Completed a few half IM last year, and found that during run leg, socks and shoes ended up soaked due to the standard dumping of water, etc. Seemed to be bother during half, suggestions/recommendation for full on what to do?
I see the Zoot have the drains, but would you run a full without socks?
thanks
Kerry
I never use socks while running. Well, unless it is below freezing! If you chose to run without socks in an IM make sure you have done lots of training and racing without socks before hand. It is not something you should do without consistent practice, it could be very ugly.
Had the same problem in training for Louisville. Tried Drymax socks (hot weather running version) and I’m converted. They have a satisfaction guarantee, you can return your socks for a refund if you’re not satisfied.
I’ve done IM’s in the rain twice. Of all the issues I have at the 20 mile mark of an IM run, wet shoes is pretty far down the list. It really wasn’t an issue at all.
I have the Zoot Tempo and I’ve never noticed them being any drier than a normal running shoe in the rain. I’ve had water pudddle in my bike shoes, but never in running shoes.
Thom
I use the Wrightsocks and love them (http://www.become.com/wrightsock-lo-double-layer?&start=1&num=20&qet=&v=list&vswitch=1 ). They feel kinda synthetic (so they never feel waterlogged), have two layers that slide to prevent blisters, and work remarkably well. I use the lo-cut version so there’s no cuff to soak up extra water. As for shoes, I’ve used the old Air Kulkini which had tons of drainage. I’m now using the Lunar Lites from Nike (great cushioning, and only 8.5oz), and they don’t seem to soak up too much water either. One other trick I’ve seen is people who put a second pair of shoes/socks in their special needs bag for the run.
Some people can run a full w/o socks, but not me. I add some Bodyglide to the heel tab and arch, and this plus the socks gets me through blister-free and with all 10 toenails intact.
i take it as a given that some water will probably get into my shoes, so my avoidance measures simply try to keep it at a minimum.
i always grease my feet before putting on my socks. it seems to last throughout an IM run. this is more than a dab of something…i use sportslick (vaseline works the same). it’s in a sandwich baggie, which i evert over my hand, quickly rub over the top of all toes and between then, and on the heel sides.
for socks, i’ve ended up happiest with wigwam IM socks, which are relatively thin.
then, too, i have an extra grease baggie in my shorts pocket, should i need some during the run.
peggy
Completed a few half IM last year, and found that during run leg, socks and shoes ended up soaked due to the standard dumping of water, etc. Seemed to be bother during half, suggestions/recommendation for full on what to do?
I see the Zoot have the drains, but would you run a full without socks?
thanks
Kerry
I am interested in this as well.
I run all my races both Triathlon (Including Ironman Canada) and Running Races without socks for the exact reason you mentioned in your post plus the fact that you never need to worry about landing your feet in puddles.
You definetely to train with this approach and what I do is all my speed work without socks as well as my bricks and this toughens up the feet enough in the early season. Expect to get the odd blister or the like early one as your feet adjust.
Word of warning though -bad thing about this approach is that you need to wash your shoes out now and then with herbal essence shampoo to mask the smell.
I currently run in newtons but have run in saucony and new balance sockless previously as well.
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thats impressive without socks. i can cycle without but not to sure about running. will give it a try though to see what happens in half marathon coming up.
I did IMLP last year which had incredible trenching rain. I wore Asics DT-Trainers with very thin socks. I put Tom’s Foot Powder in the socks. It was simply amazing to me that I had no blisters or any issues whatsover… I used tom’s foot powder before, and as they claim, never had a problem. I run without socks in any distance under a marathon. The problem for the marathon is if you start to swell in your shoe at mile 22 (where I never am in a training run) and start to rub the interior of your shoe, its a long 4 miles to go…
At LP this year I covered my feet with body glide and had no issues. I thought my feet would be a mess as they got a bit wet. I would not run a mary without socks usless you do a ton of training runs without. Seems uneccesary to me. You really should not get your socks that wet by dumping water on yourself anyhow. It does not really help anything anyhow.
Can always place nice comfy dry socks in your run special needs bag. You will go by it @ mile 13, and the volunteers can have your bag ready for you. It may only slow you down for a few seconds, but much better than blisters.
I did IMLP last summer - day of rain rain rain rain. Wore wright socks, changed them from bike to run (not that it mattered as there were a couple inches of water in transition so my shoes were wet before leaving the changing tent), not even 1 blister…
Stop peeing on yourself. That will keep your shoes drier
Run with Drymax socks. They are the best. Extremely efficent in wicking moisture away and they dry while on your foot when they get really fast. Do not attempt to run without socks unless you have been doing it for a while. I learned that the hard way many years ago.
Pearl Izumi original socks, been running in these socks and not the same pair for 8 years
Darryl
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Hydropel + Smartwool socks. Your feet will thank you. 
its not the concern of blisters, its the wet and heavy feeling the socks/shoes give.
but now i have plenty of socks to pyrchase and try out.
Hi,
I have great luck with deFeet thin Merino wool running/cycling socks in halfs and fulls. My feet have been blister and wound free for the last 5 HIMs and 2 IMs.
I have also had good luck with Blistershield powder, in addition to the thin wool socks. This stuff has been limited to long runs in training. Not having issues in theraces, I have seen no need to add it.
t
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