Sockless for the 5k run?

Sometimes you just have to give it a go to find out which is what I did. The first time I went sockless I did it in a sprint try, I used foot powder as well and have never looked back. I go sockless up to 10K runs off the bike. For 70.3 and longer I go ahead and put socks on. The main thing you're trying to avoid is the foot sliding inside the shoe. So eliminating as much moisture as possible is key.

If your shoes are fairly snug this helps prevent the sliding action. I've gotten blisters a couple times when using new shoes that were a little more roomy than normal. But when you've been doing tris for over 11 years this is bound to happen.

One thing you can also do is put a small towel down in T1. Simply try and stand on it during transition, don't sit down take extra time wiping feet etc. just standing on it will at least get some moisture out.

As you move forward doing brick workouts every now and then, especially with new shoes will allow you to dial things in a bit.

They're just blisters and we must remember, pain is temporary, glory last forever!

Edited by reecealan 2020-03-06 10:32 AM

After about 7 or 8 years of always putting socks on even for sprints I've now stopped up to an Olympic length run. No real issues and definitely saves time.

I can run up to 10-15k sockless, I wouldn’t hesitate to run sockless in a sprint or Olympic distance race. Any farther and I worry about blisters.

I wear socks when there is a risk that sand, dirt or even small gravel find their way in my shoe. In other words, always.

I have not worn socks in 12 years. Now I hate wearing them. I'm more comfortable without. The key is starting with short runs and you will have blisters. Run every other day, use body glide on the hot spots, and toughen your feet. When you get new shoes the hot spots may be different and so you might have to dial back with new shoes, until your feet adjust. I run in Zoot, they are made to go sock-less.
I've never had an issue riding the bike without socks.
I've done countless 5 k's, sprints, a hand full of Olympic, 4 15 mile trail runs, 2 half marathons, 2 full marathons, a couple of century rides, 8 half iron, and 5 full iron without socks

Edited by JBacarella 2020-03-07 10:10 AM