how are tri-shoes different from cycling shoes?
Is it merely that tri-shoes are easier/faster to don?
Or is the insert of a tri-shoe different so that you can go barefoot in them without abrasions?
or is there really a difference?
Far as I can see its the one strap on/off that is the main diff…I am sure there are some more subtile things that relate more to the marketing but the getting on and off quickly seems to me to be the biggy.
Tri shoes have holes to drain water. On my shimano tri shoes there is a triangukar shape hole under neat fro drainage. The inside material is sock like for chafing . Straps opposite then road shoes and mine have a lil notch on strap tokeep open and facilitate quick grip to tighten strap.
the main thing seems to be the straps. Road = 2/3 straps, Tri = single strap. Interestingly, my Shimano road shoes have a drainage hole, but my Pearl Izumi tri shoes don’t.
SIDI T-1 shoes have 2 straps. I had the Pearl Izumi Tri R2 shoes a few years ago and it only had 1 strap. I feel that I lose power with only 1 strap. I like my SIDIs.
They do have the drainage holes… But really, how much water is there to drain? I think this is funny. Shortest transition I ever had and my feet were still pretty dry when I put my shoes on… Vents for sweat I get, but the drainage holes are just kind of funny…
The differences aren’t necessarily obvious…
1 - fewer straps (1 or 2) that open AWAY from the frame
2 - no real tongue which makes it easier to get on, especially one-handed while riding
3 - a loop at the back to make it easier to stabilize each shoe with rubber bands so they don’t hit the ground as you roll out of T1
4 - softer inside - made to wear without socks
and 5) maybe a drainage hole
depending on which brand you go with, tri shoes are better ventilated as well. not so good if you only have one pair of shoes and want to train with them in the winter…BRRRR. on a related note, my tri shoes are 1/2 size smaller than my road shoes as i like them snug without socks.
Tri shoe holes are not for draining water, they are for draining pee.
In my view the Specialized S-Works BG Carbon shoe offers the best of all worlds. I have never been a fan of the traditional one strap Tri hoes - I can never get the fit for the whole foot just right. The Boa closure mech on the S-Works shoe solves all this - it’s a brilliant design. You can get the shoe on off easily or on the fly and then micro-adjust the fit with a small twist of the mech. If this shoe fits, I highlky reccomend it.