Details
Brand
Zoot
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
8.6/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Triathlon
Key Features
• BareFit™ inner liner adds comfort• Quick-Lace™ system ensures easy efficient lacing when you have no time to waste• Comes in multiple different colorways• Lightweight• Z-Bound™ insole• Breathable water-resistant air mesh upper
Upper
Zoot uses their BareFit™ internal liner that makes the shoes fit like a sock. There are also easy-on loops that make the shoe very easy to pull on and off quickly. This particularly comes in handy when every second counts during a race. To make things even easier, Zoot has included their Quick-Lace™ system. This means that only one hand is needed to pull on and tighten the shoe. The air mesh material used in the upper allows for extreme breathability that will be a welcome experience during warm races.
Midsole
Zoot has really enhanced the technology that they’re offering in the midsole of this shoe. Cushioning tends to be the main objective of a quality midsole, and Zoot does not disappoint on this front. The Ultra TT 7.0 uses their Top loaded Z-Bound™ technology that helps make the most of each stride with little-wasted energy. There is additional midsole support as well thanks to the CarbonSpan+™ feature that helps to propel the foot forward with a dynamic toe-off motion. These two technologies work together to minimize fatigue to help runners get the most out of their long runs and triathlon races.
Outsole
The outsole of any running shoe may be the most important component. The outsole provides a supportive base for the wearer and is highly resistant. For the Ultra TT 7.0, Zoot is using their ZCR and ZPU rubber in the outsole to give it lightweight, durable traction. This material strikes the perfect balance between durability and stability. What’s even more impressive is the traction that Zoot was able to include in the outsole material. Runners should have no issues with slippage thanks to the waffled grooves and lugs that will connect well to the running surface in question.
Breathability
A triathlon shoe needs to be breathable. There’s no doubt about it. The Zoot Ultra TT 7.0 excels in terms of ventilation. The upper allows air to easily circulate and is comfortable enough to be worn without socks. Zoot’s TriDry technology helps to keep the foot dry even when coming out of the water during a triathlon.
Comfort
Triathlon shoes need to be comfortable in order to help athletes get through running, swimming, and biking segments. The Zoot Ultra TT 7.0 is an extremely comfortable triathlon specific shoe. The BareFit™ internal liner that gives the shoe a comfortable feel. The Z-Bound™ insole gives even more comfort thanks to its plush feel against the skin and ample cushioning. Finally, the Top loaded Z-Bound™ midsole cushioning gives runners a responsive feel next to the foot. The CarbonSpan+™ technology helps to provide a natural ride. Runners will be very pleased with the way all of these features work together for a comfortable ride.
Style
Zoot has never sought to create the most attractive shoes out there. Their products are designed with performance in mind and they put that ahead of any style elements. Having said that, certain runners and triathletes will love the brightly colored designs found in the Ultra TT 7.0. Those looking for a more subdued option will want to look elsewhere. Beyond the color, the silhouette of the shoe is very svelte and attractive. These shoes compare nicely to some of the more popular brightly colored options that are on the market today.
Durability
Durability is a major concern for triathletes who demand the most out of their shoes. With so many miles being put in on the ground and on the bike, the shoe needs to be able to hold up. With the Ultra TT 7.0, Zoot relies on their ZCR and ZPU rubber compounds to enhance the durability of the outsole. This durable traction should hold up nicely even after many miles of wear and tear. The Z-Bound™ insole also is extremely durable to take the beating of many entries and exits from the shoe when hopping on and off of the bike. The Quick-Lace™ system will also hold up much better than traditional lacing systems that can fray and break down quicker due to rain or moisture.
Protection
The shoe is well protected from the elements thanks to its TriDry technology. When the foot is wet after getting out of the pool, water will bead off the material and quickly absorb. This protects from a wet run that is more likely to induce blisters or hot spots. The cushioning on the Zoot Ultra TT 7.0 also helps to protect the foot from uneven terrain and debris. The top loaded Z-Bound™ cushioning will enhance the feel of every stride while ensuring the wearer’s foot is safe and sound.
Responsiveness
When it comes to racing triathlons, you definitely want a shoe that works with you and not against you. The Zoot Ultra TT 7.0 features Z-Bound midsole cushioning which pads underfoot and provides a great deal of energy-return.
Support
The Zoot Ultra TT 7.0 is a good moderately supportive shoe thanks to the responsive Z-Bound cushioning found in the midsole. The shoe also features a nice amount of arch support for the wearer. There’s also the CarbonSpan+ technology which ensures a smooth ride.
Terrain
You’ll want a triathlon shoe to be able to handle different types of running surfaces. You don’t want surprises on race day! The Zoot Ultra TT 7.0 isn’t a trail shoe but it can still handle the change in running surfaces that you may encounter during a triathlon race.
Price
Zoot makes a very specialized shoe for a very specialized athlete. Triathletes who need a lightweight, water-resistant racing shoe will be happy to pay for quality. The Zoot Ultra TT 7.0 is on the higher end of the price scale but it’s a shoe that offers great overall value.
Drop
The Ultra TT 7.0 has 10mm drop. For the rigors of a triathlon, the 10mm drop seems to work quite well.
Stability
The stability in the Ultra TT 7.0, in large part, is provided by the midsole. The Tri-O-Mechanics technology is included in the shoe and is meant to ensure a smooth transition from bike to running. The Top loaded Z-Bound™ ensures adequate energy-return. Finally, the CarbonSpan+™ allows for a smooth and supported ride.
Flexibility
Fortunately, Zoot managed to create a flexible shoe without reducing the amount of midsole cushioning. The Z-Bound material in the midsole is quite flexible while still providing support underfoot.
Traction
The outsole of the Zoot Ultra TT 7.0 features Zoot’s ZCR and ZPU technology. This rubber outsole has grooves, lugs, and waffle-shaped traction to help connect to the road. It’s not recommended to take them onto icy surfaces or thick mud where the lugs may find themselves over-matched. These shoes were designed with road and pavement traction in mind and triathletes will be best suited to keeping these shoes on those surfaces whenever possible.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Zoot Ultra TT 7.0 is an excellent choice for triathletes wanting a lightweight option for race day. The price may not be low, but for all of the technology you’re getting in this shoe, it is absolutely worth it. The bright colors may not be for everyone, but these shoes are more about performance than style. Triathletes have a difficult time finding a shoe that’s as comfortable as the 7.0.
