I've had mine stretched 3 times. The effect seems to be temporary on the nylon fibers for me.

I don't have that much pain in my feet from walking. I also have sesamoid issues, and high arch, so I'd have to walk in them to see if either of those problems are aggravated.

I'll consider it, thank you. I only wear my Gravity Defyer's for short periods because of the toe box problem.

My next pair will be a New Balance. I've had great results from my current pair.

I use a special type of shoe lace that does not confine tightly the instep. They are curly and stretchy so compression on the top of the foot is much less. To find others in different lengths and colors Google
"coil shoe laces".
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=curly...5&tx=99&ty=100

These are available online or at Famous Footwear locally.
They make it easy to put shoes on, as you don't have to tie them once they are laced in.

Also I use the alternative lacing pattern suggested by this site:

http://www.northcoastfootcare.com/pa...echniques.html

For people here with Tinel's sign on the top of the foot, alternative lacing can take pressure off nerves and reduce numbness and other symptoms.

I have several different biomechanical issues with my feet, besides the PN one. That is why I suggest all PNers to have a complete exam by a podiatrist to find any complicating factors.

I had a pair of these and I LOVED them.

They were stolen from my locker, never spent the money to get another pair.

Brue throttle back on your aggressive responses to someone who is going out of their way to help you. No one here owes you anything, they are doing you a favor by answering and trying to help you.

Thanks for the tip, but if someone was trying to help me with this, I don't need it. Far as I can tell, Stacy and I are the only two who have actually worn these things, so you should be listening to me. You should try these. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about. Once you try these things, you could never go back to a regular shoe, it's not an option.

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.

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.

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

That would be me. My proprioception is greatly reduced and my balance is not good. Looks like a great concept for those it can help with bad backs, knees, hips etc, that dont have numb feet or lower legs. Thanks for the further information.

*Moderator edit*

They are most definitely good for people with neuropathy in the feet, which you don't seem to have, so let me speak from experience when I say that while from a distance it may seem as if they're unstable, that's hardly the case. The coils are extremely wide and stout. They don't 'bounce', they sort of 'give'. It's a lot different dynamic than the way an actual spring would work, the coil, being so strong, only gives in one direction and doesn't propel you forward. It's not that easy to turn an ankle in them. I have completely numb feet, can't feel anything, so I'm not sure how being numb would exclude someone from wearing them. Of course, you can site balance issues, but until you walk in them, how can you tell? And as far as the fact that they're not 'fitted' or have 'half-sizes' -*moderator edit* I mean, you're wearing shoes that hurt your feet. I'm wearing these things, and they do nothing but help me. *moderator edit*

These things are the best. There's nothing even close. It would be a bad day if somebody stole mine and I couldn't get them replaced. I can't see myself in regular shoes. Too painful. Best of luck.