Sole on my Zoot racing shoes starting separating yesterday during a race. I was using Ultra Tempo 5…slip on with adjustable laces. I liked those fine so I guess I could just go with updated Zoot model but thought I would see what everyone recommends. I race mostly sprint/oly distance and typically will use a different shoe with socks for HIM. Suggestions? (never really been a Newton guy).
I’m racing in the New Balance 1500 this year. A bit of support, but still light.
I’ve got the Zoot Ultra Tempo 6 and Ultra Kalani 3.0. The Kalani’s have a bit more cushioning. I’ve used the Ultra Tempo 6 sockless for half IM and IM.
Zoot Ultra Kalani
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Merrel road glove
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Nike Free 5.0 Run, racing in the all black stealth this season.
I’ve had success with saucony type a6 for shorter races but never tried with a half just because the extra 10 seconds to get socks is worth it for me at that distance.
Havent tried these. but figured I would share- as the owner seams cool and has put years into this Tri Shoe project of his. Never met him- but worth taking a peek at as hes offering a 50 % discount on the pre orders. I’ve never met the guys- just thought I would share…
http://transitionfootwear.com/
Pearl Izumi tri E motion. Awesome shoe.
I’ve had success with saucony type a6 for shorter races but never tried with a half just because the extra 10 seconds to get socks is worth it for me at that distance.
+1
I’ve worn the A4 once to a total distance of 25km one day (sockless) on a double duathlon. So comfy and blister-free that I didn’t even think about taking them off at the end.
Pearl Izumis and Newton Elites are also pretty good for sockless use.
I switched into the Saucony Mirage this year and quite like it.
Zoot Ali’i 14. Nothing better.
For a print, I would go with either Saucony A5 or Zoot Kiawe 2. If there is possible rain, DEFINITELY the Zoot Kiawe as it has better grip for corners (specifically made for ITU racing with multiple corners and laps).
That being said, I think the next time I do a full Iron I’m going to do a full transition into run shorts, loose shirt, socks, and a well cushioned shoe. Either Hoka Clifton or something in the Zoot family.
I also race the short fast stuff. I like the New Balance RC1400. Once they’re broken in (maybe 5 miles worth) they’re extremely comfortable. Also, they’re super breathable.
I’ve found that they hold up really well, I train in them a fair bit as well as race in them (Ex. Yesterday, I did a morning tempo run and evening easy run, both in the 1400s).
I use the v2, it weighs 6.4oz in a size 9. Currently on sale for $75 on running warehouse!
Other shoes I’ve heard great things about are the NB 1600 (thought of switching to these actually), the Saucony A6, and Nike Lunaracer (although that’s better for longer stuff).
Hope this helps!
If the Ali’i 14 is your go to race day shoe you might pick up another pair. It will soon be out of the line. Interesting, it was the #1 zoot shoe in Oceanside and it was the #1 Zoot shoe at the LA Marathon.
I did a run barefoot in the new Gel Noosa 10. Straight out of the box. The last few years I think the Noosa got away from where it started (It was a brand of its own in Kona). I think it’s back to what it once was.
For sprint and olympic races the Zoot Kiawe is great! It is so light and fast! The Solana and Alii’s new cushioning system is great for the longer runs/races! You can’t beat Zoot in sockless shoes!
You guys taking the pre orders down at the store?
I think Zoot is tough to beat for sockless running. I tried a pair of PI E Motion but they have been relegated to use at the gym. I use the now-discontinued Advantage 3.0. It is billed as a training shoe but I need a bit of stability and it provides just enough. I found a brand new pair over the winter on an eBay store. When I wear them out, I’ll likely check out something else in the Zoot line-up.
Wait what?? The Ali’i is a staple of the Zoot line up? Why take it out of rotation? I know you don’t work with Zoot anymore, but maybe you have some insight.
What is Zoot going to replace it with? They need a 6-8mm drop sockless show that is ultra light and well cushioned. And the boa dial is a great feature that works better than regular laces and speed laces.
This is kind of upsetting.
Favorite of decades gone by…Nike Sock Racer
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I train in the A4’s, but stopped using them in races because of the removable inserts - they were moving around on me when putting them on or when my feet were really wet. The last several years, I have been using Nike XC Streaks I got off runningwarehouse.com for dirt cheap. They are super light, narrow so perfect for sockless wear, but can rub a little on the top of the toes so make sure they work. Runningwarehouse has a great return policy so you might check them out - I get all my shoes from their clearance section. If you like them on Facebook, you can get an extra 15% off.