Triathlon shoe or road shoe?

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2006-01-31 12:21 PM

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Subject: Triathlon shoe or road shoe?
I'm getting a new bike and I'm finally joining the world of clipless pedals.  Should I buy a triathlon shoe (looking at the Shimano TR02) or just get a road shoe?  None of my LBSs carry triathlon shoes so I would have to order them on the internet.  Would I be better off buying road shoes that I can try on first?

2006-01-31 12:51 PM
in reply to: #335675

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Subject: RE: Triathlon shoe or road shoe?
In my limited experience, I've been burned buying without trying. I was a size 40 in the shoe I tried on at the store, but wanted the tri model. So I purchased a size 40 via Performance Bike and it is way too big. I went back to the store and got the road model.
2006-01-31 1:29 PM
in reply to: #335707

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Subject: RE: Triathlon shoe or road shoe?
Even within the same company there can be slight variations in sizing. It would be prudent to try and find a place to at least try something on.

At worst case you can find the same manufacturer and try on a few different shoe models on to see what size seems to be consistent for you. And a lot of people carry Shimano, so that shouldn't be too hard to find.
2006-01-31 2:09 PM
in reply to: #335675

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Subject: RE: Triathlon shoe or road shoe?
Tri shoes are designed for easier transitions. If you want free time, go with the tri shoes.
2006-01-31 2:14 PM
in reply to: #335798

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Subject: RE: Triathlon shoe or road shoe?

the bear - 2006-01-31 2:09 PM Tri shoes are designed for easier transitions. If you want free time, go with the tri shoes.

What he said.

Plus, I have the shoe you're looking at. Really like it, but try 'em on if you can, even if it means driving somewhere or paying a return charge. BTW, they should feel pretty snug on your foot.



Edited by triman50 2006-01-31 2:15 PM
2006-01-31 2:52 PM
in reply to: #335675

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Subject: RE: Triathlon shoe or road shoe?
Try them on. The size varies with model year, too. After trying on several pairs of Shimanos I had to order a 1/2 size in between. The new model was a bit bigger than the previous years and the shoes were a little big.

2006-01-31 2:58 PM
in reply to: #335675

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Subject: RE: Triathlon shoe or road shoe?
2006-01-31 7:40 PM
in reply to: #335845

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Subject: RE: Triathlon shoe or road shoe?

Bcozican - 2006-01-31 11:58 AM these are cheap..and a tri shoe http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=14121&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=[/QUOTE]

 I have that same shoe! I like them a lot $50 is a great deal for a nearly $200 shoe! Too bad they only have 3 sizes left... Like Bear said Tri shoes will give you a much faster transition time. No laces to tie.

2006-01-31 10:36 PM
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Subject: RE: Triathlon shoe or road shoe?

Also, the straps on a tri shoe open to the outside while road shoe straps are the opposite.  This is so you won't open the strap while coming into transition and have it get caught up in the chain.  If you don't unfasten your straps until you dismount, it's really a non-issue...go with the shoe that fits and feels the best.

 

2006-02-01 5:23 AM
in reply to: #335675

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Subject: RE: Triathlon shoe or road shoe?
I wish I had asked this question here before I bought my first clipless shoes.  Before my first sprint last year I thought, How much difference could it really make? Bought road shoes because that's what the LBS had.   Oops... I'll be buying a pair of tri shoes in the next month or two before the season begins.  It really makes a diffrerence if you are at all concerned about your time in transition.
2006-02-01 5:48 AM
in reply to: #336142

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Subject: RE: Triathlon shoe or road shoe?

immyfish - 2006-02-01 5:23 AM I wish I had asked this question here before I bought my first clipless shoes.  Before my first sprint last year I thought, How much difference could it really make? Bought road shoes because that's what the LBS had.   Oops... I'll be buying a pair of tri shoes in the next month or two before the season begins.  It really makes a diffrerence if you are at all concerned about your time in transition.

I'm going to second that.  My LBS didn't know enough about tri's and has me convinced that a road shoe would suffice.  I am not an elite triathlete by any means, but I did realize pretty early on that it would be easier for me to dismount into T2 by leaving my shoes clipped in.  3 straps are a pain to unfasten and make sure they don't get caught in the chain.
I was going to keep the road shoes for a while, but I hit that sale for the Time shoes that were mentioned earlier.  I got them for 19.99 (i think there was a typo on the website for a while).  Still, 49.99 is a great price.  AND you can return them to Nashbar for an exchange...I need one size up and they said no problem. 
That's just my rambling 2 cents!

2006-02-01 8:05 AM
in reply to: #335675

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Subject: RE: Triathlon shoe or road shoe?

Thanks for your input....very helpful as always.  I ended up going with the Shimano Tri shoes.  If they don't fit just right I'll just have to keep sending them back until I get the right size....it is just February. 

I would have never thought about which way the strap(s) opens...very helpful!  Thanks again.

2006-02-01 9:47 AM
in reply to: #335675

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Subject: RE: Triathlon shoe or road shoe?
For those Time Tri shoes, how cumbersome is that second buckle? I have a pair of diadora elite road shoes that have two outward buckles and I find that it is something I have to actually sit down and fasten before jumping on my bike.

Edited by hk94 2006-02-01 9:51 AM
2006-02-01 9:48 AM
in reply to: #335675

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Subject: RE: Triathlon shoe or road shoe?
I'll play devil's advocate on this one. I found the fit of certain road shoes to be better for my particular feet than triathlon shoes. In fact, even the two-strap models never fit securely. I narrowed my choices to shoes with three straps, or two straps and a buckle.

I eventually went with a pair of Sidi Genuis shoes, as the upper buckle provided a more solid feel across the top of my foot. I figure that, compared to race days, the vast majority of my riding is normal road rides, and I'd rather have a more secure fit and better power transfer. The extra 5-10 seconds in transition in a half-dozen races over the year just won't make a difference compared to the comfort and fit over the hundreds of training hours (and even the races) during the rest of the year.

With a little practice, I stiill seem to have good transition times - often one of the top few in my age group. I probably lose a little time in T1, but probably no more than 5-10 seconds. I do put my shoes on before I get on the bike, but I have no problem running in my shoes.

I also have no problem getting out of the shoes while still on the bike as I'm approaching T2. I've never had any problem with straps getting caught in the chain. In fact, I'm more comfortable with inward opening straps of road shoes because it means that if I want to adjust or tighten a strap while riding, my hand is pulling away from the crank teeth, rather than towards them.
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