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Lemondrop Tests: Do Z-CoiLs help you lose weight?

I was concerned when I was asked to try Z-CoiLs, a specialty shoe with a shock-absorbing spring heel, because they look like they could easily get caught in sidewalk grates and bar stools. The titular "coil" is supposed to relieve pain the in the heel, leg and back associated with extended walking and tremendous old age.

When I was fitted with a pair, the shop clerk warned me that they were a little off-putting, visually. Luckily, they come in a variety of styles, from Ugly Cowboy Boot to Freakishly Wide Sneaker. But really, looks aren't the selling point of Z-CoiLs, which were pitched to me as a weight-loss aid (based on the idea that you can walk in them longer than you might in normal, less attention-commanding sneakers). And you know what? They're insanely comfortable. I could definitely see myself walking for hours in these, blind to the scorn of the fashion-savvy and envy of the elderly.

In short, Z-CoiLs are great, if you don't mind walking like a pimp ... on the moon.

Price: Depends on style
Rating: 4 out of 5 ShamWows

Julieanne Smolinski is an editor at Lemondrop.




Horrible High Heels

    Well, the good news is you can wear any color you want and still match these. Kind of.

    Flickr, bitterlysweet

    At this point it doesn't really matter what the front of the shoes looks like -- there's no saving these.

    Flickr, eleda

    Yes, they're made out of food, but that's no excuse for putting gigantic flowers on a pair of shoes!

    Flickr, majorbonnet

    The world's worst colors, conveniently combined into one terrible heel.

    Flickr, eraphernalia vintage

    Again with the gigantic flower. A thousand times, no!

    Flickr, geishaboy500

    Nothing says "my other job is exotic dancing" quite like a pair of lucite beauties.

    Flickr, hatimorrella

    Because what every pair of cute shoes needs is crocheted fruit with a healthy sprinkling of rhinestones.

    Flickr, irisgurumi

    The kitten heel really takes the flip flop up a notch.

    Flickr, katerinekenny

    These are good for when you want to look like your drunk high school art teacher.

    Flickr, mirella

    Who knew it was so easy to turn the classics into works of brain-melting tackiness?

    Flickr, mkorsako