Socks and Lacing system Question...

I got the Yankz because that was all that was available, other than online. I don't think the 'type' of elastic lace matters nearly so much as having SOME kind of elastic and eliminating the need to tie your laces.  It saves an incredible amount of time to just be able to pull your shoes on . I got another pair for my bike shoes for my tri I just did (yes, I was a dummy and bought bike shoes with laces before I knew any better) and that and a couple of other equipment improvements translated to totally smashing my transitions times. Granted, they were painfully slow before, but still.

Try wicked socks... huge difference, and speed laces.. MAKE'S LIFE GREAT.. Don't tighten them too tight though... your feet will fall asleep

I do not wear cotton socks anymore.... They are too bulky and hot. I loooove my running socks. My favorites are Asics Nimbus and Nike anti blister. They are not cheap but they are worth it. http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,5033,s6-52-73-0-6214,00.html
Also, absolutely get the laces. They are the bomb especially for transitions. I started with my running shoes and now I am updating all my snikers to elastic shoe laces.

Edited by clflgrl 2005-06-23 1:20 PM

I stopped wearing cotton socks on others' recommendations without really comparing for myself. I really like the non-cotton socks (my favorite are Balega) but I can't really say they're better than cotton because I frankly didn't risk the blisters and went off peoples' suggestions. I just bought some cheap ones ($2/pair) from Target, and although the material is not cotton, the quality just doesn't measure up to the $8/pair ones. If you're going to switch, don't skimp on quality.

I switched to Yankz before my first tri this year. Saves a lot of time in transition. This was illustrated in a transition workout I did a couple months back with a group. Of those who were changing out of cycling shoes and into running shoes, I was the fastest one through the T2 transition because of the elastic laces. Only one other person came close because she laced up her shoes ahead of time and then stomped her feet into them to get them on.

Mike

I've had both speed laces and Yankz -- I much prefer Yankz. Speed laces are made from a flat elastic, whereas the Yankz are made from a round elastic. I found that I had to tighten the Speed Laces more to get the same degree of "resistance" or comfort. This made it harder to get into the shoe for me.

I don't know if that makes any sense, now that I read what I typed. Suffice to say that I now have two pair of Yankz and so does my wife. We'll both be buying them for all our future shoes.

I never had a problem with cotten socks and blisters, but now that I've switched to wicking running socks I find the socks are noticeably drier when I'm home from the run. If nothing else, the evaporation should be keeping your feet cooler.

Another vote for Yankz and coolmax types of socks. Cotton sux.

cotton works fine up to about 10 miles. after that, the moisture retained in the socks has had all the time it needed to soften the skin and can get to work on the blisters.

if you run more than 10 miles at a time frequently, then coolmax socks are highly recommended!

i don't trust speed laces. not for long distance runs.

Edited by awol 2005-06-23 2:28 PM

Thanks Everyone for your input...I am glad I asked about Yankz compared to speed laces. Apparently I should try Yankz. Thank you!!!

let me chime in here... i don't use cotton socks either.. i used Yanks until i got turned on to Lock Laces... that lace up just like normal laces, unlike yanks, so they are very EASY and adjustable... my vote is for lock laces... much better then yanks... only my 2 cents

well last night I went to a running store and bought some smartwool socks, and some yanks. They both worked out really well on my morning run today. The yankz felt good because they allowed my foot a little more freedom than restricting laces. Also, I liked the way the smart wool fits, they are just like normal socks! Thanks everyone for your input.

Well I bought a version of the Speed Laces but the plastic part that you screw into the eyelets really hurt when I ran..... So I took all the eyelets and the nylon lace part out and put the original laces back in but used the "Locking" part and the plastic part at the end of the lace..... now no more problems.....

I also run in cotton socks but no more than 8 miles..... I probably should consider some of those fancy running socks soon...