The other day we got in the full line of Zoot running shoes and have put in a few runs in the various models. Here is what we thought. Overall the shoes seem to be really comfy. The neutral shoe they make is a bit more like a light weight trainer with its low profile (reminds me of a Asics DS trainer). This shoe would be the better long distance race shoe. The light weight of the shoe is noticeable in quick turnover. The stability shoe offers more comfort and is great for the moderate pronator. I wouldn’t say it’s the best for the flat footed folk out there, hopefully next season they can create a shoe with a straighter last. The racer is a perfect 10k-half marathon shoe. It has enough cushioning for longer races, but its not the lightest and most flexible if you are looking for a fast 5k shoe.
The built in elastic laces work great in keeping your foot in place and we didn’t notice in heel slippage.
In short if you like a running shoe with a less is more feeling, low profile, and quick turnover feel then I would try these out. If you like the cushy (asics nimbus, adidas supernova cushion) then these would be a noticeable change.
Stability is probably between the ds trainer and 2100 series. The shoes fit true to size, but the sandals are off(buy a size smaller). The toe box is medium to narrow. Overall they have a snug fit.
-Adam
Here is my review…
Sorry didn’t work for me. The ideas are good, quick laces, sockless wear and water drains. Quick question though… Why do we need a water drain holes in running shoes??? I never understood this. Swim is usually before the bike???
Another thing was the heel tab lenght. It was too long for me even the tongue of the shoe was high than regular shoes and these irritated a lot. Maybe you’ll get used to these but the heel tab kept rubbing really bad. Both of these are actually helps the shoe hug your feet without the socks. if they don’t bother you the upper is a great feeling to it. I got the Tempo (stability) and the shoe was more like a ‘racing flat’ than trainer. Weight of the “trainers” are lighter than some regular racing flats!
M pair is going back today which I a bummer i really liked how the shoe felt but the rubbing was really bad for my achileis.
Here is my review…
Sorry didn’t work for me. The ideas are good, quick laces, sockless wear and water drains. Quick question though… Why do we need a water drain holes in running shoes??? I never understood this. Swim is usually before the bike???
So when you pour water on your head (or if you have sweaty feet) your shoes will stay light and dry. As was mentioned on a few other threads by people using these shoes these shoes do dry extremely quickly (there was some discussion of if it was the holes or the breathable uppers, but whatever- it works).
Another thing was the heel tab lenght. It was too long for me even the tongue of the shoe was high than regular shoes and these irritated a lot. Maybe you’ll get used to these but the heel tab kept rubbing really bad. Both of these are actually helps the shoe hug your feet without the socks. if they don’t bother you the upper is a great feeling to it.
I’m not sure why they fit you like that? My heel-tab doesn’t even come close to rubbing. Are you a heel-striker maybe? You mention using stability shoes etc and you were surprised by the light weight. These shoes are not ideal for heavy heel-strikers in my opinion. Maybe that’s why they rub on you? I run more or less off my midfoot and have never had any rubbing issues with the tab or tongue.
I got the Tempo (stability) and the shoe was more like a ‘racing flat’ than trainer. Weight of the “trainers” are lighter than some regular racing flats!
M pair is going back today which I a bummer i really liked how the shoe felt but the rubbing was really bad for my achileis.
They are extremely light. One of the reasons I like them so much! I’m sorry they didn’t work for you.
“Why do we need a water drain holes in running shoes???”
I’ve wondered how they worked as well. But then again, I live in the Pacific North Wet (and yes, I know I left the “s” out of that). I wondered if the holes in the bottom of the shoes would let water IN.
I always wondered why Tri specific shoes (any brand) got holes under them always. yeah dumping water is one thing over your head but it is not specific to triathletes. I have seen more water dumping in chicago marathon than any triathlon out there. I always wondered if people mastered peeing on the run??? That would have been cool.
Looks like Zoot has a solid place in triathlon hall of fame next to Nike Kukinis and Adidas Climacool Konas! For some reason all have water drainers.
I guess I got the wrong size, I picked half a size smaller than my regular shoes. i will try half size lager.
“Why do we need a water drain holes in running shoes???”
I’ve wondered how they worked as well. But then again, I live in the Pacific North Wet (and yes, I know I left the “s” out of that). I wondered if the holes in the bottom of the shoes would let water IN.
I’ve heard from a friend that if it’s wet enough they can let water in, but that the water just drains right back out. Still, if it’s that wet out I’ll probably be on a treadmill.
FWIW I wonder if the drain holes do as much as the sockless liner and the very breathable upper? Maybe they all sort of contribute to the total dryness?
I always wondered why Tri specific shoes (any brand) got holes under them always. yeah dumping water is one thing over your head but it is not specific to triathletes. I have seen more water dumping in chicago marathon than any triathlon out there. I always wondered if people mastered peeing on the run??? That would have been cool.
Looks like Zoot has a solid place in triathlon hall of fame next to Nike Kukinis and Adidas Climacool Konas! For some reason all have water drainers.
I guess I got the wrong size, I picked half a size smaller than my regular shoes. i will try half size lager.
Will you please post your thoughts after trying the larger size?
Best advice try couple of sizes. I wear 9.5 and looking at the feedback I ordered 9 (was planning to wear without socks) but now looks like 9.5 will be a better fit.
I recevied mine yesterday, I placed the order on RoadRunnerSports last Tuesday.
Quick Review:
Very light
Very Shiny
They fit almost like the Mizunos, I wear 8.5 regular shoes and 9.5 running shoes (Mizunos) Precisions and Idaten. They felt a little bigger but not that much.
I will do a test run later today, I’ll let you guys know.
After reading all the reviews saying to size down I decided to order both a 10.5 and 11. My normal size in most shoes are an 11. After trying both on without socks the 11 was the best fit. The 10.5 fit in length but was just to tight mostly around the lace system without tightening at all. The 11 just seemed better in the width aspect. Still a little snug around the lace system but good. I will run in them tonight and see how they feel. Also I should mention that I am using orthodics in them. Both shoes felt the same with the original insole.
I think for some it might take some time getting used to the lace system. I haven’t had much time messing with it but it seems like if you want to tighten them they only tighten at the top. So then you have pressure at the top of your foot but not at the bottom if that makes sense. If you have ever used the elastic lace system they are similar in that regards.
they are light. will see after tonights run. Also the high back seemed comfy just walking around
Unfortunately, my Zoot Ultra Race shoes are going back. I really wanted to like these shoes. I love the lacing system. No seams inside. You can tell these shoes were made just for triathlon. BUT the main reason I bought them is because I wanted to be able to run without socks. They have a perforated insole to allow water to escape. That is all well and good, but this surface is abrasive and gave me blisters on the bottom of my feet. I am sure with socks they would be fine, but without socks I did not find them comfortable.
I was so excited that Zoot was coming out with a shoe line because I love every piece of Zoot clothing I’ve ever owned. Problem is…I am vertically challenged and wear a 7.5.
ZOOT ONLY IS MAKING sizes 8 THROUGH 14 FOR THE TIME BEING. Think of all the Asian runners they just eliminated from buying their shoes. Must be some really tall and big footed triathletes out there somewhere.
I will try an 8 just to say I tried but in almost every other shoe I am a 7.5 including Newtons.
I wanted to like them as well, but the rear protrusion kept digging into my achilles and that was walking around the house. I didn’t want to risk that in a race.
