Details
Brand
Zoot
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Ultra Kane 3.0
Terrain
Road
Type
Triathlon
Key Features
• Everyday stability trainer• Ample cushioning• High support• Very responsive shoe• Offers a bouncy ride• Able to wear the shoe sockless• Easy pull-on tongue tab• Secure fit
Upper
Instead of the previous TekSheen fabric, the Zoot Kane Ultra 2.0 features a nylon air mesh upper. The shoe features a standard lacing system and abandons the quick-lace system used in the original Kane Ultra. The company has moved away from its focus on triathlon ready shoes and is clearly looking to appeal to a wider market. The shoes can easily be slipped on, thanks to the slip-on fit and pull-tab tongue. The interior of the shoe is comfortable enough to be worn sockless thanks to the BAREFIT construction and Dri-Lex liner fabric. It prevents bacterial growth, promotes breathability and ensures the shoes will not develop bad odors.
Midsole
The Zoot Ultra Kane 2.0 packs a lot of foam into its midsole. Half of the foam in the Ultra Kane 2.0’s midsole is composed of responsive Z-bound. This proprietary foam provides excellent energy return. The Z-bound material also does a good job of staying bouncy even after miles of use. The midsole also features Carbon Span+ which is the light grey portion visible on the side profile of the shoe. It’s the most rigid part of the Ultra Kane 2.0 and provides a good amount of stability.
Outsole
The Zoot Ultra Kane 2.0 features an outsole made of Zoot’s blown rubber. It acts to ensure there is traction underfoot. Better traction means greater stability. The shoe does a decent job at gripping the ground even in wet, rainy conditions. The blown rubber sole is also very durable, so runners will feel comfortable for miles when wearing the Ultra Kane 2.0.
Breathability
The Zoot Ultra Kane 2.0’s air mesh upper provides adequate ventilation. The inner liner material, Dri-Lex Line Fabric, absorbs moisture inside the shoe. Runners with particularly sweaty feet will find the shoe does a good job of absorbing perspiration. Also worth noting is that the mesh upper is not the same in every part of the shoe. In some areas, the mesh is looser to encourage cooling. In other areas, the tighter mesh provides additional support for the wearer.
Comfort
The Zoot Ultra Kane 2.0 is a nicely cushioned stability shoe. A fair amount of runners really enjoyed their ride in the Ultra Kane 2.0. Many commented positively about the bouncy Z-bound midsole material. Runners found that the shoe provided great stability in a comfortable package. The slip-on construction means that the shoe is easy to pop on and the comfortable interior means that sockless runs are a possibility for those who prefer it. Many runners found that they had no issues with blisters while wearing the Ultra Kane 2.0 and that they developed no suspicious hot spots. The shoe fits well with a wide toe box and a snug heel.
Style
The Zoot Ultra Kane 2.0 is not going to win any style awards. It looks like a generic, rather boring trainer. The colors lack a bit of oomph. The pull-tab tongue is probably the most up-to-date looking feature on the shoe. The large, obvious logo is a bit obtrusive and does nothing to improve the design. Frankly, the shoe looks a bit like a shoe an older grandpa would wear to the gym. While it’s not winning any style points, it still does what it sets out to do. It offers high support in a comparatively lightweight package.
Durability
The outsole of the Zoot Ultra Kane 2.0 is made of durable Zoot Blown Rubber. The proprietary rubber is meant to last for miles. The shoe is targeted towards those who require a good amount of stability. The outsole is therefore designed to manage heavier footfalls and heavier runners. The sole is able to withstand repeated impact and use. The partnering midsole cushion is also meant to last quite a while and runners commented that the Z-bound bounce continued to be felt after a fair amount of use.
Protection
The Zoot Ultra Kane 2.0 has decent protection underfoot for runners. The cushioned midsole outfitted with responsive Z-bound material protects runners from impact for miles and miles. Runners will feel supported thanks to the ample cushioning in the Ultra Kane 2.0. The shoe will work well for those seeking gait correction who also prefer a fair bit of protection from impact forces. Runners who are prone to injury or who have lingering issues from past running injuries may do well with this shoe.
