So I am working on designing a tri running shoe and have a few questions for you guys. (I've only done 1 triathlon so I know a little bit, but not enough).

1. What are your average times for your bike to run transition? About what percentage of that is actually changing equipment? Not getting to/from your spot.

2. Are there any running shoes that use velcro straps like cycling shoes? If so, what are they? Have you tried them? If not, why not?

Thanks!

-Greg

This is only my 2nd year of Tri's so I'm still a relative rookie. That said in my last Sprint my t1 was :48 (I have my shoes pre-clipped and do flying mounts) and my t2 was 1:42 (again leaving the bike shoes clipped in on the bike). My extra time between t1 and t2 is directly attributable to the extra stuff I take off and on. Off with the helmet, on with the run visor. Race belt clipped on. Probably the longest was tying shoelaces. I usually use Yankz or some other elastic laces (just slip on) but for whatever reason hadn't put them on these shoes yet. That probably would have save me the longest amount of time. Not sure velcro is going to be all that attractive, imo. Too many flashbacks to Zips and other kids shoes. Besides, a set of elastic laces cost maybe $3.

I run in K-Swiss Ironman shoes with velcro.

i've been in the sport of triathlon for many years and have done my fair share of races. in T2, i find that the most time consuming part for me is putting on socks. i tried to race without socks for a long time, and without fail got blisters. i decided that it's worth an extra 10 seconds to put on socks. that way at least i can use my feet for training for the following week. i can ride the bike without socks just fine. but for some reason, running without them is disaster for me.
that being said, the shoes don't usually take to long. using some sort of elastic lace works fine. the shoes don't have to be tight. they just need to stay secure. so putting on shoes never takes me too long. i just place and press with my feet and they're on.

now if you could come up with a solution for quick socks over wet/sweaty feet, that'd be something i'd be interested in.

I can/have done sub 1 min transitions. It means no socks and shoes with elastic laces for me. I found that if you need to wear socks or tie shoes it can take forever.....I never used Velcro. You need a good shoe that will allow you to run sans socks