Blisters: Shoes for sockless running (and any sock suggestions, too)

William Jenks

Hey all...

My 17-year old daughter Olivia is a draft-legal triathlete through USAT.  Her races are Olympic style, i.e., draft legal on road bikes, etc.  The races are sprint distance at this point, but it's the track going up to the Olympic Distance.  (Some of you may know that triathlon is now an NCAA college sport.)

Anyway, in the last year or so, her feet seem to have developed the same sensitive, crappy skin that I have.  She's started getting lots of foot blisters from running...particularly bad on short sockless runs.

Since I do all longer races and don't care about the extra 10-15 seconds in T1 or T2 to put on socks for the rest of the race, I always wear socks and can't offer her any particular help.

Two questions:

1) What are some of the best shoes for sockless running out there right now?  She would wear these pretty much for racing only.  Low drop preferred.

2) For anyone who has played with different sock types to minimize blistering, what types or brands finally worked best for you? 

Thanks!
William

Shaughn Simmons

I train and race sock-less.  I use the Hoka Cliftons.  I find it takes your feet about 2-3 weeks when transitioning to sock-less to get past the rubs/blisters/sores.  Once your feet work through that period, I have literally no issues on long or short runs.  Key for me is to train consistently with no socks.  I run 7 days a week, 35 - 40 miles a week, 4 - 11 miles each run, rotating two different shoes and am blister free.

SS

Al Truscott

Socks aren't an option for her races.

Shoes I wear without socks in triathlons of this distance, without problems, are the Saucony Type A8. Very light weight (5 oz), a tab in the heel for pulling on quickly. Thin, rugged soles, designed as racering shoes for 5K, etc. I routinely put Body Glide all over my toes feet, and ankles before swimming. Don't know if that makes a difference by the time I get to the run. I've heard, but rarely tried, slathering the inside of shoes with something like Aquaphor can help as well.

I train with thin socks, and have no trouble making the transition come race day.

Leslie Knight

I love my Saucony Kinvara. I only wear socks to keep my feet from freezing
in winter.

Mark Hickman

I need to figure out a solution to my issues as well...have a little toe that tucks under the next toe and always blisters anytime after about 7.5 to 8 miles.  Understand that has absolutely nothing to do with your question:o)  Sorry.  Other than that issue, I rarely have issues with blisters running with my Nikes.

Mark Roberts

Zoot makes several different models of tri shoes and they do a pretty good job with the inside.  No seams, stitching or other anomalies as they are made to be worn without socks.  Fit is important though.  They need to fit a little on the small side vs normal shoes but not so small that the toes hit the front.  Many of their models even come with elastic laces.  
Good luck!