Responsiveness
The Zoot Ultra Kane 2.0 shines when it comes to responsiveness. The midsole features proprietary Z-bound cushioning which is lightweight and very responsive. It provides a great deal of energy return with each footfall. The light Z-bound material helps to ensure the shoe is responsive while keeping the overall weight of the shoe down. Most runners really enjoyed this aspect of the Ultra Kane 2.0. They found the bouncy ride supremely comfortable. They also found that the shoe continued to feel bouncy even towards the end of long runs.
Support
The Zoot Ultra Kane 2.0 offers ample support for the runner that needs it. The full-length cushioning helps to provide a supportive base to the shoe. Thanks to the comfortable and secure fit, the Ultra Kane 2.0 won’t feel wobbly on the run. The snug fit in the heel coupled with the Z Lock lacing mechanism will ensure the shoe does not slip around during a run.
Terrain
Originally, Zoot was a company that focused mainly on shoes for triathletes. The company was concerned with the triathlon focused athlete but have since moved on to target a wider market. The original Zoot Ultra Kane did cater more to those in the world of triathlon. This newer iteration of the Ultra Kane is instead meant to be appreciated by a wider running audience. The shoe was made for the road runner needing comfortable cushioning with good stability features.
Price
The Zoot Ultra Kane 2.0 is priced around $140 US. It’s a fair price for a shoe of its type. As a highly cushioned, high stability roadrunner, it’s at a good price point. Where it lacks style, it makes up with excellent support and comfortably cushioned. Its bouncy ride is another good selling point. Unfortunately, in this modern age, some runners might prefer a more updated look and the Zoot Ultra Kane 2.0 does not deliver in this aspect. However, its durable construction means that it should last a long time.
Drop
The drop in the Ultra Kane 2.0 is about 11.4 mm, which is a little above average. The shoe has a fairly prominent heel and will work well for runners who heel strike.
Stability
The Zoot Ultra Kane 2.0 is a stability road shoe meant to provide a fair bit of pronation control for those who require it. Runners who have issues with overpronation and are prone to injury may find solace in the well cushioned and supportive Ultra Kane 2.0. The shoe features a medial post to ensure a stable ride. It also contains Carbon Span+ which adds support to the shoe. In addition, the Z Lock lacing mechanism is there to ensure a locked-in fit for security and stability. The cushioning not only provides shock absorption but adds support underfoot. The grippy outsole of the shoe also ensures a stable ride.
Flexibility
The Zoot Ultra Kane 2.0 isn’t particularly flexible. This is in large part due to its place as a high stability shoe. The rigid support components like the Carbon Span+ and medial post offer great stability but they lack flexibility. Fortunately, the midsole’s Z-bound material promotes a responsive ride giving runners a nice rebound feeling with each step. A select few runners did find the rigidity of the shoe was a deal breaker. They commented that the rigid feeling underfoot actually caused a fair bit of pain with every footfall. Of course, running shoes should never cause your feet pain, so make sure you try on the shoe to see if it’s right for you.
Traction
The Zoot Ultra Kane 2.0’s Zoot Blown Rubber outsole provides good traction for runners hitting the city streets. This stability road shoe’s outsole is not only durable but manages to keep runners stable by gripping surfaces with ease. When rainy weather hits, runners will feel confident in every step.
Bottom Line
The Zoot Ultra Kane 2.0 provides a decent amount of cushioning underfoot in a shoe that is comparatively lighter than many others in its category. The high stability shoe is well positioned to provide cushion and stability throughout miles of training. The shoe is very responsive and offers a bouncy ride thanks to the Z-bound midsole material’s excellent energy return. The Ultra Kane 2.0 is a good option for those seeking additional support and those who might also be dealing with nagging injuries. It’s a decent everyday stability trainer with durable construction.
