BBC NEWS | Heated wool offers cosy feet

BBC NEWS | Heated wool offers cosy feet: "A 'smart wool' that can be heated has been developed by a New Zealand-based company, Canesis Network, in conjunction with an Australian woolgrowers' company, Australian Wool Innovation.

It works by using a conductive fibre which is blended with ordinary wool.

When the 'smart' woollen yarn is knitted together, it creates a bed of interconnected fibres with enough resistance to be heated, while retaining all the properties of wool.

'We think that the technology we have here is the first time it's really been integrated into the textile,' said Stewart Collie, science manager at Canesis's Smart Textile Innovation Centre.
The first product, socks that can be heated, should be on the UK market by early next year. "


By Kim Griggs
in Wellington, New Zealand

Today's Back-To-School Shoes Can Lead to Tomorrow's Foot Problems

Today's Back-To-School Shoes Can Lead to Tomorrow's Foot ProblemsROSEMONT, Ill., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Kids are more concerned with fashion these days than comfort. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, it is important this school year that parents buy their children properly fitting and supportive shoes, which offer both protection and comfort. While trendy new styles of shoes often include less support and higher heels and soles, parents must first look for durable construction and good fit.
Foot comfort is essential to maintaining stability, mobility and safety. More than 43 million people in the United States have foot problems. Often these problems begin with ill-fitting shoes in childhood. Improperly fitting shoes can cause bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes and other disabling foot problems.

"If shoes do not fit your child properly or are not comfortable, do not buy them," stated Stuart L. Weinstein, MD, a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, and first vice president, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "Shoes should conform to the shape of the feet with plenty of room for the toes to move, and fit well in the heel. Your child's foot should never be forced to conform to the shape of a shoe."

Dr. Weinstein also stated that, "shoes seldom correct a child's foot deformity or changes in foot growth pattern, so if you notice a problem, it is important to have an orthopaedic surgeon examine your child's feet immediately."

Internet users can find additional safety tips and injury prevention information on footwear and more, in the Prevent Injuries America!® Program section of the Academy's web site, http://www.aaos.org or http://www.orthoinfo.org or call the Academy's Public Service line at 800-824- BONES.

(Click Title To Read More)

Back to School: Teacher Testimonial

I am a 51-year-old elementary physical education teacher. I have been teaching for 31 years and have to stand up and walk for lots of that time.

Having wide feet with a very high longitudinal arch and instep, it is always hard to find comfortable shoes. About 10 years ago, I developed pain on the soles of my feet in the heels. They hurt most when I took my few first steps in the morning. The podiatrist made custom orthotics for me, and my foot pain improved. However, my knees were still sore and my back hurt. (Some of this is because we did not know about safe exercise practices when I was young.)

Although I was teaching my students to jump rope, I could not do so. My jump roping was limited to 2-3 jumps per class (20-30 jumps a day). Then I would be in serious knee pain for 2-3 days afterward.

Fortunately, I happened to have Z-CoiLs recommended to me by an acquaintance.

As soon as I tried them on and stood up, my lower back felt as if the strain was relieved. It felt as if my back flattened. I can jump rope 8-10 times with each class and feel no knee pain. I walk more because it hurts less! I wish I could avoid the orthotics altogether, but I still insert them into my Freedom 2000's and my new Zuego clogs.

Thanks for inventing something so wonderful. My students want me to jump high when I wear my shoes and are disappointed when I have to admit the shoes only (!) absorb shock.

Now, I just feel really bad telling my students that there are no Z-CoiLs for kids!

Karen Eglinton
Davison, MI
August 15, 2004

Press Release: Z-CoiL® Footwear Reports Record $10.8 Million in Sales

(Albuquerque, New Mexico) - Poised on the edge of a footwear revolution, Z-CoiL® Footwear continues to experience record setting growth as it sets another annual sales record.

Z-Tech, Inc., dba Z-CoiL Footwear, reports record audited net sales of $10,843,824 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. This figure represents a 69.5 percent increase over the $6,398,762 in net sales reported for the previous fiscal year. Net income for the year ended June 30, 2004 was $1,027,667 compared to $1,207,797 for the prior year.

"The sales growth and net income reported this year are extremely gratifying in view of several initiatives the company undertook during the year. We've made some bold moves to create a solid foundation for future growth," says Z-Tech CEO and President Andrés Gallegos.

These initiatives included not accepting new dealers since February 2004 in an effort to create a stronger and more nationally consistent dealer network, the purchase of new facilities, the expansion of our dealer training facilities, an increase in corporate staff to support the dealer network, and the purchase and implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning computer software system.

"This sales growth is continuing into the new fiscal year, as we set a new monthly record in July 2004," Gallegos adds. "Our net sales for the month exceeded $1.7 million for the first time in the company's history" .

Z-Tech has 200 authorized dealers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Rapid dealer expansion during 2002 and 2003 required examination of Z-Tech's support network to those dealers.

