Triathlon - Road shoe vs. Tri shoe?

What's the difference?

Road shoes often have as many as three straps and at least one has a ratchet type latch for fine adjustments. Most tri's shows have just one large velcro strap to get them on quickly.

Is it feasible, then, to just have a tri shoe as a daily ride shoe?

Yes. I have a pair of road shoes and a pair of tri shoes. I wear them both when training...obviously not at the same time :)

What is the equivalent tri shoe size for a size 10 foot?

What is the equivalent tri shoe size for a size 10 foot?

Differs a bit by brand, but generally 43 or 44. Usually 44.

-Roger

Tri shoes are generally designed to wear without socks for faster transitions. Additionally, the direction of the strap on a tri shoe is opposite that of a road shoe.

Tri shoes are generally designed to wear without socks for faster transitions. Additionally, the direction of the strap on a tri shoe is opposite that of a road shoe.

This might be a silly question, but how bad does that smell?

The smell isn't bad...you can always put baking soda in them to take care of that. On the other hand, I recommend socks for Iron Distance otherwise you may end up with something like this...

It wasn't mentioned, but the reason for the backwards straps is so that you can have your shoes clipped into the pedals in the transition area, and run (barefoot) with your bike out to the mount line, and hop on the bike, and pedal, then slide your feet into the shoes while already moving fast on the bike. Me, I don't think it saves all that much time, but then, I'm not racing for money.

Oh, and tri shoes supposedly have better drainage, to let the water left on your feet and body from the swim drain out.

It wasn't mentioned, but the reason for the backwards straps is so that you can have your shoes clipped into the pedals in the transition area, and run (barefoot) with your bike out to the mount line, and hop on the bike, and pedal, then slide your feet into the shoes while already moving fast on the bike.

True. However this is not allowed in IM races (at least not for age groupers).

True. However this is not allowed in IM races (at least not for age groupers).


Really? Huh, didn't know that. Not that I do it anyways. First IM 70.3 is in April, and first full IM is IMAZ in November, so I guess I would have learned then, anyways.

I wear socks. I just like it better. Never have been able to do the sockless thing with athletic shoes.

Is there any difference in stiffness?
How about for the running portion? I've also seen running shoes listed as "Tri" shoes. What's the difference there?

Is there any difference in stiffness?
How about for the running portion? I've also seen running shoes listed as "Tri" shoes. What's the difference there?

some 'tri' running shoes are also designed to be worn without socks...and drain moisture away better. the heel loop thing is bigger to make it quicker/easier to get the shoes on. some have a quick lace system to save time.

True. However this is not allowed in IM races (at least not for age groupers).

I second that, at least for B2B.

True. However this is not allowed in IM races (at least not for age groupers).


I second that, at least for B2B.

Hmmm, pros do it in Kona...
Bike corral, after final check in 10/2007. Norman and Macca's bikes...