Who wears Specialized Trivent shoes? Expert or Sport? Sockless?

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m looking for some new racing shoes and am really happy with my Specialized road shoes. I can’t find a local dealer with the Trivents in stock, so I can’t go look at them.

I was hoping to find some STers who could give me their experience with either of the Trivent (Expert or Sport) shoes.

I know the Expert has a smooth leather-like lining and the Sport has a normal cloth lining. What has people’s experience been with either of them for riding sockless?

Are there any other things in your experience that you like or dislike?

Thanks.

2

I’ve ridden in both versions sockless with success, no problems, except they get stinky.

3

Expert - Sockless.

I like how the main strap closes to the outside of the shoe.

4

I like how the main strap closes to the outside of the shoe.

yes!!! it boggles my mind that there are shoes that go the other way! it can ONLY end badly!

5

Funny timing. I just ordered a pair of Trivent Expert off the specialized site this morning because none of the dealers near me have it in stock.

I love the Pro road shoe so I ordered the same size and am hoping for the best. If it doesn’t fit I’ll just send it back.

6

Expert - Sockless.

I like how the main strap closes to the outside of the shoe.

Me too, expert sockless (for races and warm training). I refuse to buy a tri shoe that the strap closes toward the crank, that’s just plain dumb.

7

They close towards the bike so that they don’t get caught in the bike when the straps are left open and shoes clipped onto the pedals. Trivent doesn’t have this issue because the strap is two straps and a buckle rather than a single strap.

8

Exactly! I think it’s brilliant. I wonder why other shoe makers don’t incorporate this.

9

go with expert sockless, and let the in the sun every once in a while because they do get smelly!

10

Sport sockless and sometimes with socks. Works good, no real hotspot issues. Found them more comfortable than some lake shoes I tried.
Would go for the expert next time just for stiffer soles. I felt that they fit a little different.

11

Expert sockless. They drain really well through the bottom for those long trainer rides. Sockless = Stink though. I also have the BG insoles with a couple of shims in them that helped me with my pedal stroke and some numbness I was having. Highly recommend them

12

I have the Expert and go sockless. They are rather stiff, but Im a puss. I have never done 112 miles in them but would imagine they might get a little sore. 56 is pretty cake in them. My ex has the sport and likes them, but she likes her bike cuz its purple too…

.

13

Thanks all for your input. Any others with experience with the Sport version? It seems like the difference in sole stiffness is almost totally negligible in terms of power transfer. If the inside is comfortable enough sockless, then I think I’m inclined to save the $. Is there anybody who can convince me to go with the Expert instead?

14

What is the difference between the expert and sport? When I bought mine there was only one flavor, carbon sole and heel loop ('08 maybe?)

15

Sport. Both with (training in the cold) and without socks. My feet go easy in and out for transitions. It’s all I’ve ever owned as far as a tri shoe but I’m happy with them. No hot spots for me either. Best of luck.

16

Expert and sockless.

17

What is the difference between the expert and sport? When I bought mine there was only one flavor, carbon sole and heel loop ('08 maybe?)

The Sport costs $100 and has a fiberglass-reinforced plastic sole and a cloth interior lining. The Expert costs $175 and has a carbon sole and some kind of smooth leathery interior lining. From what I’ve read, the difference in sole stiffness pretty much makes no difference in speed. But comfort could, which is why I’m asking for opinions here. It sounds like the Sport lining works fine for people.

18

Anything carbon is always faster.

19

Expert and sockless…if a cold day training ride, then I wear socks…excellent shoes!

20

IMHO, the carbon sole is worth every penny. It may not make you faster, but I hate plastic soles. The plastic make the shoe feel like a wet noodle.