This is a love story about a girl and her favorite shoes: Z-Coils.

 In 2004, while attending a county fair, I spotted a banner advertising "Z-Coils: Pain Relief Footwear." My feet were tired and sore from walking all day in  the most comfortable summer shoes I had, and the claim caught my eye. "Foot pain? I know foot pain... let's see what these folks have to offer," I thought. I tried on a pair of black sneakers and it was love at first step! All the discomfort of the day melted away instantly. My feet rolled smoothly from step to step. I was hooked! We didn't have the money that day, but I took a business card and my husband and I talked it over... my doctor had talked about referring me to a podiatrist who would probably recommend orthotics and expensive treatments. I was already spending $150-$200 a year on shoes (Nike, Hush Puppies) that didn't help me. We figured it was worth a try. I bought those shoes in September 2004 and still wear them today: June 2007. They're worn, but still good, and I've only replaced the heels once. I purchased my Z-Coil sandals in June of 2005 and love them too.

Before my Z-Coils, I couldn't walk the six blocks to the bus stop without stopping to stretch out my shin splints and rotate my ankles. With my Z-Coils I was able to walk the mile to work, stand on my feet the whole shift, and walk home... and still have energy! All my friends have talked about having back pain during pregnancy, I had very little, and even less after I had my springs re-adjusted.  In the summer, I work at a camp in the woods. Uneven ground is the norm; bark chips, forest paths, grassy fields, dirt roads, mole holes. I used to twist my ankle at least once a week, but now the coil rolls instead of my foot 8 times out of 10. Yes, I have to be careful around ladders (although by using caution I've never had a problem),  sometimes I have to stop and remove a pebble, and driving took some getting used to... but my pain is gone and my feet are happy for the first time in my life. My mom figures they must be good shoes: after I'd had them a month she remarked, "Those must be comfortable- this is the first time I haven't heard you complain about your shoes since you learned to talk!"

Yes, mom, they are.