With running and walking events year-round, including the Honolulu Marathon in December, many first-time runners and walkers may be pondering: "Which athletic shoe store should I go to to find the right shoes for me?"

As a photojournalist, I spend many hours "on the run," and because of a painful chronic plantar foot problem, what may be an ordinarily easy day on one's feet for some is not the case for me.

With my aching feet as the measuring tool, I became the right candidate, or in this instance, "the tough-to-fit customer" for the job of shopping for shoes. After contacting and visiting willing shoe stores, they accepted the challenge of helping me with my special needs.

In the following weeks, we will feature shoe stores that serve both walkers and runners, and explain their approach to serving customers

Z: PAIN-FREE FOOTWEAR STORE

Z: Pain-Free Footwear Store, in business in Honolulu since February 2004, offers a unique product that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie.

"Z-Coil Pain Relief Footwear was originally invented as a running shoe specifically for pain relief," store owner Christopher Rael said. "Today, the focus is not just (on) runners but anyone suffering lower back, leg or foot pain."

Where the typical shock-absorbing material in running/ walking shoes consists of EVA from heel to toe, Z-Coil shoes use a metal coil attached to an orthotic-based heel as the shock-absorbing mechanism, while the forefoot sole consists of EVA.

For those wondering about the heel stability, Rael said: "Most people walk slightly on the outside of the foot, so the coil is factory set with the strongest side to the outside ... (however), the coil is removable and can be interchanged or rotated with the strong side on the inside of the foot for people who overpronate (walk on the inside of the foot)."

Rael fits each customer by measuring his foot width and adjusting the spring coil to the customer's gait.

"I provide any necessary adjustments or minor repairs at no extra charge, for as long as (the customer) owns the pair of shoes," he said.

As an authorized Z-Coil dealer, Rael participates in annual training to meet Z-Coil's shoe-fitting guidelines. He is also completing certification as a pedorthist, a professional who measures, designs, fabricates, fits or services pedorthic devices as prescribed by a licensed physician or podiatrist.

"I do recommend to all customers under a doctor's supervision to confirm (that) Z-Coil footwear (is) appropriate for their condition ... (and) doctors have been recommending or prescribing Z-Coil footwear for their patients," Rael said.

Rael's store also sells hiking clogs as well as sandals — all using the Z-Coil technology. Many of Rael's customers are people whose jobs require constant standing and walking.

"Several nurses experiencing some type of foot pain or leg fatigue have told me of their improved comfort using our shoes," he said.

After reviewing my plantar condition with Rael, he fitted me with a pair of Z-Coil shoes (running-shoe style) to test.

The feel of the shoes' spring-coil cushioning was unlike any I've ever tried. At first sight, the shoes appear to have a raised heel, but after closer observation, the plane of my foot was no higher than other running shoe models I have.

The shoe's forefoot is well-padded, with a built-in flex line into the "rocker" sole, helping the foot flex at the ball of the foot, and allowing you to roll into the next step.

Rael said the heel spring's energy return also helps propel you into the next step.

The shoes cost from $149 to $249.