Socks: Y or N?

Catherine Juon

After looking at how slow my transitions are compared to others in my AG, I've got some work to do. ;-) Seem like the thing that probably takes the most time is putting on socks, and seems like a lot of people manage without. Yet, I'm afraid of ripping my feet up, so I haven't been brave enough to try going sockless, even on a training run or ride.



Related: I'm about to get new cycling shoes because I've got a purple toe from my LGs being too small--should whatever shoes I get be fine with or without socks, or do I need to make that decision before I buy?

Mark Maurer

I wear socks on the bike because I use road bike shoes and not triathlon bike shoes. The tri bike shoes usually have a softer liner in them so you don't have to wear socks. Since I don't have a pair of those I can't comment on how well that works. I have ridden without socks but that's usually just for shorter rides and to toughen the skin up a little. 

Most people wear socks on the run. I do and I often change socks in T2. I do run without socks sometimes when I'm training but again that's usually for shorter runs. 

Paul Curtin

Socks add time, especially if you have to sit down to put them on in transition. Personally I like wearing them for the bike, and can then keep them on for the run (assuming they've stayed dry). It seems a lot of racers skip them completely for sprint-distance triathlons, but that probably takes some getting used to.

Regarding the new shoes, definitely factor in the socks because that can change the sizing and fit. I just switched shoes due to a purple toe, and tried on four different types before finding the right one. For me it's now Bont shoes and Swiftwick socks. The Bont has a wider toe box than most others - the fit is fantastic! (They're heat moldable)

moetai@gmail.com

I go no socks up to a HIM (but I train a lot without them, on bike and runs) but I put them on for IM runs (the time U loose putting them on is worth the comfort and the blister free run they provide). I had blisters on 1 of my HIM with no socks and could not imagine going another 21k with that kind of pain on both feet.

Brad Marcus

I am no sock guy on the bike. #1 it saves time not putting them on wet feet coming into T1. More importantly, if you pee on the bike (another good time saver), its no fun having that all soaked up in your socks! As Mark mentions, I don't know how good it would feel being sockless in non-tri bike shoes. Either way, tri-shoe or not, you 100% should try this out before racing. I suggest building slowly :30 -> 1hr-> 2hrs....and so on to see if you have any issues with rubbing, blisters, etc.

The run is a different story. I go sockless only in sprint and Olympic distance runs. HIM and IM, I take a little extra time to put GOOD socks on. The last thing you want is to be out there on a long distance run with hot spots or blisters...that could ruin a day!

Scott Giljum

I have never worn socks on the bike, no matter the shoes. If you train that way, your feet get used to it has been my mantra and worked to date. For running, I always wear socks. I roll them up with a little bit of grease (Vaseline) on them so they roll right on in transition. As others have said, unless your feet are bulletproof, the race is not the first time to try this.

Paul Hough

Like Brad, I go sockless for sprints and Olympics. If I get some sand in the shoe (50% of the time) I will get some abrasions which I just accept as necessary. For HIM and IM I will ALWAYS wear socks on the run. Whether I use them on the bike or not depends on how my feet feel in the shoes I use. I have/had some bike shoes where I do not need socks. Others will give me an abrasion which is unacceptable for that distance. When I get a new pair of bike shoes, I'll test them without socks on a long ride, but be sure to carry a pair with me in case I need to stop and put them on.

Catherine Juon

Wow! Thanks for the speedy responses!!! :-)



Tried on some shoes; the issue may be that my current shoes are too big rather than too small, as I think my feet slide forward and are giving me the issue... (So hard to tell--too big or too small!!!) The LG tri shoe I've got doesn't go any smaller than the one I have--tiny person problems . So, I like the tip on the Bont shoes with a larger toebox--ideally I'd find a shop somewhere in SE Michigan that carries them to try them on... LMK if you know one!



Tx, too for the Rx on time... I think I might start with just the first mile of a run, see how that goes, and build from there.



Also appreciate the idea to put the socks on for the run; AFTER feet are dry. That sounds like it would help with time, at least marginally. 

Likewise, appreciate the insight that the sockless thing is primarily for shorter races.

I've got plenty of time to experiment now as I'm done with my A race for the season--really appreciate all these ideas for things to tackle in my off-season. THANK YOU!

Josiah Garrison

Never on the bike, even IM distance. Always on the run, the marginal admin time in t2 is worth the comfort and blister avoidance.

Coach Rich

No socks on the bike when racing, or else you'll be Mr Pissy Socks all day long :-) Socks and road bike shoes when training and I strictly observe The Rules of regulation sock height, etc.

Socks on the run, takes seconds and no way my feet would survive a marathon without socks.

Francis Picard

Like all others I dont use socks on the bike.

I tried to run without but can't get pass 10k before feeling incomfortable.

Jennifer Eckert

I'm the odd gal out! I always wear socks on the bike with my Tri shoes. I can't stand sweaty sock less feet in my shoes..it bugs the heck out of me!!