Shawn
Totally agree buddy.To me there are no loops on the heel cup and tongue for fast and easier transition.Has the issues of tired legs been addressed with differeing densities to compensate for over-pronation and especially the women’s version. To me the shoes lacks forefoot stabillity and cushioning and the upper looks like it will stretch, even with the thermo-plastic logo’s. But a great first attempt form zoot, this will suit the elite good but the masses may need a little more working in the shoe…Shawn, what you think fella, hope us two are not going to get too anal on this…lol
Actually, I helped with the look and feedback on the shoes, in a few meetings at Zoot, and I’m nothing but impressed with them. I’m actually switching to Zoot completely, due to the quality of these shoes, leaving my current shoe company. Not because the company I’ve been with is bad, but rather the Zoot shoes do address my specific needs to perform well.
Contrary to the popular thought here of it being strictly a race flat for elites, Zoot will have 3 versions of the shoe, (race flat, neutral, and support), providing a shoe for each level of athlete, and their needs.
The fact there are no loops on the heel cup and tongue was addressed in our meetings, and it was determined they really weren’t needed. Most athletes don’t grab the shoe by the loops, they grab for stability at an area which is pronounced. Zoot did some testing, and found this to be very consistent. If you look at the tongue and high heel cup, you can see the height of those components addresses this. They allow a place to grab the shoe and slide your foot in.
The most impressive aspects for me have been the addressing of sockless wear. The interior is ENTIRELY seamless and has a special coating which reduces frictions. Athletes running from high speeds to slow speeds, can spend a long time in the shoes, without socks, WITHOUT WORRY OF BLISTERS! This also allows for the shoe to keep lighter weight, as socks tend to hold water, as do shoes. The shoes also have drainage holes in the bottom which allow for water to be released from it easily, and prevent added weight throughout the race. This has been wear tested, OVER AND OVER, and shows the quality of the shoe. I myself was skeptical at first, but again, I’ve been thoroughly impressed.
There are many other features to the shoes which I won’t get into right now, but when you see them and try them, you will be very impressed! Zoot is doing things right, and has just raised the bar.
