Cushioning in Zoot Shoes

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m 6’ 1", and 175 lbs. I’ve always run in a “stability plus” shoe. For the last few years that has been different models of the Asics Gel Kayano. I believe, as nearly as I can tell, that I am a midfoot striker.

Earlier this year, I purchased a pair of Zoot Ultra TT’s, for sprint tris. I found them super comfortable. As I built up my running mileage for a recent HIM, I started alternating between the Kayanos and the Zoots. The Zoots were far more comfortable on my feet, and the Kayanos felt heavy and “clunky” in comparison. I elected to do the run portion of the HIM sockless, in Zoots.

Most of my running is done in hills or the beach. The run portion of the HIM was entirely on concrete. Although the run went fine, and I had no discomfort with the shoes. the next day I had some slight bruising on the outside of my right foot, from about midfoot to the heel, and some slight Achilles soreness. A week later it is all nearly gone.

My wife, based on her experience with running in Zoots, believes the Zoot does not supply enough cushioning. She compares running in the Zoots to running in a more substantial shoe where the cushioning has been beaten down and the shoe needs to be replaced. I tend to think the problem is more related to running on concrete.

I know that people have run marathons in Zoots, but I don’t know if they weighed 175 lbs. I’m also using the stock inserts in the Zoots, and am considering using something like a Sole Softec insert. Lastly, I have a new pair of Zoot Ultra Tempo’s, which are supposed to supply some additional “stability,” that I haven’t run in yet.

Bottom line is we are training for a marathon at the end of the year. Do I stick with Zoots and just HTFU, try a different insert in the Zoots, or run in the Kayanos? I realize everyone’s different, I’m just looking for opinions.

2

I personally tried the zoot’s and never run in anything else now. I started with the ultra TT’s and loved them. Then I picked up the Tempo’s and think they are a world better than the TT’s. I also had the bruising on my foot and eventually it went away and no more probelems. I would get more miles in on the road in the Temp’s and see how you feel.

3

consider the lunar glides from nike. They are heavier than zoot but somewhere in between the zoots and your kayano.

The Nike Air skylons are a little closer to the zoots but have a more substantial sole yet are lighter than the glides.

I’m sure Mizuno and Brooks have some models that fit you, but I KNOW those two I mentioned will work because I was in your same EXACT boat about 1.5 years ago.

4

consider the lunar glides from nike. They are heavier than zoot but somewhere in between the zoots and your kayano.

Agree. I race in my Zoot Ultra Races (love 'em!), but train mostly in my Nike LunarGlides - also love those. Run in both sockless with stock inserts. I’ve been a die-hard long-time Nike fan, and the cushioning in the Lunar-series is much more consistent and overall better than the “Air” stuff, IMHO. But, for races, the Zoots can’t be topped.

FWIW, I’m 150 lbs.

Cheers, Chris