whats your opinion?
Huge difference. I do wear testing for runner’s world and have tested both these shoes. Both are light weight, good for racing but can’t really be compared to each other. The newtons, as you already know, gently suggest that you change your foot strike (if you’re not already a midfoot striker) the zoots I thought felt just like another racing flat with a HUGE heel tab. Yes, it makes it easier for quick transitions but it was too big for my comfort. It irritated my achilles.
Hope this helps, if you have a specific Q, ask.
Are the Zoot shoes packaged at altitude like the Newtons?
See the “Newtons…is it true?” thread – some really great scientific evidence as to why Newtons are the fastest shoes on the market today…
How is the new Zoot with socks?
tighter than without… Tried them with a very thin sock.
How is the new Zoot with socks?
I find the ZOOT shoes to be more comfortable without socks. I haven’t used socks in months of training (and one race) with them no problem. In fact, when I tried wearing thin socks with them I felt like my feet were kinda sliding a bit in the heel. Could have been in my head? The shoes are amazing and are designed to be worn comfortably without socks.
Are the Zoot shoes packaged at altitude like the Newtons?
See the “Newtons…is it true?” thread – some really great scientific evidence as to why Newtons are the fastest shoes on the market today…
No, the Zoot shoes are packaged in San Diego, meaning they are great for surfing. Why else would they have all the drainage holes? It’s also why they have neoprene in them, DUHHHHH!
Altitude, schmaltitude!
So are you saying the Zoots are not great for midfoot/forefoot strikers? Do they have good forefoot cushioning? Or more designed for the heel stricker.
That’s not what I’m saying. I’m saying that the zoot is your average racing flat, not all that much cushioning anywhere in the shoe. It was made to be worn comfortably barefoot and lightweight, and that is exactly what it is. I wouldn’t wear either shoe for much other than racing or shorter training runs. But that’s me.
As you would with any new training regimen, I would suggest checking with your local physicist regarding the superiority of each shoe, but it’s pretty clear that if you are looking to run a sub 1:10 70.3, u need to get on the bandwagon and just buy the expensive ones…
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=1654824;search_string=newton;#1654824
What was the fit of the Zoot Shoes like? Normal, wider, etc? how about the toe box, narrow or wide?
Bob
I have a skinny foot, felt pretty good through the arch, a little big in the forefoot, but again, skinny foot.
The shoes typically run about a 1/2 size large, the toe box and entire shoe fits similar to the Asics line, there is plenty of forefoot cushioning in the Ultra Race shoe as well
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The Zoot’s are available or will be available on March?
correct, beginning of March, get them while you can . . . www.zootsports.com/race
excellent, big help, thanx
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That’s not what I’m saying. I’m saying that the zoot is your average racing flat, not all that much cushioning anywhere in the shoe. It was made to be worn comfortably barefoot and lightweight, and that is exactly what it is. I wouldn’t wear either shoe for much other than racing or shorter training runs. But that’s me.
I don’t really think you can fairly generalize to this extent. ZOOT has three shoes in their line, including a race oriented ‘flat’ with less cushion, and two trainer/racers with more cushion and support. I probably wouldn’t train in a racing flat either, but the other shoes in the line are outstanding for training and still plenty light enough for racing (lighter than my old ‘racing’ shoes…) All of the shoes are designed for a forefoot to midfoot style of running. None of them have the thick heel sponges you see on ‘typical’ running shoes designed for the heel-striking masses. These are running shoes made for ‘real’ runners.