New Zoot Ultra Ali'i 6

I love Boa Systems. Zoot and Specialized have it and I dig it.

The long version is at my blog posted in my sig line at the bottom.

Here is the short version:
http://oi42.tinypic.com/r7tl.jpg

BAM!!

The Ultra TT 5.0 lowers with the Ultra Race 4.0 uppers. Fantastic idea! The last shape is the same as previous Ali’I models but the toe box looks to be curved up a little bit more than previously, but maybe that’s just my odd view of the new shoes compared to my older version. The soles still have drainage and the carbon span which gives a nice solid road feel when you push off. There is also a new “Zoot” design for the treads. The heel is the same with the lower profile and strap for putting on in transition. There is no Achilles chaffing as in older “high back” models. The shoes are sockless and extremely comfortable even over a 16 mile training session on the asphalt. The sock liner is the same as previous models with only 2 seams on either side of the ankles, which is not a typical rubbing spot. The weight seems to be a little different with the prior models weighing in at 9.1 ounces per shoe in size 10.5 (without insoles) versus the new weight at 8.7 ounces, so a bonus for us! For reference, the Ultra Race 4.0 is 8.2 ounces in size 10.5. The boa system is quick and adjustable on the fly and firmly holds your heel in place when running which gives a very secure “one with the shoes” feeling. If you look closely at the lacing system, you’ll notice the Boa system has a strap that goes around the upper part of the heel to keep it in place. I almost expected this to hurt but it was the exact opposite. It made the shoe that much more comfortable. And the black and yellow design is very cool and matches the new Ultra Team kit colors and design with a bit of Hawaii floral pattern. There is also a “30” on the toe area which I assume is for the years supporting triathletes.

My only true complaint, the heel to toe drop is a bit off. It would be nice to see another 2 – 4 mm taken off the back end (again, maybe I need to take out the power tools?). Now, why did I mention a special appearance by Specialized S-Works Tri-Vent? They both serve the same function for their respective sports. And they both get some flak for being a gimmick not worth the price.

So are they worth it or just another expensive gimmick meant to deceive the triathlon community?

I suggest they are the most important thing a triathlete should be looking at. Take the bike shoes. Roadies will forever claim that tri shoes are worthless on a bike and especially when climbing as your foot is not held securely in place and the rider gives up a lot of power. Triathletes make claims for faster transitions into and out of the shoes. But both can’t co-exist right? Wrong. Having the heel open makes the shoes great to slip on and off in a triathlon, but utilizing the Boa system, the rider can crank down the dial and secure the heel to the shoe and making the S-Works Tri-Vent a road worthy shoe.

Runners make the same claims as roadies. A real shoe uses laces and is tied securely to the foot. Triathletes need to slip on shoes on the fly and sometimes when wet. They need easy entry. So the same thing for the Zoot Ultra Race 4 and the Ultra Ali’i 6 run shoes. With the boa system, the triathlete can easily slip them on and then ratchet them down until snug. What’s even better is how easy it is to relieve some pressure when your foot swells and pop the Boa dial to open the laces a bit.

I highly recommend the new Specialized S-Works Tri-Vents and the Zoot Ultra Race 4 and Ultra Ali’I 6 and propose that the Boa System is not a gimmick rather a foot and power saving tool that is much needed for the triathlon community

I am NOT sponsored by Zoot or anyone for that matter, just loving the products and had a VERY rare opportunity to try these hot off the production line.

How is “reaching down to adjust a Boa dial” easier than “not doing anything because your elastic laces compensated for the swelling by themselves”?

I used elastic laces for all my run shoes. Sometimes I felt like I could keep the laces tight and other times I felt they were too tight, but adjusting on the fly meantultie adjustments and never getting it “right”. With the boa system it pretty easy to relieve pressure completely and quickly and re-adjust based on the foot swell.

Just seems easier for me, but ymmv.

Lost all my toe nails when my foot swelled at imnyc and elastic laces turned into a tourniquet .

I think the better question is: where did you find/get it? I’m not even seeing it on Zoot’s page…

I think he got them as a sample.

I desperately want a pair but 8.5s aren’t available yet (from what I’ve been told from my buddy at Zoot)

Yeah, sorry, got them as a sample.

Funny part is, I don’t want to over use them and get them dirty as they are great for everyday sneakers too. I can’t really wear my Ultra Race 4 around town, a little too much 1980 calling.

Yeah, they are really nice looking. I’ve been a Kinvara guy since the beginning (and wasn’t as unhappy as you with the change in sole), as I’m generally a fan of a pretty minimal ramp. I’m pretty happy with them, overall, but the lack of (or difficulty of) ability to use elastic laces sucks. I’m good sockless with them up to 10k, but am a little hesitant to go farther than that. I’ve also never really noticed a problem with the lack of drainage, but I also mostly stick to short course; only one or two 70.3’s a season.

I haven’t tried a pair of Zoots, yet, but these seem like they’d be a perfect introduction/transition for me.

If you like the minimal ramp, you’ll like the Ultra Kiawe and Ultra Race 4.

Great sockless. I like the boa on the Race 4 but they are a bit pricey.

I loved the Race 4. However, I tore open both of my heels on a half marathon I did this weekend which has me wondering WTF happened. I’ve done longer runs in those shoes before - so I’m not sure if it was the shoes or something else entirely.

I didn’t see it in your blog post, but you did mention that you’d like them to remove about 2-4mm from the heel. Do you know what the actual heel-toe drop is? And do you know what the price will be for the Ali’i 6? I think I’d like, or at least would like to try, the boa system, and don’t want or need the thinner sole.

I am 95% sure this is going to be my Ironman TX shoe in 10days. I love em!

Heal to toe drop is 10mm on the race, TT and Ali’i. it is 6mm on the kiawe and speed. I believe they are $180 or $160 MSRP. The race 4 is available today, but the Ali’i is being released in August.