Feb 8 2008 Z-Coils: Go Go Gadget Stupid Springy Shoes

Well not only does this make two spring related posts today, it also makes this Inspector Gadget week at Geekologie, first with the personal copter and now the Z-coil spring shoes. First utilized by a clumsy cartoon inspector in the mid 80's, these shoes guarantee to aid you in your mission of capturing Dr. Claw and putting an end to M.A.D.'s illegal operations.

UPDATE: Okay, it turns out I bought a pair of these online one night when I was drunk and they just came. I've been running around the neighborhood and I've got to say, they're surprisingly comfy. I'm gonna take them out in a minute and do some tests to see how high they make me jump.

UPDATE: Not high enough to clear a bus, somebody call an ambulance.

Scariest Vision of the Future on Two Legs [io9]

Thanks to Sebastian, who can jump over buildings with a single leap -- barefooted, for the tip

Jan 2 2008 Titanium Springs Make Shoes Bouncier

The Titanium Spring Loaded Insoles from Hammacher Schlemmer have five titanium springs in each heel.

Built with five titanium springs that not only cushion and support the foot, these insoles return some of the energy of the downward footfall back up to the body for a "push off" with every stride. The titanium construction ensures the springs will never wear down or lose their shock-absorbing capability. Seven smaller springs under the ball of the foot further disperse the impact and cradle the foot.

All this for only $30! Sounds like it's too good to be true doesn't it? Well it is. I felt their marketing spiel clearly implied that these things give you the power to jump over buildings in a single leap. And that didn't happen. Nope, I didn't even make it over the holly bush in front of my parent's house. Talk about some false damn advertising. I'm suing Hammacher Schlemmer for the cost of Neosporin and Band-Aids.

Titanium Insoles Put A Space-Age Spring In Your Step [ohgizmo]