1. ASICS Gel-Kayano 25 Men’s Triathlon Shoes
2. Zoot Men’s Ultra Race 4.0 Boa Triathlon Shoes
3. Saucony Men’s Fastwitch 8 Cross Country Triathlon Shoes
4. Pearl iZUMi Women’s W EM Tri N 2 Triathlon Shoe
5. Inov-8 Men’s Trailtalon™ 250 Trail Runner
7. Pearl iZUMi Men’s TRI Fly Elite V6 Cycling Shoe
9. Newton Running Mens Distance VI
10. Louis Garneau – Tri X-Lite Triathlon 2 Bike Shoes
12. Scott Sports Mens Tri Carbon Triathlon Cycling Shoe
13. Northwave Tribute Triathlon Shoes
14. Pearl iZUMi Women’s W TRI Fly Elite V6 Cycling Shoes
15. SHIMANO SH-TR5 Cycling Shoes
16. T-4 AIR WHITE/BLACK 45.0 by Sidi
17. SHIMANO SH-TR9 Cycling Shoes
Triathlon Shoe Buying Guide & FAQ
How We Chose Our Selection Of Triathlon Shoes
Reviews - Triathletes know what it takes to construct a good pair of triathlon shoes, and they aren’t afraid to give voice to their experiences. That’s why we consider the reviews as a useful tool when determining a product's quality and performance.
Brand - Anyone can make a triathlon shoe but certain brands are simply better than others as they have invested in research to determine the best way to put them together. We chose brands that have a long-standing reputation for producing shoes specific to endurance sports like triathlons.
Price - Depending on your needs, frequency, and seriousness of competition, you may be looking for a high-end pair of triathlon shoes or you may just want to test your own limits so something at the other end of the scale will suffice. That’s why our selection of triathlon shoes feature prices that will be sure to please all competitors and those who simply want the training experience.
Features To Look For In Triathlon Shoes
Triathlon Distance (Short, Middle, Long) - When it comes to the distance of a triathlon, you may want to consider having different triathlon shoes for cycling and running. This may be particularly important for middle or longer races as the shoes may wear out somewhat faster. In simple terms, the longer the distance of the triathlon, the more durable triathlon you should be looking for.
Fit - Triathlons, by their very nature, can be grueling. This is the ultimate challenge of stamina, endurance, and physical and mental fitness. A poorly fitting triathlon shoe can slow you down and result in pain and discomfort. They should fit snugly, without being too right and keep your feet secure at all times.
Material - During a triathlon you can expect to sweat. For this reason, you should look for materials that are lightweight and breathable. Comfort is crucial so look for insoles that have good quality cushiony foam that will absorb the shock of your feet pounding on hard surfaces. Fortunately, technological advances have made the materials breathable, durable, and comfortable.
Cleats - The cleats on triathlon shoes are designed to give keep your feet secure and stable during the cycling phase of a triathlon. Depending on the pedals of your bike, look for 2 or 3 hole cleats that will specifically work well with the type of bike and pedals you race with.
Gender - Generally speaking, there isn’t much difference between men’s and women’s triathlon shoes. However, as women tend to have smaller, narrower feet, triathlon shoes for women are usually narrower. They are also a little lighter in weight. Of course, you don’t need to buy triathlon shoes specific to your gender. If you are a man with narrower feet, or a woman with wider feet, you can look at shoes from the other side of the shoe aisle.
Weight - As a general rule, triathlon shoes are lighter than most other athletic shoes, and they need to be. You won’t need shoes during the swimming leg of the race, but the cycling distance can range from about 12 miles to 112 miles, and the running distance between about 3 miles to 26 miles. Heavy shoes will feel like lead weights after a few miles so the lighter the shoe, the better.
Breathability - When you come out of the swimming leg of a triathlon you have mere seconds to dry your feet and pull on your triathlon shoes. Chances are, you didn’t fully dry your feet and with the two land sections of the race, you are bound to sweat. In a closed pair of triathlon shoes, your feet will become somewhat waterlogged. This will compromise the comfort and security of your shoes and could result in painful blisters. Breathable materials will go a long way in keeping your feet cool and dry to avoid these problems.
Durability - I think we can all agree that shoes are a protective layer between our tender feet and external elements such as roads, paths, and trials. In triathlon, your feet are either pedaling furiously or pounding the road. Considering the long distances in a triathlon, your feet and your shoes go through a considerable amount of torture. The worst thing that can happen to a triathlete is for his or her shoes to start to fall apart mid-race. Look for durable shoes that can withstand the punishment they will see during a triathlon.
Triathlon Shoe FAQ
Q: Do you change shoes in a triathlon?
A: While there are specific shoes for cycling and running, in a triathlon, every second count. You can certainly change from cycling to cross country shoes during this transition, but some of the best triathlon shoes are suitable for both transitions so there is no need to change shoes.
Q: Do you wear socks with triathlon shoes?
A: This is a matter of personal choice, but again, it comes down to those precious seconds during the race where you transition from swimming to cycling and then on to running. If you feel you must wear socks during cycling and running, keep in mind that you will need to dry your feet completely after swimming. Otherwise, putting socks on even slightly wet feet will take you longer.
