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

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

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Anne Bliss

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

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

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

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

Till later,
Caesar...

You Connect!

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

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

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

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

Till later,
Caesar...

Great Christmas Gifts!

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


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



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











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



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

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

Till later,
Caesar...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our Holiday Hours are as follows:

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

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

Till later,
Caesar...

You're Not Alone!

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

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

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

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

Till later,
Caesar...

When Should I Change My Coils?

All I can say is...

WAY before this!!!



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

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

Till later,
Caesar...



Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Joan Highsmith

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

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

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

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

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

Till later,
Caesar...

Is Z-CoiL Footwear the Only Answer?

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

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

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

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

Till later,
Caesar...

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

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

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

Mr. Snee,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Once again, please accept the poster at no charge.

Sincerely,
John
President
[company name withheld by me]

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

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

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

Till later,
Caesar...

Customer Service is Key!

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

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

"Caesar,

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

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

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

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

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

Till later,
Caesar...

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

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

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

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

Till later,
Caesar...

Two Trillion Ways to Lace a Shoe!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Till later,
Caesar...

Cortisone Shots

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

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

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

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

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

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Berna Nolte

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

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

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

Another satisfied Z-CoiL footwear owner!

Till later,
Caesar...

Testimonial - Charlotte Fernandes

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

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

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

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

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

Till later,
Caesar...

Z-CoiL's and Pregnancy

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

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

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

Till later,
Caesar...