General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Bootie question Rss Feed  
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2016-08-17 11:51 AM


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Subject: Bootie question
I have a non-wetsuit legal race on Sunday. I would like to wear neoprene booties during the swim so I do not have to put socks on in transition. I have checked the USAT rules and cannot locate their exact definition of wetsuit. Does anyone know if I will be DQ'd for wearing booties? Thank you!


2016-08-17 11:54 AM
in reply to: onefinwonder

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Subject: RE: Bootie question

Just curious.....what do neoprene booties have to do with socks?

2016-08-17 12:34 PM
in reply to: Left Brain

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Subject: RE: Bootie question
Originally posted by Left Brain

Just curious.....what do neoprene booties have to do with socks?




I'm wondering this as well. Are you planning on riding the bike leg with the neoprene booties on? If it is a non-wetsuit race, I don't believe you can wear any neoprene, including booties.
2016-08-17 12:38 PM
in reply to: onefinwonder

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Subject: RE: Bootie question

You will almost certainly lose much more swim time than you'd gain in transition time.  Booties significantly slow down a swimmer.

And as others have said, they are likely illegal in your race.

2016-08-17 1:27 PM
in reply to: #5195555


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Subject: RE: Bootie question
Thanks so much for your replies. My booties are neoprene socks that I wear doing the entire race instead of fussing with socks over wet feet during transition. I HAVE to wear socks with shoes.
2016-08-17 2:46 PM
in reply to: onefinwonder

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Subject: RE: Bootie question

Originally posted by onefinwonder Thanks so much for your replies. My booties are neoprene socks that I wear doing the entire race instead of fussing with socks over wet feet during transition. I HAVE to wear socks with shoes.

Well...... then wear them.



2016-08-17 3:08 PM
in reply to: onefinwonder

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Subject: RE: Bootie question
Sounds like an email to the race director is in order. They'll be able to give you a definitive answer as to whether you can wear them or not.
2016-08-17 3:30 PM
in reply to: onefinwonder

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Subject: RE: Bootie question

I used socks in every race I've done and took the 5 sec or so to put them on in T1.

2016-08-17 3:44 PM
in reply to: onefinwonder

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Subject: RE: Bootie question
If it's a WTC race booties are prohibited in water temps above 65F. Anything below the knee is prohibited if a non-wetsuit swim. USAT is not as clear. Booties are not specifically addressed. But, beware USAT rule 4.9:

4.9 Illegal Equipment. Any swimmer wearing any artificial propulsion device, including but not limited to fins, gloves, paddles, or floating devices of any kind shall be disqualified.

Neoprene can be considered flotation. Because booties will close the spaces between your toes, they might be considered a type of flipper. It's even fuzzier because I don't know if USAT ever clarified their rules about acceptable swimwear the way WTC has to ban non-textile swimwear in non-wetsuit swims. They do have a list of "Approved Skinsuits".

So clearly I have over thought this. I like Atlantia's idea. If you are dead-set on wearing neoprene, ask the Race Director or Head Referee for a ruling. Beats a DQ. Or, do what most of us who have to wear socks do and toss 'em on in T1.

2016-08-17 4:33 PM
in reply to: exnavydoc

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Subject: RE: Bootie question
Originally posted by exnavydoc

If it's a WTC race booties are prohibited in water temps above 65F. Anything below the knee is prohibited if a non-wetsuit swim. USAT is not as clear. Booties are not specifically addressed. But, beware USAT rule 4.9:

4.9 Illegal Equipment. Any swimmer wearing any artificial propulsion device, including but not limited to fins, gloves, paddles, or floating devices of any kind shall be disqualified.

Neoprene can be considered flotation. Because booties will close the spaces between your toes, they might be considered a type of flipper. It's even fuzzier because I don't know if USAT ever clarified their rules about acceptable swimwear the way WTC has to ban non-textile swimwear in non-wetsuit swims. They do have a list of "Approved Skinsuits".

So clearly I have over thought this. I like Atlantia's idea. If you are dead-set on wearing neoprene, ask the Race Director or Head Referee for a ruling. Beats a DQ. Or, do what most of us who have to wear socks do and toss 'em on in T1.




I did USAT race last year and we were told during a mandatory participants' meeting that any socks that have closed spaces between toes are prohibited. Why not putting socks really quickly? If you worry about the time, I suggest speed laces. I use them all the time and they're super great.
2016-08-17 5:36 PM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Bootie question
Anyone else open this thread expecting to see a discussion of saddles and/or padded cycling shorts?


When setting up transition, roll a fresh pair of socks off your feet. Takes you 5 seconds to roll them on your feet in T1 if you sit on an upside bucket or collapsible camp stool. I use one like this:

http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/myingbmLszIk7wB1eGltPiA.jpg

Edited by gary p 2016-08-17 5:37 PM


2016-08-17 6:33 PM
in reply to: #5195555


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Subject: RE: Bootie question
Thanks to all for the advice. I will ask RD but plan on slipping on socks in transition. I have heard that socks slip on easier if pre-rolled.
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