General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Quality road shoes v. quality tri shoes Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2017-03-17 8:09 AM

User image

Expert
2852
20005001001001002525
Pfafftown, NC
Subject: Quality road shoes v. quality tri shoes
Will I be able to tell a difference? I am doing 2 LC races this year. I don't mind spending the $, IF I'm going to gain comfort and/or performance. I've gotten by for a couple seasons on $100 tri shoes (PI's). They're "fine". I just don't know what I don't know....which is...am I missing out on something really good?

Thanks. The reason I mentioned LC racing is.....I don't give a flip about taking a few more seconds in T1/T2 in those races. Plus, I'll be on the road a LOT, during training. If they're "worth it", I wanna know.


2017-03-17 8:29 AM
in reply to: nc452010

User image

Member
131
10025
Subject: RE: Quality road shoes v. quality tri shoes
Forgive my ignorance, but what are Tri shoes? I just buy running shoes that work for me.
2017-03-17 8:34 AM
in reply to: nc452010

User image

Expert
1074
10002525
Tyrone, Georgia
Subject: RE: Quality road shoes v. quality tri shoes
Remember seeing this from several years ago. Some pretty experienced (and respected) folks responded then and may provide you some of the feedback you desire. I personally think comfort is the main thing and for me if I am choosing to go sockless I will go with tri specific shoes based on the padding I have found to exist in my shoes but if wearing socks I will go with my road shoes.

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp...
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp...
2017-03-17 9:29 AM
in reply to: dandr614

User image

Champion
10018
50005000
, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Quality road shoes v. quality tri shoes

I've always advocated for tri shoes, and focus more on comfort than price/features.  This is entirely due being able to put wet feet into them without requiring socks and them still be comfortable.  Plus, the single strap was great.   When I did tris regularly, I wore my tri shoes on the bike exclusively.   I would watch my riding partners spend a ton of time putting on shoes, fixing straps, tightening things, and I could get ready and go in a second.  My longest tri was a half iron and wore them then as well.  I had a couple pairs of tri bike shoes over the many years (and 40+) races and found they lasted a long time, so if I needed to spend a little bit more for comfort I would.  I occasionally would remove the cleats and toss them in the washing machine, same as my tennis shoes, and they stayed fresh and decent for YEARS. 

I did still put on socks in T2 for anything longer than a sprint. But it's a LOT easier to put on socks in T2 than in T1.

Since I am on a tri hiatus, I did buy "real" road shoes last year.   They're ok, but I still miss the tri shoes.   The main reason I went back to road is that I prefer the mountain SPD cleats for the type of riding/walking around that I do, and they simply don't work with tri shoes.  With the tri shoes I had Look KEO pedals and cleats.

2017-03-17 9:31 AM
in reply to: nc452010

User image

Pro
6582
50001000500252525
Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: Quality road shoes v. quality tri shoes

Originally posted by nc452010... I just don't know what I don't know....which is...am I missing out on something really good?...
Funny, I've been wearing the same pair of Shimano Tri-shoes since 2006, I can go sockless for HIM or other longish rides no problem and they're comfy (formed to my feet).  If there's something better I'm clueless too!

2017-03-17 9:34 AM
in reply to: scottficek

User image

Pro
6582
50001000500252525
Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: Quality road shoes v. quality tri shoes

Originally posted by scottficek Forgive my ignorance, but what are Tri shoes? I just buy running shoes that work for me.
Talking bike shoes:

Example of a Tri type shoe

Example of a Road type shoe



2017-03-17 9:38 AM
in reply to: Donto

User image

Champion
10018
50005000
, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Quality road shoes v. quality tri shoes

Originally posted by Donto

Originally posted by nc452010... I just don't know what I don't know....which is...am I missing out on something really good?...
Funny, I've been wearing the same pair of Shimano Tri-shoes since 2006, I can go sockless for HIM or other longish rides no problem and they're comfy (formed to my feet).  If there's something better I'm clueless too!

I had the same shoes - they are super comfy.

