I recently lost a pair of shoes at a race and am in the market for new ones. I have always used Sidi T-1, but am wondering if having a tri shoes really makes that much of a time difference. I spend a lot more time training than I do racing, so maybe comfort is more important?
Also, can anyone recommend another tri shoe, or a road shoe, that won’t break my wallet? I was happy with the T-1, but am always looking to try something new.
Good question. I would like to see some feedback on this. Thanks
Depends on how you exit your shoes. If you exit your shoes while still on the bike heading towards the dismount line (pedaling on top of your shoes in your bare feet), you’ll want to stick w/ tri shoes. Tri shoe’s velcro straps open in the opposite direction as road shoes do. When you have the velcro straps open when wearing tri shoes, the straps are layed out towards the outside of the bike. You can pedal without them hitting the crank arms, etc. If you tried this with most road shoes, the straps would be opened toward the inside of the bike, which could interfere with pedal stroke. So, it really depends on your style of transition. In short course racing, I would stick w/ true tri shoes as you really need to hit the ground running in your bare feet by the time you get to that dismount line. My .02 based on the style of transition I choose.
I can only speak for Sidi since they fit my feet and I have been using them for years. The T-1 s don’t seem to feel as secure on my feet, especially without socks. It isn’t a bad thing they just feel a tad looser. The Genius can tighten down really well but are a little slower getting into. I like the ability to be able able to tighten them down with the buckle thing before TT and road races on the Genius model.
In the middle is the Lightning, not too sure they are still making them, but with three velcro straps they are just as fast in transition and are a little less sloppy fit as the T-1s. The Lightnings can be found on sale around $100 US. I think I got a couple pairs of them last spring from maybe Nashbar?
I don’t like the fake leather on the last Lightnings I got as it seems to look pretty dogged up already, where the others models seem to be holding up much better. Hope that helps. G
For sprints/olympic distances, I use tri style shoes with the straps going the correct way to stay out of the chainline. For half and full IM’s, I use road shoes because they feel a little more comfortable, I buy them a tad larger so I can wear socks, and a few more seconds in transition isn’t going to make a difference to me in the longer races.
Ever notice, that as popular as Carnac tri shoes are, the velcro still opens into the cranks.
i’ve always used tri shoes, but here’s my input.
i think a lot depends on what length of race you do the majority of time. if you are doing longer stuff, where comfort and fit would take precedence over speed of transition, then you’d probably be fine with a road shoe(i’ve never really tried on many road-only shoes, so i can’t really vouch for increased comfort, needless to say, i’ve never had a comfort issue with my sidi t-1’s or my current carnac tri shoes).
if you are doing shorter races, are you competitive such that you need to really limit transition times? if so, a tri shoe might be a better option.
similarly, do you start the bike with your shoes already clipped in? if so, tri shoes are the way to go due to the strap at the heel.
basically, as i understand it, the biggest advantage of the tri shoe is being able to get it on and closed faster(and similarly to remove it faster) than the typical road shoe. because most tri shoes have one strap, there is less fine tuning of the fit across the top of the foot vs. a road shoe with multiple straps and/or a ratcheting system. many would argue that this makes road shoes more comfortable and allows for somewhat greater pedaling efficiency.
so again, i see it coming down to how fast you need to be through transitions and whether you’d prefer a more fine tuned(and theoretically more comfortable fit). my advice would be to try on pairs of both and pick the one that fits the best and feels most comfortable.
Good point about that brand (Carnac). They are popular tri shoes. I wasn’t aware their tri shoe straps open like road shoes. Damn French can’t get anything right. Kidding. Please don’t flame me… I like the French and Carnac makes excellent shoes.
I have a training partner that uses Carnarc tri shoes, maybe this explains why he has not used the barefoot bike exit transition method.
I use the Shimano tri shoes with the single strap. It opens out and looks like a wing when its opened. It would clearly interfere with the crank arms if it didn’t open in that direction. Same w/ the Louis Garneau, Lake, and Sidi brands w/ single and double straps.
I’m using the new DMT tri shoe which has a strap that opens to the outside. I think what others have said … Shorter races are good for tri shoes and longer ones go with comfort (could be tri shoes).
The Sidi Ergo 1 is simply the best cycling shoe I have ever used – with or without socks. Carbon sole and fit your foot like a glove. No hot-spots or fatigue areas. I’ve done several 100+ mile rides and never thought about my feet. It’s one thing I don’t have to worry about. Yes, they are expensive. But totally worth it. If you take care of them, they will last a few seasons.
~AB~
As the others have said - the longer the race the better argument for road shoes. In fact for sprints I have put on old school cage pedals, so that I could ride in run shoes with the straps tight. Very fast transitions. My current favorite road shoes are the DMT Ultimax. Worth a try to see if they fit your feet expensive but the best shoes for my feet.
The Sidi Dyanmic is basically the same as the T-1 (has reverse opening straps like a tri shoe), but it has a toungue and is missing the heel loop. They can be had for pretty cheap (<$100 US).
c
I tend to think of tri shoes as a gimmic and ride only road shoes. In my experience tri shoes fit like crap compared to road shoes. I like the 3 strap models and am currently using the Sidi Genius 4. Love 'em. Note that I do not take my shoes off while riding, maybe if I did my opinion of tri shoes would be different. Then again I’d pedal with my feet on top of the straps so I wouldn’t care which direction they opened. The only things I care about are fit and comfort, I haven’t found any tri shoes that compare to what I’ve got.
I have a road pair Nike Poggios and Shimano tri shoes, use them for thier respective sports. I love the Poggio more than any shoe I’ve tried though but can’t imagine transitioning with it. But then again Hunter Kemper uses the Poggio for tris… And he’d kick my ass anyday
Thanks for the replies. I am not a very fast tri guy, and usually stick to the longer races anyhow. I liked the T-1’s, but then again, had nothing to compare it to. Maybe it’s time to try a road shoe?
My only shoe right now is the Shimano Tri shoe (TRO2, I think: very silver) and its great.
BUT this winter I am definitely getting some road (or maybe MTB) shoes: I would like a snugger fit for longer rides and I am already starting to trash my Tri shoes (carbon soles are nicked up now: wah!) -TB
Aside from all the advise above, I’d HIGHLY encourage getting a custom insole for your shoes… Will make em more comfy and perform better!
Here’s a hint in case you don’t go for some sort of shoe with a “stop” to keep the strap from coming out of it’s loop: get a small button and sew it onto the end of the strap…that way, the strap can’t get pulled out of the loop. My shoes have stops on the straps, BTW, but this works if you don’t ever want to fiddle with re-threading a strap during a transition.
Kind of like the road vs. tri bike question - I’d say if you have only one pair, get road shoes. Much better fit and comfort (and wider selection) and that’s for the bulk of your riding time.
Unless you’re podium material, the few additional seconds in transition for Sprints and Olys won’t hurt - anyway you’re benchmarking with your own previous performances.
One thing about tri shoes - they have better drainage and dry faster after the swim.