I’ve been researching the various threads on mods made to the Giro Empire to make an aero race shoe. I’m considering getting the Scott RC lace up shoe to try something similar.
Came across these and wondered what peoples thoughts are:
Those look pretty decent (aero-wise). I would have to try them on to see if they would work.
I’m in the market for a new pair of shoes and it seems like most of the triathlon specific shoes have a forefoot strap. I hate that from an aesthetic and aero perspective. Fiziks shoes look pretty good but they didn’t fit my foot.
I’m thinking of getting a pair to try them out, and might just keep them for turbo if they fit well. I’ve been reading up on sole stiffness and believe the difference between composite and carbon is less than 1w. I guess with steady state nature of the bike leg there is a less of a call for super stiff anyway as no sprints etc.
Lots of marketing pictures of them being worn sockless, so likely pretty comfortable.
YES!!!
I’ve got my eyes on those. My current shimano cycling shoes (spd) were advertised as “spin class” shoes about 6 years ago. They came with speed laces, are light, and the most comfortable cycling shoes I’ve ever had. They work fantastic for running through transitions, and I’m sure more aero than more conventional cycling shoes. I looked, but I cannot find my model, so I’m assuming they are no longer available. These look like the same idea, only a generation or two newer.
-The strap creates a ridge across outside of the shoe, which is likely to be less aero than a couple of BOA dials.
-The strap opens toward the crank/drivetrain; not sure about potential interference issues during transitions.
-On the plus side they are inexpensive (and can be dedicated to trainer duty if they don’t work for tris). Lack of a tongue is a plus for entry. The sole stiffness is a non-issue from a watts/performance standpoint (really more of a feel/preference thing).
I’d like to see a poll for what everyone is using for races. I’m doing mostly short course with the occasional 70.3. I understand that a lot of folks use road shoes for long course but I want something fairly aero that’s easy to get on and off. I’d rather not go through the Giro Empire hack route if there’s something off the shelf that is working for most people.
I’m thinking of getting a pair to try them out, and might just keep them for turbo if they fit well. I’ve been reading up on sole stiffness and believe the difference between composite and carbon is less than 1w. IThat’s because carbon is composite.