Originally Posted by groucho

Maybe not nearly as good, but will only cost you about $3.00 to try, are some Dr Scholls Extra Thick foam insoles (available at Wal Mart). I removed the factory insoles in one of my pairs of athletic shoes, and replaced them with the Dr Scholls. I found them considerably more comfortable than the factory insoles & I had thought these shoes were pretty good to begin with. Low cost to try & low cost to replace as needed, if you're happy with them. And no, I don't own any stock in Dr Scholls or Wal Mart.

Originally Posted by mrsD

that is a good point. I use Dr. Scholl's inserts too. The heavy duty gel ones. They clean up with alcohol well, since I don't wear socks much anymore. But then my feet don't sweat either with the PN.

I did that machine and bought the Orthotic (with a $10.00 rebate) but they didn't work at all for me. In fact made my hips hurt when I walked long distances.

The last Dr. Scholl's insert I bought had a live spider running around in it! I didn't see the critter when I bought it, but I set it down getting ready to open the package and it scurried along the inner edge! I called them and they said DON'T OPEN IT, and return it, which I did. Probably got in during storage, thru that open part in the heel...the testing spot to squeeze. So check your packages carefully when buying insoles! LOL

Originally Posted by mrsD

While Z-coil shoes may be helpful for reducing IMPACT wear on the feet, and hence the legs/knees/hips/back...there is little mention about them for PN pain.

Here is a link explaining the types of accidents you can have wearing them:
http://reviews.ebay.com/Z-Coil-Shoes...00000007020341

Many people with PN have various forms of nerve damage in the feet. Some of this may affect proprioception and balance. So these shoes may not be recommended for them.

Also the personal fittings may not be available to all, since the numbers of stores are scattered only in populous areas.

I certainly could turn an ankle easily from the looks of them.
The Gravity Defyer did not help my feet much, in fact my feet hurt more with them, but I can walk more easily and my knees and back feel better. I won't be getting another pair, therefore.

The fellow I know had the heel enclosed Z-coil and that one is much more expensive.
His looked like this one, but he didn't tell us the NAME of the maker, and for all I know it was something else entirely.
https://shoes.zcoil.com/StyleDetails.aspx?style=29

Z-coils do not come in widths either, or 1/2 sizes.

So while they are perhaps good for some, they may not be appropriate for those with balance/stability issues, extra wide feet, or other problems with the foot. Best to check with your podiatrist before embarking on them.

Originally Posted by mrsD

While Z-coil shoes may be helpful for reducing IMPACT wear on the feet, and hence the legs/knees/hips/back...there is little mention about them for PN pain.

Here is a link explaining the types of accidents you can have wearing them:
http://reviews.ebay.com/Z-Coil-Shoes...00000007020341

Many people with PN have various forms of nerve damage in the feet. Some of this may affect proprioception and balance. So these shoes may not be recommended for them.

Also the personal fittings may not be available to all, since the numbers of stores are scattered only in populous areas.

I certainly could turn an ankle easily from the looks of them.
The Gravity Defyer did not help my feet much, in fact my feet hurt more with them, but I can walk more easily and my knees and back feel better. I won't be getting another pair, therefore.

The fellow I know had the heel enclosed Z-coil and that one is much more expensive.
His looked like this one, but he didn't tell us the NAME of the maker, and for all I know it was something else entirely.
https://shoes.zcoil.com/StyleDetails.aspx?style=29

Z-coils do not come in widths either, or 1/2 sizes.

So while they are perhaps good for some, they may not be appropriate for those with balance/stability issues, extra wide feet, or other problems with the foot. Best to check with your podiatrist before embarking on them.

Originally Posted by mrsD

I have a pair Gravity Defyer shoes. They help me walk better, mostly I think since the shock to the knees and hips is less. For people with heel spurs these coil in the heel shoes can be very helpful.

http://gravitydefyer.com/?gclid=CJT3...FacWMgoddBcAow

I have seen reviews online that buying them online is iffy....fit is not
really good, and one should really go in person to a store that
carries them. The website has lists of stores you can visit.

I think the quality of the assembly of the shoes is less than
Nike or New Balance, but I like the coils in the heels for these myself. Read reviews however before buying, as they are expensive.

I see this website has new versions. The older ones had a logo of a ---cough cough-- sperm! When I asked the sales person about it she laughed and said it was a tadpole... but I don't like it on my shoes. I see they have dropped the little sperm fellow.

This one is similar to mine...
http://gravitydefyer.com/Ladies-Ball...&category=9594

I don't think the toe box is as roomy as other shoes, and that might be an issue for some PNers.

I know a guy who bought a coil shoe and it was over $300.