Socks Vs No Socks | What To Wear For Triathlon

[@gtn]

To Sock or Not to Sock? What do you prefer?

[@klqc4915]

Global Triathlon Network Not to Sock, because I am not allowed to do IM races yet :/

[@Aniara64]

No socks for sprint and olympic, sometimes for middle distance, and always socks for long distance. Be sure to train without them!

[@przemysawbabik4997]

Prefer not to rave about socks :) Sock = tool, just like cable, screw...

[@mkn_retrogamer]

No socks, reason is I've done a lot of running in toe shoes so I'm quite used to not wearing socks. I probably would do socks if I were to run over 10 k but since I'm only doing sprints I'll go sockless.

[@barryfield9300]

No socks after the swim, too hard to get them on properly. Definitely socks on the run (screw the macho stuff), yes you can get blisters and hot spots even on a 5K.

[@WartakMedia]

sock or no sock I still suck at this sport 😂

[@gtn]

Don't be so hard on yourself glenn!

[@FuerteBici]

You're doing it - that's 10 times better than people who sit on the couch doubting they could ever do it!

[@andrewferguson640]

I don’t know why I watched this. I’ve always worn socks and nothing will make be change.

[@SGTTEMPEST]

No socks for an Oly or 70.3. Do 1 run a week without socks to get your feet used to the friction. Increase/decrease the number of times you wear socks for your runs depending on how used to it you want your feet to be.

[@gtn]

Do you find it quicker in transition?

[@SGTTEMPEST]

Global Triathlon Network 100%! Putting on run socks when your feet are wet/sweaty is just not a fun time. Game changer for sockless running has been finding a pair of shoes with no seams!

[@gaylecheung3087]

No socks in the summertime with runners I’m not an athlete runner or anything it’s just for comfort can’t stand socks too much bulk to heat

[@pink_palm_puff13]

Yes you can wear compression socks in wet suit legal race. Wet socks don’t make much of difference in Tri shoes and they’ll be perfectly dry for run. Just don’t wear your favorite pair of socks when doing this

[@Pian0Mon]

Socks aside...what kind of triathlon cycling shoes are those? Pretty slick looking!

[@LeonBessiere1]

Shimano's :) I have them as well, they're great

[@heatherfell_oly]

Pian0Mon yes as Leon Bessiere spotted they are Shimano's.

[@Pian0Mon]

Heather Fell thanks Heather!

[@Mhatter12]

No socks. I have been wearing Vibram FiveFingers for a couple of years now so I am used to no socks. I run altra escalante 1.5 on the road and ride Giro Techne.

[@jamesholley]

My simple rules, no socks from Sprint to Olympic. Socks for Ironman, as I tend to opt for long compression socks and transitions are about comfort and not about speed.

[@gtn]

How do you find the long compression socks James?

[@jamesholley]

I put them in my bike bag as an option back in 2009 for Ironman France, and put them on in a spur of the moment decision. I have never looked back and have worn them for every long distance event since. They can be difficult to get on post swim, but I think worth the effort.

[@michaelhayne2019]

no socks for sprint distance,socks for longer distance.

[@gtn]

Nice choice michael hayne!

[@matthewvanpelt7421]

I apply pawpaw cream to the insides of my shoes, especially around the rim and tongue which has stopped any chance of blisters, especially when doing aquathlon. General preference is socks for anything over 5km though, run only, wouldnt want to be seen on the bike with socks on

[@gtn]

Thanks for the tip Tri Dad Matt!

[@paulcartridge845]

No socks for my Sprint & Olympic distance tri's.

[@gtn]

Do you find it quicker in transition?

[@Paulywint]

The only drawback for me not wearing socks is it makes my feet stink bad.

[@markankone9362]

Socks....always blizters when i am not wearing them

[@gtn]

mark ankone Nice choice Mark

[@steveyoo97]

For the vast majority of us that aren't trying to podium, the "valuable seconds" argument is less valid. Do what's more comfortable, because comfort is KING. If you save 10 seconds in transition by forgoing socks, but then run 5 minutes slower due to discomfort, that's hardly worthwhile. I'll always root for Team Socks.

[@danaleighformon_]

Yes!! I’ve done my last two triathlons without socks because of the “save time” argument, and both times (baby powder or not) I’ve ended up with with wicked blisters. I’m not competitive enough to where ten seconds worth of forgoing socks matters. #TeamSocks

[@gtn]

Nice choice Steven!

[@1989srjones]

Did my first middle distance race with no socks, as I had before on all previous shorter races. The run was on gravel trails and it was pouring with rain. Rain washed all the grit down into my shoes and turned the insides into sand paper. Didn't bother me too much during the race but it was an absolute blood bath when I took them off at the end. So socks for wet / off road middle distance races is my new rule

[@gtn]

Ouch, hope your foot's recovered now!

