Zoot Ultra TT 5.0 Oh no! Zoot Sports, what have you done?
Disclaimer - I'm a huge Zoot fan, at least I was, and have owned 4 pair of Zoot Ultra TT 3.0 & 4.0 models. I LOVED them! They were PERFECT! I trained in them and raced in them for triathlons and marathons. This was MY shoe.
The new Zoot Ultra TT 5.0 redesign is enough of a change that leaves me scratching my head asking, why, oh, why did you need to change the design.
From Zoot's web site & product page the description reads:
"Five years of design evolution has delivered new advancements, without sacrificing any of the dependable comfort and performance the Zoot Ultra TT men's triathlon running shoe is known for. Designed by triathletes for triathletes, the Ultra TT continues to top the charts as one of the most popular triathlon specific running shoes. The Ultra TT 5.0 is a triathlon running shoe that will allow you to have a quick transition while keeping your feet dry on the run."
The 5 notable "advancements" that don't make sense:
I will be interested in Zoot's point of view of these changes.
Here's what it means to this age grouper...
I still love the barefit liner for sock less wear! I like the QuickLace system and the z bound technology, but...
The change in the mesh upper material and the addition of the band of fabric at the bottom of the lace means this shoe will not expand to accommodate my "wide" foot. The mesh on the TT 3.0 & 4.0 was able to "expand" to my foot. I guess I could try to alter the shoe by cutting the fabric band that connects the mesh upper, but I'd rather not modify a $140 pair of running shoes. I can only guess that Zoot added the fabric band to keep pressure point on the mesh seam from separating.
The prior models had an integrated hole on the heel (like the tongue) making it easier to get into the shoe and out of T2. The new loop doesn't allow me to fully open the sneaker for easy entry. My heel "smushed" the back of the shoe.
Bottom line: this Zoot Ultra TT 5.0 is getting the boot... and now I need to either find a secret inventory of 4.0s or look for another shoe...
I don't really want to search for another shoe.
While this post is about my experience with the new Zoot Ultra TT 5.0, Zoot is NOT the only manufacturer to "make improvements" to their shoe line up. Nike is one of the biggest offenders on the market!
My Open Letter to Sneaker/Shoe Manufacturers:
We realize companies want to stay on the cutting edge, share new designs and advancements in technology, here's the thing... when we find shoes that fit, that work, that we like, please for the love of your customers - don't take them away from us by changing the design.
Why, because we are loyal and shoes wear out... We replace them which means we will spend our money with you because you make a shoe that fits, that works, that we LOVE to train and race in.
Just think how much you could save in R&D...
With Love,
Runners & athletes everywhere!
Disclaimer - I'm a huge Zoot fan, at least I was, and have owned 4 pair of Zoot Ultra TT 3.0 & 4.0 models. I LOVED them! They were PERFECT! I trained in them and raced in them for triathlons and marathons. This was MY shoe.
The new Zoot Ultra TT 5.0 redesign is enough of a change that leaves me scratching my head asking, why, oh, why did you need to change the design.
From Zoot's web site & product page the description reads:
"Five years of design evolution has delivered new advancements, without sacrificing any of the dependable comfort and performance the Zoot Ultra TT men's triathlon running shoe is known for. Designed by triathletes for triathletes, the Ultra TT continues to top the charts as one of the most popular triathlon specific running shoes. The Ultra TT 5.0 is a triathlon running shoe that will allow you to have a quick transition while keeping your feet dry on the run."
The 5 notable "advancements" that don't make sense:
- Why is the toe cap higher than the previous 2 models?
- What was the reason for changing the upper mesh material?
- Why change the material on the integrated tongue?
- What's up with the band/strap of fabric at the bottom of the laces that bridges the tongue to the mesh upper?
- Why the new loop on the back of the heel rather than the integrated hole on the heel (like the tongue)?
I will be interested in Zoot's point of view of these changes.
Here's what it means to this age grouper...
I still love the barefit liner for sock less wear! I like the QuickLace system and the z bound technology, but...
The change in the mesh upper material and the addition of the band of fabric at the bottom of the lace means this shoe will not expand to accommodate my "wide" foot. The mesh on the TT 3.0 & 4.0 was able to "expand" to my foot. I guess I could try to alter the shoe by cutting the fabric band that connects the mesh upper, but I'd rather not modify a $140 pair of running shoes. I can only guess that Zoot added the fabric band to keep pressure point on the mesh seam from separating.
The prior models had an integrated hole on the heel (like the tongue) making it easier to get into the shoe and out of T2. The new loop doesn't allow me to fully open the sneaker for easy entry. My heel "smushed" the back of the shoe.
Bottom line: this Zoot Ultra TT 5.0 is getting the boot... and now I need to either find a secret inventory of 4.0s or look for another shoe...
I don't really want to search for another shoe.
While this post is about my experience with the new Zoot Ultra TT 5.0, Zoot is NOT the only manufacturer to "make improvements" to their shoe line up. Nike is one of the biggest offenders on the market!
My Open Letter to Sneaker/Shoe Manufacturers:
We realize companies want to stay on the cutting edge, share new designs and advancements in technology, here's the thing... when we find shoes that fit, that work, that we like, please for the love of your customers - don't take them away from us by changing the design.
Why, because we are loyal and shoes wear out... We replace them which means we will spend our money with you because you make a shoe that fits, that works, that we LOVE to train and race in.
Just think how much you could save in R&D...
With Love,
Runners & athletes everywhere!
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