No Socks - Should I Lube?

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2008-08-22 2:34 PM

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Charlotte, NC
Subject: No Socks - Should I Lube?
I'm doing my first race tomorrow without socks. I have elastic laces on my running shoes, but I've been noticing during training that when my feet get damp, it is a bit more difficult to get my shoes on during transition.

I've heard some folks suggest applying some lube to bike and running shoes prior to the race, and I would be interested in hearing from you all if you recommend this and some best practices.

Do you recommend using lube and/or baby powder in the shoes?
What kind of lube works best (e.g., Vaseline, Body Glide)?
Where should I apply the lube? To the tung of the shoe?

Thanks!

2008-08-22 2:41 PM
in reply to: #1621941

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Champion
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Subject: RE: No Socks - Should I Lube?
Duct tape on toes where there's possibility of blisters. Body Glide elsewhere (heels, etc).
2008-08-22 3:33 PM
in reply to: #1621941

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Elite
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Subject: RE: No Socks - Should I Lube?
When I run sans socks I body glide the inside of my shoes, paying close attention to those spots that I know are sensitive to hot spots.  So long as I do it right, I have no issues!  Making sure that the elastic laces aren't TOO tight are key too--if mine are too tight, regardless of the body glide, I will get hot spots. Good luck! I love racing without the socks when I can (right now 10k and below) as it does save time in transition!!
2008-08-22 3:38 PM
in reply to: #1621953

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Resident Curmudgeon
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Subject: RE: No Socks - Should I Lube?

briderdt - 2008-08-22 2:41 PM Duct tape on toes where there's possibility of blisters. Body Glide elsewhere (heels, etc).

Do you swim with the duct tape, or put it on in T1?

To the OP's question, I don't lube but do put a heavy coat of talcum powder in both my cycling and running shoes.



Edited by the bear 2008-08-22 3:39 PM
2008-08-22 3:42 PM
in reply to: #1621941

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Master
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The Redlands, FL
Subject: RE: No Socks - Should I Lube?
I never use sock for Sprints/Olympics and I always use foot powder...I put in both shoes (biking/running) prior to the race...and works perfect for me...but...everybody is different...Good Luck!!!
2008-08-22 4:15 PM
in reply to: #1622132

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Champion
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Subject: RE: No Socks - Should I Lube?

Gotta wait for T2 so your feet are dry... Otherwise the tape won't stick. DUH!  Smile

I've used regular white athletic tape on occasion. Usually isn't a problem though.

2008-08-22 4:29 PM
in reply to: #1621941

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Subject: RE: No Socks - Should I Lube?

I've done a handful of sprints and one oly with no socks and didn't powder, body glide or anything.  It's not really a problem after you do it a time or two.  I've always run practice with no socks and I'm well used to it.  If you've practiced with socks, then put them on during t2 and see how that works for you.

 I'm going to start working with socks next year when I start HIM distance races.

2008-08-22 5:17 PM
in reply to: #1621941

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Regular
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Subject: RE: No Socks - Should I Lube?
I always use a liberal application of body glide on the instep and around all the sides of the foot to prevent blisters. I apply it before the swim and it seems to last all the way to the run because since I've started using it my blister problems are gone.

I think it also helps the foot slide into your bike shoes if you put them on while on the bike.
2008-08-22 6:21 PM
in reply to: #1621941

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Master
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Chapel Hill, NC
Subject: RE: No Socks - Should I Lube?
Uh, hoped you practiced it thoroughly in training first. I did a 4 mile test run sans socks and thought I was good to go for any oly race. The result was excruciating pain the last mile of the race. Now I only go sockless for sprints!



Edited by keyone 2008-08-22 6:22 PM
2008-08-22 6:34 PM
in reply to: #1621941

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New user
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Charlotte, NC
Subject: RE: No Socks - Should I Lube?
Thanks guys! This is very helpful. I'm only doing a sprint, so I'm not too concerned about getting blisters, and I have been training for a couple weeks (bike/run bricks) without socks without issue other than my feet not sliding in as well as I would like.

Great tips!
2008-08-22 6:44 PM
in reply to: #1621941

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Subject: RE: No Socks - Should I Lube?
ill just thrown in my .02. i recommend the powder all over the heel of your shoe, ive never had a problem sliding in when using it. also, take some vasoline or equivalent and put it inside your shoe on any spots that you have a problem with. i have a spot on the outside of one of my pinkie toes that i always get a blister on so i put some vasoline inside my shoe on that exact spot and it seems to help a bit. good luck in your race!

2008-08-22 6:49 PM
in reply to: #1621941

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Subject: RE: No Socks - Should I Lube?

This thread isn't nearly as fun as I thought it would be.....

 

2008-08-22 6:53 PM
in reply to: #1621941

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Subject: RE: No Socks - Should I Lube?

Put baby powder in your run and bike shoe in transition before the race. That's what I do for sprints, and I've never had a problem. Olympic and half iron distance I'll usually take a few extra seconds in transitions and put on socks. If you go with socks, put them on before the race, and roll them down your feet. Makes it easier to put them on when you finish the swim.

Good luck.

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