Business focus : Z-coil shoes moves to Bowdish Road
Rhonda Hagenstein hopes to put a little more spring into people’s steps – especially those who are in pain when they walk or even stand.
The Spokane Valley businesswoman sells Z-Coil Pain Relief Footwear, a brand of orthotic shoes known for their signature shock-absorbing steel coil heel.
Anyone can wear a pair for comfort and stability, Hagenstein says. And those who walk or stand for long periods of time will notice dramatic differences in their stamina at the end of the day, not to mention fewer complaints of tired feet. But by far the most remarkable results are for those who suffer joint, leg, foot, ankle or back pain worsened by any amount of time on their feet.
“I think of them as miracle shoes,” said Hagenstein, who notes she sees night-and-day results from customers in pain – many who gave up on walking until they discovered a pair of Z-Coils.
“And we get a lot of hugs, too. It’s a miracle to watch when people realize they do have options.”
Hagenstein became a believer about six years ago when she saw how the custom-fit shoes affected her husband who suffers from bone on bone in his knee and is awaiting surgery. Ever since putting on his first pair, he has been able to walk, work and be active as normal
Hagenstein decided to purchase a franchise from the New Mexico-based company about three years ago and recently moved her Z-Coil Pain Relief Footwear store from its location on Trent Avenue to 122 N. Bowdish Road. Her store is the only one in Eastern Washington. A second area authorized dealer is in Coeur d’Alene.
The Z-Coil was developed about 12 years ago by shoe store owner and avid runner Alvaro Z. Gallegos who was driven to find relief from his own foot and back pain. The result was the conical coil heel that absorbs 50 percent more impact from running or walking compared to conventional shoes.
The conical coil is exposed in most shoes, but customers can opt to purchase heel enclosures. The leather shoes come in adult sizes for women and men, in a variety of styles such as clogs, hiking boots, sport sandals and lace-up walking and athletic-style shoes. Steel-toe and nonsteel-toe work boots also are available and come with the enclosed heel. Shoes range in price from $190 to $260.
Some insurance policies will help pay for a pair because they are orthotic shoes. And Hagenstein offers all but $40 on a returned pair to unsatisfied customers who try their shoes for at least one month.
In addition to those who find incredible pain relief with the shoes, loyal customers include teachers, hairdressers, nurses, surgeons, mail carriers, and warehouse and casino employees.
“We don’t push the shoe,” Hagenstein says. “We love people to come try on the shoe,” she added – and experience the difference first hand, or foot.