I bought a pair strictly for runing long distances, so I can't really comment as for it's original triathlon purposes such as putting it on fast or using it sockless.
My expiriance with the shoe was mostly long distance running (anywhere between 10-25K), in very warm and humid conditions (Israel's coast line), 700 k overall, in a 5 monthes period of time (since march), while using various thickness types of running socks
From the expirience standpoint, I just love them, they feel lightwaight and stable, running fast in them is alot of fun, they look good (the red\black version, the rest is shockingly distastfull), and the carbon soles make a nice clank when hitting the pavement
Also, they are very comfortable, the elastic part at the top holds the foot perfectly, andas long as you have a good pair of synthtic socks, the ventilation and drainage will keep your feet dry, even in a tipical plastic-melting july day in the sunny middle-east.
Also, i highly praise the anti bacterial in socks that are built to it's insideno bad smells, and more importantlyvery few blisters.
On the downside, these shoes were ment for competition,not a prolonged 40k-a-week usage, so they do tend to deteriorate more rappidly then normalthe elastics loosens up a bit, while the mesh at the toe saggs , causing a little bit of friction at the tip of the toe (though,ultimatly neglegable, henchthe 5 star grade).
I do think it will remain good enough to get the elmentric 1,000k life span that a good shoe should yield, just don't expect to use it for a minor eternity.
Alsoit is not a good walking shoe, and should be used strictly for running, as the soles feel kind of weird while walking in them for long.
On the overall I am very happy with them, to the point that I bought a second pair, which was on sale in a local store.
highly recommended...
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I bought this shoe for one reason only: to reduce my transition time during triathlons. From the description of the item, I was led to believe that these were designed to be worn sockless and could be put on very easily and quickly at transitions. 1/2 ain't bad. The inside, insole, and upper of the shoe was actually fine against my foot, including the heel which has been a problem spot for me in the past. The problem was the ankle cutout and the back of the shoe; they are so high that they rubbed against my ankle every step and I started to bleed after just over a mile. I must admit that this is a fairly common problem for me, so it's likely you already know if this will be a problem for you. Unfortunately, it looks like I will be wearing socks when I wear this shoe.
I will still use this shoe for races because it is very quick to put on and tighten, lightweight, but still provides sufficient cushion. However, these will not be shoes that I train in. My feet have been pampered by Brooks DNA and I don't know that there's much out there that I'd transition full time to.
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The shoes are awesome.
Fit: Runs true to size. My previous Zoot (Ultra Race 2.0) is also an 11.5 and they fit perfectly. It hugs the upper part of the foot and leaves enough room (about a thumb) at the toes. I only tighten the shoelace about half an inch and I dont feel any movement anymore.
Performance: These arrived days before an important 10K race. I had no chance of breaking it because of the rains here in my area so its maiden voyage is a 10K race. It was raining hard that day (with some parts immersed in flood) and the TT 5.0 had no problems dealing with them. It stayed light, firm and grippy (I wear them sockless). I did not break stride during the whole race (even though I trained with a different shoe). And the best part? I PR'ed and cut my 10K time by about 3 minutes.
Looks: Its a no brainer. These look awesome. Everytime I pass by, people just stare at the shoes and silently says "wow" (although I couldnt confirm it LOL). The only downside is that with the rains and mud, these tend to get dirty but a small water spray takes the dirt away.
Transition: Compared to the Ultra Race 2.0, these shoes are a little stiff and could take more time (about 5 seconds more per shoe) in T2. I hope though that this is due to the fact that the shoes are new and once they will be a little used, they will stretch a little and would be comparable to the race shoes as far as ease of slipping in is concerned.
Highly recommended!
Honest reviews on Zoot Men's Ultra TT 5.0 Running Shoe
Overall I like the shoe, however, this is marketed as a tri shoe but the quick laces don't hold in place. It is an easy fix, just replace with a quick laces that have a lock but a fix that shouldn't be required.
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Bought these shoes... Raced in them next day and was shocked by how comfortable and light they were. Well done Zoot.
