Women's Tri Cycling Shoes

bstamps12

I'm finally able to get some Tri Cycling shoes & pedals. I have a small foot (size 6-6.5) and I'll only do Olympic distance tris, so mainly for 25 mile rides, although I do a few charity tours up to 50 miles, but I'm not gunning for a time in those. Is the carbon fiber sole worth the price for someone with small feet and shorter distances? Clipless pedals or not? Louis Garneau, Shimano, or Pearl Izumi? Anything else I need to know before buying?

I have a LBS but they really try to "sell" to you and I really only want the basics, so I want to go in with some knowledge from experienced triathletes in what is really necessary/helpful and what is just an added cost for someone not doing an IM or trying to win a race. Thanks!

EnduranceGirl2

Carbon soles are probably not worth it. Clipless pedals definitely are. SPD-L have adjustable float and are easy to learn to use. I have a pair of Graneau tri shoes that I had been using for all my riding. My foot is wide and I'd get cramps after a couple of hours on touring rides. I just bought a pair of men's Mavic regular cycling shoes. They got high rankings from men w/ narrow feet and were way more comfortable than my tri shoes on Sat. Try a bunch of shoes and see what works for you and don't let some gearhead sell you up. If you can, get a shop that will put your bike in a stand and help you get the cleats placed correctly on the shoe and let you practice getting in and out of the pedals.

trijoe

You may want to keep in mind that tri shoes and road cycling shoes fit a little differently. Road shoes fit tighter and when you're strapped in, you're really strapped in. They're not meant have your foot come out while cycling. Tri shoes are not as snug a fit, since most triathletes try to get in/out of htheir shoes while still cycling. So, even with your wide feet, if you prefer being snug, you may prefer a road shoe. Just expect a little longer transition.

I've got both and to be honest, when I'm just out for a ride - even if it's on my tri bike - I prefer my cycling shoes. So that may affect things, also. Races are 3 times a year. Rides are 3 times a week.

My road shoes are Shimano and my tri shoes are Louis Garneau. They're both great shoes and I enjoy the heck out of both of them. They're SPD.

Whatever you get, be sure be sure BE SURE to take a few rides to get the cleat and pedal float adjusted to your most comfortable position. It really is important to make sure you're riding properly on your new shoes.

Whatever you decide, I hope you enjoy it.
TriJoe.

valmaebel

Definitely no expert here and everyone else had awesome info (I'm taking notes). . But I would definitely say go with clip less pedals. I was nervous to try them, but my hubby made me. It changed the way I ride...I have better control, power up hills better, it's amazing. So I just had to throw that in there,...from a newbie who knows very little about the equipment, even I noticed a huge difference.