The Hoodoo Shorts from Zoic are a pair of mountain biking shorts designed with a twist. For one thing, these shorts sport no less than eight pockets: tons of space for stashing all your gear. With the Hoodoos, you almost don’t need to carry a pack! You have enough room for glasses, cell phone, wallet, loose change, and even snacks.
For a second twist, the Hoodoo utilizes a 16″ inseam, causing these shorts to almost fit like knickers. However, the bottom of the shorts articulate, making these very comfortable. Factor in a ZO-Tech chamois pad and detachable liner, and the Hoodoos provide superb comfort on your epic rides.
An elastic waistband, velcro side tabs, a double snap flap, and a zip fly provide an easily customizable fit and keep the shorts up and snug.
Other cool features include a tech sleeve inside the right pocket, a headphone cord control grommet and loop to keep your cord from flapping around, and a convenient microfiber sunglass wipe that is secured inside with an elastic strap.
I also found the locking zippers to be a nice touch. I cannot tell you how often I get sketched out thinking that the next rock garden could be where I lose my car keys. These zips keep all your essentials in place.
Sizing is true to size. These are not a slim fit type of short, but at the same time, due to the nature of the nylon dobby fabric, it is also not very stretchy. So if your name is Mr. Quads, you may need to up size it. Don’t worry, though: the waist fitting system does a great job keeping these pants in place.
I ride with a few pieces of choice gear underneath my shorts. Depending on what I’m doing, I wear either a set of G-Form ballistic shorts (removing the liner) and knee pads, or just knee pads and the liner. Either way, there is room enough for these pads under a size 34 short (same as my pant size).
Bottom Line
I have to admit: the ZOIC Hoodoos have made it onto my short list of favorite shorts. They just feel right. They aren’t too baggy or too tight. They don’t catch on the saddle when I am moving around the bike, and so far there are no signs of abrasion or wear. For me, the 16″ inseam is just about perfect, and fit great over my pads.
MSRP: $120
Thanks to ZOIC for providing the Hoodoo Shorts for review!
