Clipless sandals for the bike?

[Enthusiast]

I've got a sprint triathlon tomorrow and I'm trying to decide which pair of clipless shoes I should wear during my bike portion. The choices are a pair of Shimano two-strap mountain shoes or the Lake clipless sandals. Both use recessed spd. I'm rather inexperienced and here are my thoughts:

If I use the sandals, my feet will be drier by T2, which will help on the run. Sandals are very easy to get on/off, speeding up my transitions. Sandals are more comfortable without socks than mtb shoes. Not having to put on socks will speed up T1 (null if I use the mtb shoes sans socks). However, the sandals allow my foot to shift around a bit more during the pedal stroke than the mtb shoes, stealing power. The sandals are more flexy than the mtb shoes, but stiffer than running shoes. They are also less aero than even the mtb shoes.

I understand the drawbacks, but I'm not sure how to evaluate the benefits of racing with the sandals. What are peoples thoughts? Sorry about not giving much time for responses.

[nscrbug]

Sorry, can't really help with your shoe dilemma as I only currently have MTB shoes/pedals and plan on using them for my first tri in June. However...GOOD LUCK in your tri tomorrow! Please post how you did!

[CoreMS]

I've ridden in both when I was just cycling and not doing triathlons. The sandles are handy.....but a little heavy and bulky and I don't think you get as much power from your stroke in the sandles. My vote......whatever you are most comfortable cycling in.....my second vote....I would wear the mtb shoes, but I wouldn't wear the socks....but if you are not use to riding without socks then don't start on a tri. Good LUck...

[travelmama]

I have never seen anyone at a tri with sandals but if you are concerned with your feet getting sweating and funky, perhaps you should try a different sock. It takes less than a second to remove them from your feet so to wear then may prevent any blistering that may occur.