"We are currently revamping our dealer service and training program to provide exemplary customer service to our existing and new dealers," Gallegos says. "This will allow us to build stronger nationwide consistency in product delivery and customer service."

Z-Tech's growth has also been evident in facility and staffing needs. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 the company has increased its internal staff by 87%, bringing on top talent to strengthen the support infrastructure for dealers. To accommodate the growth in personnel, Z-Tech acquired a new 11,274 square foot office facility last November in southeast Albuquerque.

In May 2004, Z-Tech's distribution center was also moved to a 25,330 square foot facility, almost doubling its previous capacity, in order to keep up with a growing demand for product. Through June 30, 2004, more than 250,000 pairs of Z-CoiLs have been sold.

Z-CoiL footwear is specially engineered to relieve foot, leg and back pain and is gaining strong brand loyalty nationwide. "The uniqueness of the footwear, coupled with our commitment and attention to customers is what sets us apart," Gallegos says. "We have fiercely devoted customers who are creating demand through their incredible life-changing Z-CoiL experiences."

Z-CoiL Testimonial of the Month: September

I work for a major home improvement retailer and for 45 years I have lived with scoliosis and more recently with arthritis in my back. Being on my feet for 8-10 hours a day was not helping my back pain and I was considering early retirement. Then one day a fellow associate in the store showed me the flier for Z-CoiLs. She had a pair and loved them. I had been buying 4-5 pairs of a major brand of work boots at $$$$ per pair a year; so I thought nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I looked up Z-CoiL on the web and found your store in Longmont, CO. I drove down and tried on a pair of the Hikers. I knew from the first step that these were the answer to my nagging back pain. I bought them and have been wearing them for work since. Lots of people look at them and want to know about them.

The other day my manager told me that he noticed I was standing more erect and had a real "spring" in my step. I now have a new nickname, "Springy."

Since wearing the Z-CoiLs, I have cut my over-the-counter pain medications by 50 percent and my prescription medications by 50 percent, since one dose works all day (24 hours) instead of only a half day. I am going to buy the work boots for my next pair. I recommend Z-CoiLs to anyone who has nagging back and leg pain.

David Ketchum
Cheyenne, WY

Customer Questionnaire

A Step Above Footwear

Z-Coil Owner
Three Month Plus Questionnaire

If you have owned your Z-CoiLs for three months or more, we would like to know what you think about your springy shoe experience. Please cut and paste the questionnaire below into your word processor and answer the questions using this format:

1. Name: Betty Brown
2. City/State: Santa Rosa, CA
3: Age/Generation: 50's

When you have answered the questions, paste your page into "comments" on this thread. If you have any questions, problems or concerns, please e-mail us here.

1. Name:
2. City/State:
3. Age (Generation: 40, 50, 60, etc)
4. Website/Blog:
5. Email:
6. Photo: Email your photo (300 pixels wide) here
7. How did you find out about Z-Coil?
8. Do you have problems with your feet, legs or back?
9. What is (or was) your occupation?
10. Did you get Z-Coils for your job? If so, did your employer or insurance company pay for part of the cost?
11. Did you get your Z-Coils as a gift?
12. Describe your Z-Coil buying experience.
13. Have Z-Coils changed the quality of your life?
14. Please share a personal Z-Coil story.
15. How far have you walked at one time in your Z-Coils?
16. How many pair of Z-Coils do you own? Styles?
17. Are there any questions you would like to ask other Z-Coil owners?
18. Are there other styles you would like added to the Z-Coil product line?
19. Have you recommended Z-Coils to a family member or friend? What happened?
20. Have Z-Coils reduced or eliminated your pain?
21. On a scale from 1-10 (10 Top). How satisfied are you with your Z-Coils?
22. How often do you wear your Z-Coils?
23. Do you exercise in your Z-Coils?
24. Have you had any Z-Coil “mishaps”? (tripping, falling)
25. Did it take time to get use to walking with a spring in your step?
26. How many pair of “other” shoes do you own?
27. Do you belong to a local walking or hiking club?
28. What is the most interesting comment have you had when wearing your Z-Coils?
29. How long have you owned your Z-Coils?
30. Have you taken your Z-Coils to a dealer for adjustments?

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: Lending Support to Sore Soles

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

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

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

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

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


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

Total Relief Footwear - Custom Hand-Painted Shoes

Total Relief Footwear - Custom Hand-Painted Shoes

Who said that pain relief doesn’t have to be fashionable? Now you can wear unique, hand painted Z-CoiL® footwear that feels as beautiful as it looks. Ideal for dresses and slacks on special occasions when you want to feel great and make a fashion statement as well!

Total Relief Footwear in Austin, TX has teamed up with a group of local Austin artists to provide a new and exciting line of customized pain-relief footwear. Each artist custom paints your shoes, using specially designed acrylic leather paints that hold up extremely well under normal wear. Click on the title to see more pictures of the Texas style Z-artwork and click here to see the footwear paint party in full swing.