TRI BIKE SHOES
They’ll save you time in both transitions, provide drainage and ventilation, and scream, ‘I’m a triathlete.’ It’s time to test a sextet of tri-specific speedsters…
Atriathlete’s armoury shines with many badges of honour. The form-fitting, X-rated tri-suit; an increasing number of bent safety pins in retirement from race-number duties; and, of course, footwear designed to transition, at speed, from an exhausting aquatic opener to a dragand energy-reducing bike. Cue the tri bike shoe.
For triathlon newcomers, the tri shoe is a glorified bike shoe. It features the same cleat system as a bike shoe, the same stiff outsole and, in general, the same last. But there are subtle – and more explicit – changes designed to slip in and clamp in at breakneck velocity. The simplest and longest-standing ‘innovation’ is the heel loop, designed for a sharp yank as your foot either enters the shoe that’s already clamped into the pedal or laying on your transition towel. Then there’s the speed and security system. In other words, not only further ideas for swift foot entry but also how your shoe deals with keeping your foot firmly in place. As you’ll see, a Boa ratchet is an increasingly popular method. You’ll also witness that many tri bike shoes employ reverse main straps, which run the opposite way to traditional road numbers. The downside of tri straps is that they can catch on the crank if they’re too long.
All the shoes here feature toe and heel bumpers, designed for ease of running in transition and to protect the outsole, while inner seams should be minimal for barefoot pedalling. Drainage and venting holes or strips come as standard, too. These tri touches pay off but remember: you still have a bike leg to ride once you’ve scarpered from T1. So comfort and a good fit is also crucial. Time to slide in and start the test.