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tri shoes?

ZenInTexas
ZenInTexas Posts: 781 Member
in Social Groups
So I googled this and didn't really get a satisfactory answer other than that they have elastic laces to get on and off easier, but what is the purpose of tri shoes? Why not just wear regular running shoes? And the same for tri bike shoes, why not just wear regular bike shoes?

Replies

  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    Regular running shoes are fine. I wear Brooks PureConnects. I just pull out the normal laces and put in Lock Laces. In short tri running shoes are designed to be worn sockless. Same with cycling. Designed to be worn sockless and they have an easy in/out latching system so you can do flying mounts/dismounts.
  • mirthfuldragon
    mirthfuldragon Posts: 124 Member
    Tri Bike shoes generally have just one velcro clasp, and they open outward. Normal bike shoes usually have multiple clasps and open inward. Tri bike shoes are designed so that you can flying mount and flaying dismount easier. Flying dismount is actually pretty easy, but the flying mount requires a fair bit of confidence to pull off well. Youtube has a ton of videos on how to do it.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    I use tri shoes from louis garneau for a couple reasons:
    1. super comfortable without socks, even if your feet are wet going in
    2. Considerably better ventilation then my road bike specific shoes
    3. Big single velcro with a strap holder that makes it VERY easy to put them on and take them off

    Most importantly though, they are a lot more comfortable than road bike shoes because of how my foot is, I have an apparently uncommon tissue deposit on top the inferior extensor retinaculum where it forks. The LG tri shoes are perfect for that.
  • LouSmorals
    LouSmorals Posts: 93 Member
    Agree with all of the above on tri bike shoes. They are nice for racing but not going to be the reason you don't podium. The running shoes are, as stated above, often meant to be run in without socks. I do this for Sprints as it prolly saves me 30 sec in T1 to not put on socks, for Oly distance I need more support and use conventional shoes with socks for those races. My tri running shoes (Zoot) have holes in the soles to let out sweat, but I'm not really sure that is really important.

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