Regular road shoes vs. tri specific ones

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2009-09-19 1:10 AM

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Subject: Regular road shoes vs. tri specific ones

I'm looking to get some clipless pedals and I'm looking at shoes to make sure the cleats will match the shoes and pedals. 

I've noticed all the tri shoes seem to have 1 strap vs. 2 or 3 and advertise being quick-drying. I found a pair of road shoes that have 2 straps and looks like plenty of venting.

As a beginner sprint triathlete, looking to maybe do an olympic next season with the shoes I buy now, would it really make a difference? The road shoes I'm looking at seem to be a decent price and I'm leaning towards getting them.

 These are what I was thinking of getting 

Thanks for the help

Nate 

2009-09-19 7:30 AM
in reply to: #2414903

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Charlottesville, Virginia
Subject: RE: Regular road shoes vs. tri specific ones
red66stang - 2009-09-19 2:10 AM

I'm looking to get some clipless pedals and I'm looking at shoes to make sure the cleats will match the shoes and pedals. 

I've noticed all the tri shoes seem to have 1 strap vs. 2 or 3 and advertise being quick-drying. I found a pair of road shoes that have 2 straps and looks like plenty of venting.

As a beginner sprint triathlete, looking to maybe do an olympic next season with the shoes I buy now, would it really make a difference? The road shoes I'm looking at seem to be a decent price and I'm leaning towards getting them.

 These are what I was thinking of getting 

Thanks for the help

Nate 



Road shoes tend to use more of the ratcheting type straps that aren't always great for tri's as they can take a bit longer to fasten.

Those look to be tri shoes to me since they use velcro straps.  I am sure they would be fine for using in tri's

I personally use road shoes for doing tri's, they use the boa laces and I can get them on/off just as fast as any tri-shoes.
2009-09-19 3:00 PM
in reply to: #2414903

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Subject: RE: Regular road shoes vs. tri specific ones
Most of the decent road shoes seem to have one ratcheting strap and a couple of velcro straps.

For the ratching strap, you'll probably need both hands to fasten it.

That's a problem if you hop on to the bike like the pros, and start pedaling _before_ you put on your shoes.

But if you're going to put your shoes on first, and then get onto your bike, road shoes seem just fine.  The ratcheting strap might take an extra 15 seconds to fasten (with practice).  When those 15 seconds starts mattering, look towards tri shoes.  :-)

2 cents.
2009-09-20 2:00 AM
in reply to: #2414903

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Subject: RE: Regular road shoes vs. tri specific ones
I contemplated this exact question for a few months. I started out triathlon with 2nd hand road shoes.

Now I have new tri specific shoes and they do everything you would expect from a road shoe. They are also easier to get in/out of for transition and have more ventilation. Good for summer but not so for winter unless you have thick socks or booties.
2009-09-20 5:49 AM
in reply to: #2414903

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Subject: RE: Regular road shoes vs. tri specific ones
I've got both and I don't know where my road shoes are as I haven't used them in about a year. I see no reason to wear them when my tri shoes are just as secure and a whole lot less hot to use.
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