Shivangi Sinha
Wearing good shoes isn’t just about style, but it’s about protecting one’s feet, knees, and back from the stress of daily life. That’s where Z-CoiL has been a game changer for decades, revolutionizing footwear with its signature spring-heeled design that absorbs impact and reduces pain. Known for helping people with chronic foot, leg, and back issues, Z-CoiL has built a loyal following over the years. Their appearance on episode 1 of ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ season 17 brought their innovative shoes back into the spotlight and proved that comfort and performance can go hand-in-hand while addressing a real need for millions of people.
Z-CoiL: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
Z-CoiL’s story began in 1989 when Alvaro Z Gallegos, a visionary entrepreneur, developed the first-ever spring-loaded orthopedic shoe with the mission to alleviate pain and help people live more active, pain-free lives. His innovation was a shoe with a built-in orthotic, a rocker-bottom sole that promotes a natural stride, and the signature open coil in the heel. It was designed to drastically reduce impact on the body, making walking, standing, and working more comfortable for hours at a time. Z-CoiL quickly became a trusted solution for people dealing with plantar fasciitis, arthritis, back pain, knee issues, and other mobility challenges. It earned a loyal customer base around the world and sold over a million pairs globally. In 1995, Alvaro’s son, Andres Gallegos, joined the company as President.
Andres, a certified pedorthist and graduate of Adams State University, brought his background in marketing and pharmaceutical sales to scale Z-CoiL into a nationally recognized brand. He was instrumental in expanding distribution and refining the product line to address a wide range of pain-relief needs. Under his leadership, the company became synonymous with functional, therapeutic footwear and established itself as a leader in the pain-relief footwear industry. On the episode, he was joined by his daughter, Lindley Gallegos Bach, who now serves as General Manager after years of spearheading the company’s marketing and brand strategy. She graduated from Fort Lewis College in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Communications, where she was not only a standout DII Volleyball athlete but also served as Student Body President, Tour Guide, and Radio DJ.
In 2019, Lindley earned her Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Penn State University. Professionally, she built a robust career in marketing and operations. She worked with Consumer51 as a Marketing Director, where she led digital strategy initiatives, and with Spinfluence in Australia as a Digital Marketing Manager, developing client growth plans and managing marketing specialists. At Woodlands Village Self Storage, she optimized Google Ads campaigns and ad spend. Around the same time, she oversaw all social media and marketing campaigns for the organization as a Digital Brand Manager at Randers Cimbria in Denmark. Since joining Z-CoiL in 2015, she has held key roles, including brand manager and director of sales and marketing. She now serves as general manager, and she has been instrumental in driving the brand’s online presence.
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Z-CoiL: Where Are They Now?
Z-CoiL already enjoys a loyal following due to the reputation it has maintained over the years. However, the recent resurgence, fueled by a feature on a popular episode, brought them renewed recognition and pushed them back into the spotlight. This new wave of attention highlighted not only their unique technology but also their role in providing real relief for a wide range of foot and leg conditions. They are recommended for people living with chronic pain issues such as arthritis, drop foot, fibromyalgia, flat feet, fused ankles, hammertoes, heel spurs and even sciatica. Their design provides targeted support and shock absorption, making them especially popular among professionals who spend long hours on their feet, including nurses, factory workers, retail associates, and hospitality staff.
The company’s product line has expanded beyond the original style to cater to diverse needs. Safety toe boots offer protection for those working in industrial environments, while slip-resistant shoes are designed for workplaces where traction is crucial. Covered coil shoes remain a cornerstone product, but the lineup now includes casual options like sneakers, sandals, and boots to accommodate everyday wear. The Freedom Classic Sneakers retail for around $259.95, while women’s Z-Boost boots are priced at $299.95, giving customers a range of choices depending on style and function.
Accessories have also become a significant part of their offering. Coils, socks, and insoles are sold separately starting at $29.95, allowing customers to customize their level of comfort or replace worn components without buying an entirely new pair of shoes. Purchasing options have been made convenient and accessible. In addition to being sold through the company’s official website, the shoes are available on major online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay, making them easy for customers worldwide to find. To encourage first-time buyers, the company offers a 14-day free trial, allowing people to test the shoes and feel the difference before committing to a purchase.
