The hardness of the calves and quadriceps of the study participants, who wore Z7 shoes increased 32% and 38% respectively, compared to the control group whose calf and quadriceps muscle hardness increased 8.5% and 4.5%. The findings were statistically significant at a level of probability over 90%, suggesting they are repeatable over time.

Z7 Footwear was inspired by scientific studies that revealed the health and wellness benefits derived from walking on cobblestones. The Z7 cradle was designed to replicate the effect of stepping on a cobblestone by creating a rounded surface with enough strength and rigidity to hold up to the weight of your body.

In addition to toning muscles, cobblestone studies have proven to lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and improve balance and joint mobility. According to Doug Clark, CEO of New England Footwear, parent company of Z7 Footwear, the human body is designed to move naturally over all types of surfaces. The problem is modern footwear has changed the way we walk by taking the complex geometry of the bottom of your foot, and putting it on a flat soled shoe. Even worse, we walk primarily on flat man-made surfaces instead of the uneven terrain we were originally designed to navigate. Modern footwear effectively isolates the muscles and prevents the body from working how it was designed. Z7 footwear changes that with a collection of shoes designed to work as nature intended, engaging all 26 bones in the feet and 7 major muscle groups in the lower body by using a simple technology called the Z7 cradle that can be subtly incorporated in any shoe design resulting in wellness shoes that no longer have to be ugly!!

“We are very excited to see that these study results confirm that the Z7 cradle performs as we hoped and intended”, stated Clark. “The cradle works by simulating the effect of walking on cobblestones creating subtle movement that engages both the primary AND secondary muscles in the leg, allowing the foot and body to move together as nature designed.”

Clark further states, “University studies have shown that by making even subtle adjustments in balance, you can engage parts of the body you haven’t used since the day you started wearing “modern shoes”. This should result in lower blood pressure, increased circulation, improved joint mobility and improved overall physical and mental health … simply by walking with natural balance.” There are several brands that try to deliver a wellness component in their shoes … many have tried, but few can deliver on their claims as effectively as Z7, or produce a shoe that looks as good as it works. With Z7 Footwear we have produced a premium product that marries function with comfort and fine shoe making, and adds the additional benefit of tangible health and wellness.

For where to buy visit or more information visit: www.z7footwear.com

Media contact: Kim Clark at KClark@newenglandfootwear.com phone 1-877-610-8870