I’ve got a pair of Specialized S-Works Trivents. They have been great, but are getting a little extra nasty, and never looked like the most aero option.
I have an old pair of Giro Empire SLX on which I could perform a Thomas Gerlach special.
Beyond that, are there any notable favorites? I know Bonts are popular with the pros, but I’m told they fit funny and aren’t for everyone
Do you want a tri-specific shoe? A lot of people are using road shoes these days.
That said, I’m using the bontrager ballista shoe with a bow dial on the back of each shoe. I love them and I like to think they’re pretty aero.
Bonts are incredible shoes. Outside of racing, I use Bonts on my road bike and gravel bike. You either love them or hate them, though.
I really like my Louis Garneau tri shoes, would recommend
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Depends on what you are looking for in a tri shoe and what kind of racing you do.
For sprint races and for pros that are trying to make the bike “pack” then conventional tri shoes with the single velcro strap are still the ticket.
For longer races, lots of folks opt for a comfortable road shoe (the Shimano RC9 or RC7 are good choices). That being said, a modified laceup shoe (Giro Empire or similar) is a more aero option and will more than recoup any extra T1 time for 70.3 or longer. If you want higher end than the Empire, go with the S-Works laceup; for a lower cost version get some of the old LG LA84 shoes (available for <$100…they have a fiberglass/nylon sole and aren’t as stiff as carbon, but tris are not about 1000W sprints).
This is what I use
https://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/05/fastest-ironman-bike-shoes-aerodynamics.html?m=1
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Agree. Really like my bonts.
A couple pair of zero + for tri
Vaypor G for gravel
Riot for the turbo
Really happy with my fizik transiro r1‘s
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I use Giro SLX with speed laces. I didn’t cut the tongue out, but I did lace from the top of the shoe downwards and didn’t do the top holes so the opening is a bit wider. I also use a soccer cleat sleeve over the midsection, kind of like the Specialized shoes used to have. Keeps everything nice and compact and stuck together.
I’ve got a pair of Specialized S-Works Trivents. They have been great, but are getting a little extra nasty, and never looked like the most aero option.
I have an old pair of Giro Empire SLX on which I could perform a Thomas Gerlach special.
Beyond that, are there any notable favorites? I know Bonts are popular with the pros, but I’m told they fit funny and aren’t for everyone
Tolerated Bontrager shoes
Liked LG
Hated Bont
Then landed on Gaerne G.Kona and love them. If they ever wear out, I’ll buy another of the same pair.
They have a low profile sole, Speedplay option, made in Italy with long-lasting (if a materials, attractive profile, and the fit is similar to LG.
Same, mine have lasted almost 5 years now too. Solid built shoes and really comfortable.
The Pearl Izumi Tri Fly Pro is an awesome shoe. It features a Boa closure, carbon sole, double heel loops, it’s well ventilated and sells for a “reasaonable” $250.
Yeah I really like the LG tri shoe- comfortable and fairly good for short course transitions. Not sure how aero they are though…wish the STAC/4iiii Virtual Tunnel was still available so i could test them out vs Bonts or something similar
The Pearl Izumi Tri Fly Pro is an awesome shoe. It features a Boa closure, carbon sole, double heel loops, it’s well ventilated and sells for a “reasaonable” $250.
Got a pair coming, new off ebay - really interested as I race in road shoes most of the time. But been in PI for the last 10 years…
What’s the verdict for you? Considering getting a pair.
If fit, lightweight and durability are important for you, perhaps consider Rocket7’s. They are under 170 grams with very stiff carbon soles. I have issues with my feet, and had 2 pairs of custom shoes made 16 years ago. 1 pair for racing, that are still like brand new, and one pair for training that have about 150,000 km on them. They are well used, and scruffy looking, but still get the job done. Only thing I would consider would be getting an additional pair. They have both been outstanding.
Depending on your foot shape, there are often differing models in brands. We do a TON of Lake shoes, and I’ve found them to be simply amazing. Having used many of the aforementioned brands, the Lakes blow away what I previously considered quality and comfort. The soles are light all carbon, and the uppers are really nice leather unlike the plastic of many; some even Kangaroo. I’ve got 3 different models and am looking at more. The higher end are heat moldable unlimited number of times and two way BOAs. Check out Lake for sure…
I’m a little disappointed in Slowtwitch today. The OP asked for the best, and since one of our own makes them, I’m embarrassed nobody has yet referred to them…
https://www.velovetta.com/?utm_source=Slowtwitch.com&utm_medium=signature&utm_campaign=slowtwitch%20signature
I hear good things about the new Cadamotus shoes, a Dutch brand. You can heat mold to shoes yourself. Haven’t tried them, price is steep…
Back in those days there were lots of good reports on these shoes. I had a VERY poor experience with them that was never resolved. I think I was caught in the time that the company was changing hands. About $1000 down the drain for me.
To the OP - I have been reasonably satisfied with Specialized S Works.
I’m a little disappointed in Slowtwitch today. The OP asked for the best, and since one of our own makes them, I’m embarrassed nobody has yet referred to them…
https://www.velovetta.com/...owtwitch%20signature
https://forum.slowtwitch.com/.../?page=unread#unread
Still vaporware at this point. Hard to say they’re the best when nobody has ever worn or used them.
This wasn’t meant to disparage Ed in anyway. Just pointing to the fact the shoes haven’t hit the market yet so why would they be even considered in the discussion.