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.
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
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Wednesday 08 July
By mmorris1955
I have been wearing Z-Coils for two years, LOVE them. I have bad knee and I can walk for 5 are 6 blocks with them on. In other shoes I can't walk a block.
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Wednesday 08 July
By keahwelch
I use z-coils - I didn't know that anyone said they were for "losing weight" but I use them because I am under 40, and I have arthritis in my hips and fibromyalgia. These shoes make the difference between walking and wheelchairing it on some days. I haven't lost any weight with them but I get to be a go-to mom instead of a "please-go-get-me" mom, which is what I was a year ago.....
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Thursday 09 July
By Shae
My husband has worn his zcoils for 3 years now, the same pair. He had to have the heel part replaced once, and now the sole is coming loose, so he's having those repaired tomorrow. He is a paramedic and has spent 35 years lugging people around on back boards and other such stuff. He wouldn't do without his zcoils. The back pain he used to have is practically gone when he wears them to work and he can stand at accidents and things without any problems.
I'm going to guess that the author didn't wear her shoes very long, so she didn't really get a chance to see how really great they are, or that the moon walk feeling does go away when you get used to wearing them.
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Thursday 09 July
By onceagain1011
The Z coils are comfortable, but PLEASE be aware! My sister in law was wearing hers when she was vacuuming, the cord got around the heal, she fel, broke her tibula, fibula (thru the skin) and ankle. After extreme pain and surgey, which she has a rod the length of her shin and screws, she is recovering. Which involved 3 months of no weight bearing and 6 months of physical therapy.
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Thursday 09 July
By julie
Z-coils... no thanks... but big pimpin' on the moon? That sounds fun :)
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Saturday 11 July
By chani
I've been wearing zcoils on and off for over 2 years. Yu will NOT lose weight with them, as I certainly haven't, but I bought them to help with plantar facciitis, and they did. they are IMPOSSIBLE to walk in for long treks, I would have to change shoes to walk. But for the standing I had to do they were great. Ugly as hell, but not as ugly as the bright orange crocs I bought to never wear.
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