19 best Zoot running shoes

Zoot running shoes

For your triathlon needs, nothing compares to the greatness of Zoot running shoes. Whether you wish to conquer miles on the track or trail, the brand ensures that each step is comfortable and stable. Not all the shoes have great reviews, but you can expect a lightweight platform that keeps runners speedy throughout the run. Comfort and flexibility are also ensured to improve performance. Zoot running shoes are great options to include in your shoe collections, given that you are an active triathlon runner or just love speed workouts in general.

The aspects of the best Zoot running shoes for women and men

• Grippy rubber outsole – Adherence to the surfaces is one of the most essential elements of a running shoe’s outsole. The best Zoot running shoes have external pads that are meant to provide surface control throughout the running session. The layer of rubber is also designed to protect the midsole from the damaging nature of ground contact and continued use. Sometimes, a Zoot shoe like the Del Mar is fitted with blown rubber to add a bit more cushioning and springiness on top of the surface grip.
• Lightweight and porous mesh – Most of Zoot’s range of running shoes require cover systems that are ventilated. These textiles also need to be light and comfortable against the foot, especially since this brand highly advertises and prides its products’ capacities to welcome freedom of motion. The Ultra Tempo 6.0, the Solana 2, and the Carlsbad are shoes that have uppers that are littered with breathing holes.
• Responsive midsole – The midsole unit of a Zoot running shoe is comprised of technologies that created to maintain comfort and surface steadiness. The cushioning systems from this brand are usually generous as they aim to let the wearer run for extended periods. Two elements comprise each full-length platform: a substantial ZVA base and a Z-Bound top layer. The bottom part is meant to provide a steady ride and a well-attenuated step, the one on top aims to energize the foot and keep it comfortable throughout the heel-to-toe transitions. The Zoot Laguna and the Zoot Diego are running shoes that feature these technologies.

History of Zoot Sports

Triathlon events have just gotten its mojo back in the 1970s and ’80s. People who wanted to try out this type of endurance sport were greeted with different demands because there were different types of apparel for each stage of the contest. Swimming, running, and cycling; these are the fundamental aspects of triathlon matches. The early years of this sport involved points in the race where people would change their clothing.

In the early ‘80s, Christal Nylin was observing participants of the Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. She noticed that the people were inconvenienced by the fact that they had to change their clothes and shoes at different intervals. The race would fundamentally be stalled because of these lengthy pauses. So, Christal experimented on different fabrics and clothing, keeping in mind the need to make the apparel as versatile and as multipurpose as possible.

In 1983, Zoot Sports was born. Christal continued to improve upon her initial creations, and with a team behind her, she was able to provide quality clothing for triathlon enthusiasts. The company transferred to San Francisco, California to bolster a push for expansion. After that, it was a cavalcade of events that saw Zoot Sports get acquired by different establishments.

But creativity wasn’t hindered by the multiple transitions that the company endured. In fact, the new millennium proved to be highly productive for Zoot as they churned out new kinds of sportswear, including the first racing shoe that didn’t need shoelaces: the Zoot Ultra Speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I care for my Zoot running shoe?

The best way to clean a Zoot shoe is to wash it like any running shoe or sneaker. You should use cold water and mild detergent soap. These materials are useful when it comes to removing dirt and stains from your shoe. Moreover, you should only use your hands when washing. Do not immerse your footwear in a water-filled washing machine as it can damage some parts. If there are hard-to-remove stains, you can use a soft-bristled brush to remove them.

When it comes to drying your running shoes after washing, it is imperative that you do not use direct sunlight as a method. The extreme heat of the sun may warp the components of your shoe or even shrink it to the point of not fitting well. The best approach is to air dry your shoe. The cool breeze of the outdoors is sufficient when it comes to evaporating the remaining water from your shoe. It is also not wise to stick your shoes in dryers for the same reasons as drying them under the sun.

Can I use Zoot running shoes for casual purposes?

While Zoot’s running shoes definitely have colorful designs, these products are ultimately optimized for running. The various components of the outsole, midsole and upper all work together to provide a well-rounded performance. But if you are comfortable with wearing your Zoot shoe during your urban walks and fashion-centric undertakings, then you can always do so. Zoot prides itself as a company that provides products that can withstand a variety of activities. If it can handle multi-sports like triathlons, then it could probably accommodate your daily grind.

Author

Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.

jens@runrepeat.com