Why does comfort shoe always spell U-G-L-Y?

There will come a time, when I will have to wear "comfort" shoes. I know this is true.

The years of tortuous heels will take their toll and my arches will rebel, my corns will inflame and my open-toes stiletto sandal days will be over.

But please, please, please, when that day comes, will someone make a comfort shoe that doesn't look like something my grandma would call dorky.

Exhibit A: The Z-coil.

A visible spring on the bottom of the shoe. Really? A spring? Pogo sticks aren't even popular anymore and they want us to walk around with springs on our heels.

I assume that these shoes must be really comfy, because why else would they be so hideous. It's like those first hybrid cars that looked goofy on purpose so that people would know that you're in a hybrid car to save the planet — you were proving your commitment and sacrifice by driving around in something really awkward.

But I digress.

The Z-coil is billed as "pain relief footwear." And it's said to be beneficial for people who spend hours on their feet, those recovering from injury and those who are trying to lose weight. Those purposes seem a little contradictory to me, but I haven't tested this out.

I refuse to, but that's another story.

There are a family of Z-Coil shoes including athletic shoes, a rugged, all-terrain hiking boot and casual shoes for attracting stares at the mall. The product is available for both men and women.

The Bella has the very humorous description of being for "the trendy woman who also craves comfort. ... Fashion has never felt so good." (Insert your own punchline here.)

To find a specialty store near you or to learn more about Z-Coil shoes head to www.zcoil.com. I know some of you out there will like them.

I regard you like the Prius owners. Your sacrifice is duly noted.