I’m training for my first tri–an Olympic distance–event and am wondering if it’s really necessary to go out and buy tri-specific running shoes (e.g. Zoot, etc.). I’ve been running in my Nike and Adidas running shoes that I picked up at Sports Authority and have had no issues with them. FWIW, my goal is to complete the race…I’m not focusing on time at all. TIA!
No.
No no no, do use some stretchy laces though. By the way, I picked up a pair of Zoots in Kona recently just because I’ve always thought I wanted a pair and my local shops just don’t carry them, I’ve used them on a few runs but so far no magic, doubt I’ll ever adopt them as my serious run shoe, probably just end up being my good kickarounds. Not saying they don’t work for others, just use what works for you.
Purchased to wear in shorter distance triathlons, my zoots (yellow ones) are now my glorified walking around without socks shoes. I must admit, they are AWESOME for just kicken it around and hanging out. I don’t regret the purchase at all for that purpose only. To answer your question, no…they are not even close to necessary. Just pick up some of those elasticy laces and you’ll be golden.
No but I second the laces question, I love the Lock Laces and I believe it really will save some time.
X3 on the laces. I am not really even familiar with “Tri running shoes”. I wear either Cumulus or my Vomero. Also have a pair of Peagasus. I will say that my Cumulus did not drain very well at all. I know some people drill holes into the bottoms of the shoes so they drain better.
My favorite run shop here in Charleston will not carry the johnny-come-lately run shoes from tri-focused companies like Zoot, etc. While they will order just about anything a customer wants, they put all aspiring new triathletes in shoes from the tried and true running companies…and hand them a pair of Yankz or similar. Too many gimmicks on the tri companies’ shoes.
I like their logic, and would put my trust in their judgement, if I didn’t already think exactly the same.
That isn’t to say the big companies don’t get it wrong sometimes… But if you buy a Nike Bowerman series shoe, or Asics, Adidas, etc… you can be reasonably assured of what you’re getting.
I tried some Pearl Izumi shoes a couple of years ago when I picked up several pairs and models on Ebay for $20/pair… Lets just say I got what I paid for… And those shoes quickly transitioned to yard-mowing duties…
Very few things in triathlon are necessary. It’s a world of excess.
Required: shorts, goggles, bike, helmet, sneakers.
Ahh, gone are the good old days!