Z Coil vs. MBT for Plantar Fasciitis

Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · Oct 12, 2008

I have heard mixed reviews about MBTs - doesn't seem to be much middle ground there. Either people love them or hate them. Have heard nothing but good things aboud Z-coils but they are quite pricey and not carried everywhere. The closest retailer to me that sells them is 200mi away.

I personally find Shox to be the best deal for long periods on your feed and they are not so pricey as to be unreasonable. I have PF too and it sucks.

oklhmrn · Oct 12, 2008

Thanks for the info. I tried on a pair of Shox when my husband bought his and it seemed my feet were hurting immediately in the store, so I bought a pair of Air instead and now my feet just hurt all day at work! As they do with Rockers, and anything else...

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Oct 12, 2008

I can't wear Rockers any more, either. Z Coils are great, but you have to be careful that things don't get caught in the coils.

I have been wearing Easy Spirits lately, and I really like them a lot. I now have 2 pairs, and they are great- especially if you have high arches.

Pauligirl · Oct 25, 2008

I tried on a few pair of MBT's (and a brand that's similar) at the speciality shoe store and I wasn't too impressed. The forefoot of all the MBT's felt too snug for me. They don't come in various widths. Btw, I don't have a wide foot. I need a lot of forefoot and toe wiggle room because of a neuroma.

I have multiple foot problems and have also gone through series of injections for a neuroma and plantar fasciitis. I haven't needed injections or had foot pain since wearing New Balance 926.

Good Luck!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Oct 25, 2008

I would try a pair of Birkenstocks. Hideous, but the only thing that allows me to spend long hours on my feet.

globalRN · Nov 11, 2008

my pilates instructor suggested i try footwakers from Yumena.

I am planning to order online.

she also gave me some foot exercises that ballet dancers use.

I love mephisto with the traditional footbed. i tried birkenstocks but they hurt my feet.

VIXEN007 · Nov 14, 2008

I have Z-Coils and a pair of Avon Curves that look like MBTs. I paid $170 for the Z-Coils and $40 for the Avon Curves. I am only wearing the MBTs now. At the end of my shift, my feet are not hurting and I feel like I got a good workout all day. I take a ballet class once a week (that is all that I can fit in). I also do some yoga exercises during the day. I fit them in before going into a room. So, basically, I have turned my work day into a workout day. I even use some of my ballet training to help patients who are post surgery use their legs more efficiently. :twocents:

VIXEN007 · Nov 14, 2008

I meant to say fake MBTs. Some of the nurses wear Crocs. They complain about foot pain a lot. I like the Curves because they really help and they don't have the coil that always gets caught in cords if you are not careful... :yeah:

PoppinsRN · Nov 16, 2008

Nothing worse than PF... I have been suffering for months. DO NOT get flats you need a shoe with a small heel so that means no birks or crocks. I feel bad for you I know what it is like to feel as if you are stepping on a nail for 12 hours of a shift. :twocents:

hb4hikes · Jan 11, 2009

I have had PF on & off for close to 8 yrs, triggered by 12 hour nursing shifts when I first went into nursing... I have found work that is about 1/2 standing/walking & half desk work. Dansko & Mephisto have been good for me if doing a lot of standing, haven't tried Z coils/MTBs, thinking about trying Crocs Rx Relief (designed for PF), prior PF I was a Birkenstock fan which are fine around the house unless I have a flare up.

soulofme · Jan 13, 2009

Z coils saved my feet...expensive...but worth every $$$. My feet say "thank you" every day I work:heartbeat