Men's Zoot Ultra TT 5.0

Comments about Mens Zoot Ultra TT 5.0 Running Shoe:

I raced several 70.3 triathlons with Zoot TT 4.0 and loved the support and durability of the shoe. However, I am completely disappointed in the durability of the TT 5.0. The heel tore off after only 5 miles! I thought I had a defective shoe and exchanged them for a new pair. Unfortunately I had the same experience with the second pair. Even more disheartening is I emailed Zoot directly about my experience and never received a response. Based on the other posts is clear that the TT 5.0 are constructed poorly and Zoot needs to fix the defective design.

Comments about Mens Zoot Ultra TT 5.0 Running Shoe:

I really like these shoes. I pretty much just use them for Triathlon racing. They are light, comfortable, and really fast in transition. Off the bike, use the pull tabs on the shoes to pull them on, quick yank on the draw string to tighten them up, and off for my run. They have drain holes in the bottom and drain nicely. I do not wear socks, and have not had any blister issues on shorter runs. I race sprint 5K and Olympic 10K distance triathlons, so I can't speak for a longer race, but really like them for the short course races. Admittedly, I don't use them for training runs very often, save them for race day, so with only about 60+ miles on them so far, they have held up great. I'd certainly buy them again, but looks like I will get another season out of them before it is time to replace them.

Comments about Mens Zoot Ultra TT 5.0 Running Shoe:

Love the Ultra TT 5. I run 10-12 mi during the week on road and 12-15 mi on weekend for my long run. Shoes feel great. however, the bottom of it is now peeled off :(

I am sure I put less than 300 mi on it as I alternate between the Zoot and my other Mizuno shoes.

Other than that, it's a great shoe.

Comments about Mens Zoot Ultra TT 5.0 Running Shoe:

I have been running in Zoot Ultra TT shoes for a long time. I loved the 2.0 and the 3.0 and never had a problem. The 4.0 started wearing out a little odd and the 5.0 just like the other post said just fell apart. I thought it was a fluke so I worked with Roadrunner and got me another pair and then another, all with the same results. I did not have the heart to keep trying them. I am looking forward to the 6.0s to see if any changes have been made.

A thought: It me be my foot strike causing the shoe to strike the ground at it's weakest point but I am not sure as I was unable to compare any of my older shoes to the 5.0s to see if that had chaged at all. This shoe may work for others, just not me.

Comments about Mens Zoot Ultra TT 5.0 Running Shoe:

Used them one time in a sprint triathlon, the bottom rubber peeled a
third way off the shoe

Comments about Mens Zoot Ultra TT 5.0 Running Shoe:

Uncharacteristically, every time Zoot revs these shoes, they just get better. I loved the 4.0, and love these even more. I run the road during the week, about 12 miles total. Every weekend, I do a 12 - 15 mile run, mostly on trails. These shoes are fantastic for either. I have very high arches, but I'm a big believer in minimalist shoes. Since I've altered my running style to be closer to barefoot, I haven't suffered any injuries and I run much faster. I think these shoes are an excellent compromise for anyone looking to move to a lighter shoe without going all the way to Vibram. I love the elastic lace system and the weather-proof materials. I find these shoes to be very durable, especially when considering how light they are.

Comments about Mens Zoot Ultra TT 5.0 Running Shoe:

I typically use "minimal" barefoot style running shoes as my every day shoes (Brooks Pureconnect and New Balance Minimus). But lately I have been on the hunt for an ultra-lightweight "minimal" shoe that adds more cushioning for those longer runs (half-marathon and up) but still maintains the extreme comfort and ultra light weight of a minimal shoe. Unfortunately I have not found those shoes, HOWEVER, what I did find was a very decent runner-up that is super comfortable, still pretty light, and with great cushioning; the Zoot Ultra TT 5.0.

Why 4 Stars:

Although these shoes do not fall into the ultra light-weight category (8.6 ounces at sz 9), they are still pretty light for the comfort and cushioning they provide. I would prefer the shoe to be lighter (7.6 ounces or less) and to be honest I think Zoot could have achieved this weight if they cut out a lot of the extra "superficial" materials on the outside of the shoe. The reason I am only giving the shoe 4 stars is because I believe Zoot put too much effort into the look of the shoe at the cost of increased weight; and to be quite honest, it was all for naught since the shoe is quite ugly. If you want to see a shoe that does the exterior right, check out the new 2012 Newtons which manages to incorporate a super lightweight upper without sacrificing on style and flashiness!

Bottom Line:

Bottom line is, despite the weight of the Zoot Ultra TT 5.0, I would still recommend this shoe (over Newtons and Kinvaras) due to the sheer comfort and awesome performance. The curved shape of the heel is just enough to still promote a forefoot/midfoot strike while also providing the added cushioning that is missing from minimal running shoes. And although the upper is somewhat heavier and not as breathable as other lightweight shoes, it is by-far THE most comfortable upper that I have tried in a while. The integrated quick lace system is also a plus as it helped me avoid having to buy elastic laces which saves me a few bucks (and a few seconds off of my transition times).

Other shoes - Comparison:

For those still on the hunt for an ultra-lightweight shoe with superior cushioning, I would recommend trying the SAUCONY KINVARA 2 (7.7 ounces). The differences between the Kinvara and the Zoot Ultra TT 5.0 (other than 1 ounce) are in the comfort and fit. The Zoots upper is seamless and tongueless and hugs the foot; while the Sauconys upper material, although incredibly light, bunches up quite uncomfortably in the forefoot area especially if using elastic laces. The Zoots are so comfortable that I have even worn them around the house as house shoes! Great job Zoot, I will be definitely keeping these shoes in my line-up.