Socks or no socks for HIM?

Brad Marcus

So I have my 3rd HIM in exactly 2 weeks. My question is, do I race without socks? This would be for 2 reasons: 1 - my new found ability to pee on the bike is a lot "cleaner" without socks. 2- To save time in transition.

I have been very slow in transition in both of my races (5min+ for T1 and T2!). Part of this I can chalk up to putting socks onto wet feet in T1. Not sure what im doing in T2! I know for sure that I will not wear them on the bike. I did a RR today completely without socks and felt a little rubbing after 5 miles on the run. Any suggestions or thoughts on this?

Dino Sarti

You answered your own question. On the bike, socks depend on the pee plan. For T2, try wearing your sox for 30 minutes in the AM before the race. This will help them stretch out after being in the dryer and will help you get them on faster in T2.

Mary Russo

Powder in the shoes; will dry the feet and allow you to race well.
Good luck!

cgres123

Socks, pee on them throw them in the laundry. Chaffing..... no not so much take care of you feet. Practice transitions for a better time.

Joe Matchette

I am a no-sock HIM kinda guy. But, like Dino, I put on socks in T2 that I wore earlier that morning.

As to the rubbing -- I BodyGlide the *heck* out of the inside of my bike shoes especially on the tongue and the heel. And, additionally, I put BodyGlide all over my feet in the morning -- toes, heel, top of foot, etc....

Brad Marcus

Thanks all. My plan as of now is to go no socks for the bike and to wear them for the run. I have mastered the transition for a sprint but for some reason on the HIM distance, I take way too much time. The way I look at it, this is free time that is there for me to gain so I'll figure out where I'm slowing down and smooth it out. Eliminating socks on wet feet will be a major plus. Thanks again.