2017-03-17 10:11 AM
in reply to: nc452010

User image

Regular
694
500100252525
Tucson, AZ
Subject: RE: Quality road shoes v. quality tri shoes
Originally posted by nc452010

I don't mind spending the $, IF I'm going to gain comfort and/or performance.


Interesting that you say "performance" but then don't mind wasting a few seconds in T1/T2. It really comes down to your goals. Arguably the fastest shoes, both from an aerodynamic perspective but also an entry perspective (since there are no straps), are a pair of lace-up roads shoes with elastic laces. It takes a little bit to play around with tension to get it right but once you get it right you will be faster getting in, out, and while actually biking.

Here is more about my own shoes, the wind tunnels results, and pictures of elastic

http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/05/fastest-ironman-bike-shoes-aer...
2017-03-17 11:45 AM
in reply to: ThomasGerlach ProTri

User image

Expert
2852
20005001001001002525
Pfafftown, NC
Subject: RE: Quality road shoes v. quality tri shoes
Thomas.....what I meant by performance is.....(for example) would a really nice, stiff-soled shoe perform better (or, require less strain on my feet/legs)?

I'm recovering from an injury right now. I'm doing a HIM in May (if I'm able). But, I won't be worrying about a few seconds here or there in T1/T2. My first attempt at IM will be Louisville. I'm CERTAINLY not worried about a few seconds, there. I'll be 53, just after the race....and I have no time goals for my first attempt at the distance.

Just for clarification...........
2017-03-17 4:50 PM
in reply to: nc452010

User image

Regular
694
500100252525
Tucson, AZ
Subject: RE: Quality road shoes v. quality tri shoes
Obviously a properly fitting shoe is important but I run the entire spectrum from a super flimsy, bottom of the line, commuter shoe, to an ultra-stiff, top end road shoe. I prefer the super flimsy shoe as a commuter shoe and I initially tried a stiffer shoe but it didn't walk well. For TT shoes I don't really have any choice as I want to go as fast as possible as the faster/lighter shoes are always designed stiff. I don't see a whole lot of difference in comfort / power between the two. It might be there but I don't notice it.
2017-03-17 5:51 PM
in reply to: #5216093

New user
175
100252525
Subject: RE: Quality road shoes v. quality tri shoes
I like mine nice and stiff, but mainly, I look for comfort.


2017-03-17 11:12 PM
in reply to: nc452010


1055
10002525
Subject: RE: Quality road shoes v. quality tri shoes
If I could only have one, it'd be a road shoe. Its a bit more versatile, though you can get by with either. I prefer the plastic non-strap closure system on today's road shoes and the tri shoes tend to provide more ventilation which can suck when training in cooler temps. I hate numb toes. And yes, it's worth paying up on shoes for nicer quality.

-Mark
2017-03-20 3:15 PM
in reply to: ziggie204

User image

Member
259
1001002525
Oviedo, Florida
Subject: RE: Quality road shoes v. quality tri shoes
I've used the same shoe since 2011 that Donto showed in his post - Shimano SH-TR31. The were relatively inexpensive and have held up well. I've replaced the cleats once or twice, but that's pretty normal. I think you can get the SH-TR32 (replacement of the 31) now for around 70 bucks or something.

I typically go without socks, but for rides over 4 hours i'll throw a pair on just for comfort.

--
Dave
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Quality road shoes v. quality tri shoes Rss Feed  
RELATED POSTS

Pain Cave - Air Quality and Garage?

Started by runningmon
Views: 1225 Posts: 7

2017-01-23 8:51 AM RockTractor

shoes

Started by dworth
Views: 587 Posts: 4

2016-04-06 8:57 AM dworth

Any shoe guru's here? Question on trying a new shoe

Started by Goggles Pizzano
Views: 995 Posts: 9

2016-03-18 8:37 AM Goggles Pizzano

HS track coach looking for shoes

Started by EKH
Views: 1499 Posts: 10

2016-03-30 2:16 AM bsuball41

Shoe question - support vs neutral shoe?

Started by ersmith29
Views: 7090 Posts: 10

2016-03-31 6:14 AM allroundactioman