anyone have zcoil shoes?

[kats]

I was talking with my mom this morning on the phone. She is at the hospital visiting with her brother who had triple bypass surgery on Monday morning. So far, he is doing pretty good considering before the surgery he had pneumonia, was on blood thinners, had a recent stroke, and is a diabetic. I have done some reading online and even saw a video of bypass surgery where they didn't even stop the heart for surgery so I would better understand what he was going through. It really is amazing the new techniques they are coming up with. My question, however, concerns a certain type of shoes that my Mom noticed to be popular with the nurses. They are called "zcoil" shoes and they look kind of funny. They are also kind of expensive, but they are supposed to be very good for your back, posture, and feet. I was just wondering if any of you have worn these and if so, what your thoughts are regarding them.

Kimberly

[zambezi, BSN, RN]

I have ZCoils and I love them, probably wont go back to buying another pair (have been through running shoes, danskos, and birks prior). My zcoils are way more comfortable than alll of the above. We have quite a few people (nurses, doctors, etc) at work that wear them. They are expensive but worth it. I have had mine for over two years (same pair) and I work a full time job and an on call position, so I wear them all the time. I have had to replace the coils twice. Both times, they did break at work which is a bummer (started carrying an extra pair of shoes in my car) but once you take them in the store fixes them right away for no charge and they are like new shoes already broken in! They are extrememly stable shoes (way more stable than danskos IMHO) and just feel very cushiony. My legs are much less sore after a 12 hours shift than before I started wearing them. Getting used to the coils did take me a month or so...I work in an ICU so being extra careful not to get the coils wrapped around a foley, tubing, etc took a conscious effort at first but I don't think about more than I normally would now.

[TrickieTam]

They strangely resemble high heels!! It may be easier on your purse and body to get Nike Shox. But then again they look kinda comfy considering the number of shoes I went thru while working in a facility. U name it I had it, from Birkenstocks (several types), Nikes, Reeboks, Nurse Mates, the list goes on.

[heron, ASN, RN]

I've worn z-coils for 2 years now and wouldn't consider anything else. Good points: much less wear and tear on my back, hips and ankles; coils can be replaced without replacing the entire shoe ... thus the shoes pay for themselves in about a year. Bad points: way funny-looking; about as heavy on the foot as a pair of steel-toed work boots; higher risk of tripping around wires, cables, hoses, telephone cords, etc. Also, while they are great for working, don't try to hike in them ... walking on a downhill grade too long resuts in really sore toenails. Finally, while they don't really have to be custom built, the footbed can be stretched out to fit your foot ... much easier to break in. Love 'em!

[Sleepy_Princess]

My mom has been wearing Z-Coils for about two years. She has been a nurse for 25 years, and she swears they are the best shoes she ever worn. Her podiatrist recommended them because she was having severe foot pain at the end of her shift. As for the heel height, she's a little on the short side, so she loves it!

[Katydidit34]

I tried some on today and now I wish that I hadn't. I AM HOOKED!!! Oh my gosh, they are sooooo comfortable. I felt like I could just spring around the store!! I wish I could buy a pair because they are fantastic!!

[Ginyer]

On the General nursing board there is a post about shoes and a lot of people talked about their z-coils. More nurses had negative comments than positive because of tripping, sprained ankles and getting them hooked on wires and tubes and other things. They all said they were really comfortable but too risky.

[babynurselsa, RN]

I have several friends that just swear by them. I am not a graceful person and they just look like trouble to me. They swear you don't bounce. Still not convinced. I will just stick to my anywheres. Love them

I think the z-coils look like prosthetic.

[suzy253, RN]

I've only seen pictures of them--I'm afraid I would be a total klutz in them.

[tntrn, ASN, RN]

I work with a couple of gals who have them. One for about 2 years and one for nearly 1 year now. Both nurses love them. I personally would be fearful of getting them entangled in monitor cords or IV tubing because I guess I'm a klutz when it comes to stuff like that hanging on the floor.

AS far as the cost goes, if you wear them just at work, you can deduct the cost under uniform expense on your taxes. And I have done that for years on any of the shoes I wear just at work.

[earthangelrn2003]

Hi Kimberly,

I have had my z-coils for over a year and love them. I stared at the ones my coworkers wore for about 6 months before trying them because they are so funny looking. But now that I have tried them I won't wear amything else.my feet used to hurt so badly at the end of a 12 hour shift that i would put them on ice when I got home. I noticed an immediate difference with these shoes. As for the looks ,as long as my feet don't hurt they could be neon green with polka dots and I'd still wear them:) !