Just finished an Olympic this past weekend. Has opted not to wear socks, and now I regret that decision. One small rough spot rubbed the skin raw and it hurt, slowed me down, and now the shoe is all bloody. I’m sure I could have easily made up the time putting on sock on the run.
It all depends on the shoes. When I was running in DS trainers I would go sockless no matter what the distance. They were like socks.
Biggest triathlon mistake I ever made was not wearing socks for Superfrog once. Got sand in both shoes very early in the run.
When I pulled my shoes off after the race my feet were basically raw hamburger. Sort of just strips of mangled meat attached to my ankles.
Yes both bike and run at any distance.
Bike - I wear socks on 140.6. No socks for anything shorter.
Run - Socks. Always. Any distance.
I don’t wear socks for anything except a full IM. But if I were racing on a trail I might. I use trislide to lube the inside of my shoes and all around the opening. Then I put a healthy dose of 2Toms Blistershield inside the shoe so my foot gets coated. It has a waxy element to it so it coats the foot and does a great job of preventing blisters.
Olympic = no socks
Half = socks for run
It is kind of personal though, even for those saying it only take 10 seconds. I’ve lost my AG by 10 seconds or less more than once and going sockless doesn’t bother me so I’m not wasting the time.
Olympic run: no socks
70.3 run: socks
Then again, this can change if it’s very cold because of the bike leg. Did a sprint last year that was around 5-6 Celsius temperature (interestingly though, the water was around 18C). And it was raining, of course. We were all pondering what to wear exactly, specially for the bike leg. Many put on coats, jackets, sleeves, etc. in T1. I put nothing. My toes were curled up in my bike bike shoes, and I ended having massive calf cramps at the end of bike leg because of that toes position. I managed to run well still, but that might not be the case all the time, so I’ll probably consider socks in the future if it’s very cold.
This is true. I’m in Florida and don’t think I’ve ever done a cold race, but that would be a case for putting on socks in T1 for sure!
Wildflower Long Course,
lots of trail,
lots of trail with dust, small rocks, and tree branches.
Take the time and wear socks.
But to answer your question
1/2 yes socks
Oly no socks
I ride and run sockless, most of the time (unless it’s cold).
When I am not sure I stuff a pair of socks in the leg of my shorts (sandy beach or run course).
Have never had to actually use them.
Will be doing Wildflower Long Course and I’ll need every short cut to break 5 hours.
To this end - is it worth the ~30 seconds to put on socks for a 1/2 Ironman? For an Olympic?
OK. If you’re in my AG (50-54) and you think you’ll break 5 - I’d not only put on socks, but suggest you wear dress shoes for everything - including the swim, but, change them to different styles for each event, perhaps even change them every mile or so on the ride and run!!!
If you’re not in my AG, then I’d do what you do in training - don’t change now. Not worth the risk. seriously.
I didn’t break 5 last year - it’s a toughie - I’ve got to find at least 3 min 10 seconds somewhere - and, my running this year is in the toilet.
FYI - I “never” wear socks - in training or otherwise - and, I wore socks in both IM’s I did last year. thinking it would be better for my feet - I think it was worse, I got blue toes, etc.
Easy answer. Wear socks if you train in socks. Go sockless if you train sockless.
I do all my runs sockless. Socks constrain my toes and cause blisters between the toes.
1/2 = yes socks (I tried one 1/2 sockless, and my feet paid a hefty price).
Olympic = no socks
I didn’t read all the responses so I’m not sure if this has been mentioned already but you said you are doing Wildflower Long Course. I would definitely wear socks on that run. Quite a bit of it is on dirt and trail like conditions. I think this leads to a good chance of stuff getting in your shoes while running which in my opinion will be even more uncomfortable if you aren’t wearing socks.
I wear socks for 70.3 but not for Olympic. Takes under 10 seconds to put them on.
Good luck, it’s a fantastic race experience.
So basically there are a ton of variables. The most important one being are your running shoes the type that allow for sockless running. I use a variety of shoes and some are some are not. Some change from model year to model year as well (NB1400’s).
I haven’t found the need to use them for the bike portion as my bike shoes are quite good.
For longer runs I pretty much always use them. And that extra few seconds putting on your socks will allow you to calm down a bit and maybe regain your heart rate etc…that could actually come back to help you make up more time in the end.
I have always worn socks for all races no matter the distance.
Wow, if you take 30 seconds to get on socks, you need a different kind, and more training getting them on.
15 seconds is probably the longest it has ever taken me. They probably cost me a gold medal in one race, but
what the heck, never change something on race day.
For those that say they only wear socks on the run: why?
Why not put socks on in T1 when all you have to do is grab helmet and bike (assuming shoes are clipped onto pedals).
As I see it, this has at least three advantages:
- One less process to execute in T2 when you are also putting on shoe and grabbing race belt, sunglasses, hat, etc.
- Reduce the chance of developing hotspots while wearing your cycling shoes.
- Having socks on while running shoeless in T1 prevents grass and small rocks from sticking to the bottom of your feet.
Thoughts?
FWIW, I typically do put socks on after T1; it makes sense to me to do it before the bike for the reasons mentioned.
And thanks for all the feedback for Wildflower 1/2 - definitely seems prudent.
Also I use talcum powder not bodyglide but may give that a shot.
I started skipping the socks at Nationals (Oly) because of lousy transition times. I think taking off the wet suit then putting on socks sort of got me to sit down – hence the long transition time. Taking the wet suit off, putting on socks w/o sitting down is probably the best remedy.
For a Sprint tri, I don’t wear socks.
Thanks for all of the opinions!
FWIW, I typically do put socks on after T1; it makes sense to me to do it before the bike for the reasons mentioned.
And thanks for all the feedback for Wildflower 1/2 - definitely seems prudent.
Also I use talcum powder not bodyglide but may give that a shot.
I started skipping the socks at Nationals (Oly) because of lousy transition times. I think taking off the wet suit then putting on socks sort of got me to sit down – hence the long transition time. Taking the wet suit off, putting on socks w/o sitting down is probably the best remedy.
For a Sprint tri, I don’t wear socks.
Thanks for all of the opinions!
I have always put sock on in T1. I always get down on one knee to put on the socks on bike shoes. I always have either the fastest or one of the fastest T1 and T2 times.
So if you practice, it can be done quickly. Sit down, why would anyone need to sit down in transition?
I never use anything like talcum power, etc. Have never seen a need since I have socks on.