[@MichElle-zc9tu]

Thank you as I will continue wearing socks 🧦but thanks for your nice accent too.

[@dragonage200]

2:50 trainers without shoes? 🤔

[@heatherfell_oly]

Well spotted dragonage200, I am obviously not used to wearing no socks or talking about it!

[@jonathanzappala]

Sorry but there is something wrong with calling a 4+ hour 70.3 race “middle distance” considering races of 600-1200m are the middle distance events. They need to draw the line at Olympic, since after all it is in the middle of the 5 main distances.

[@graphics_dev5918]

But half of a full can also be considered in the middle as well. Just because you don't like how it "downplays" those who do less, doesn't mean the term needs to change.

[@ChristopherRichardYu]

Socks all the way

[@amberkennedy3853]

When I did one of my triathlons I didn’t put socks, because I didn’t want to waste time, well when I was running I go blisters , because I could barely even run.

[@gtn]

Ouch, that doesn't sound very comfortable Amber!

[@lisapet160]

Toilet paper in the "restroom stations" on a Tri-distance: fold or crumple? Any particular preferences for sprint, olympic, half and full ironman? Iron brush for Ironman?

[@basketballz]

I always run with no socks it feels like sweat stick to my shoes and I can run faster without socks,and I don't have any blisters

[@Jehrka]

I prefer socks, because it cushions the feet if you get a little stone in your shoe.

[@legsopensarah9759]

I'm no socks in everything including flats, heels, uggs and trainers. Some say it makes your shoes smell (who cares, you must be weird if you sniff shoes), and some say it's unhygenic - which maybe if you share shoes, but I'd say sharing shoes in itself is unhygenic so no big deal.

[@rurgolfur]

No socks on the bike. Always socks on the run.

[@daskanguru140]

I did a sprint triathlon without socks once, didn't really clean my feet from the sand on the beach on the swim course, had bloody feet for a week

[@ianstewart8301]

Just did my first 70.3 and I needed socks. But I also use them in my Sprints. I’m no pro though but it gives me warm fuzzies and actually comfort.

[@nootnoot1463]

No socks for Olympic and below. But yes to socks for training and duathlon

[@gtn]

Caffeine and Carbs 👍

[@Wesrl]

Why not wear no show socks. No tan line and no blisters

[@gtn]

Is that what you chose Wesley?

[@MattDion]

SOCKS! SOCKS! SOCKS, SOCKS, SOCKS SOCKS! EVERYBODY! 🧦

[@gtn]

Haha, thanks Matt! Are you like Heather and get creative with your sock choice?

[@MattDion]

Global Triathlon Network I'm quite boring when it comes to socks, but my wife could give Heather some stiff competition in the sock game though. It's probably the only thing that either of us could beat Heater at. Well, I think I could demolish her in sushi eating also.

[@hdrost1369]

Socks! Always!

[@gtn]

Good choice!

[@maikholzhey6167]

No socks, just to show off :D

[@gtn]

Haha and no tan lines!

[@stug45]

In longer races, especially in inclement weather, it might be worth putting an extra pair of socks in the run shoes as you might want to refresh in T2.

[@gtn]

Thanks for the tip stug45

[@cooledcannon]

This is really weird because I consider socks way more uncomfortable and hot and sticky!

[@gtn]

Fair enough Joe, it seems to vary a lot!

[@makemebadfan95]

If you're doing any form of an ironman I seriously couldn't see anybody going without socks, to be honest. 5-15 Seconds to slip on socks is more beneficial than being uncomfortable for a long time.

[@felixchong2002]

no socks. no shoes! go barefoot!

[@IronWill]

I am definitely a sock person, BUT, I managed to forget to leave my socks in transition in the Nepean Triathlon I did last weekend! Hence, I have a lovely blister now. I think if you're going to run without socks, you definitely need to have trained without them beforehand (and build up that foot hardiness)... For cycling though, I'm not as wary - I have practiced a bit without socks, and have found no problems. Though for the half IM I have coming up in November, I think I'll go socks for the bike too!

[@arthurle86]

Depend on the race distance but i definitely wear a sock for duathlon race

[@gtn]

Nice choice

[@kristavaillencourt839]

Hmmm... I more worried about hot concrete during transition from swim to bike. I have heard of people getting blisters. I will be doing my first Sprint soon and the temperature is getting close to the 100 F here.

[@stijndeklerk]

I was hoping someone would mention Lucy Charles in SA running through transition in her cycling shoes, quite the break of the mold.

[@demacherius1]

If you have a problem with the lines on your feet then why in hell would you wear this ultra long socks ? I use the ones that barley cover my ankle

[@fried7554]

In the wet, I easily get blisters in any shoe when I am not wearing socks. In OD, whatever, but I would not risk an MD with no socks in the wet.

[@Kalvi]

What about wearing socks during the three parts of the race using the gococo socks made for swimrun?

[@billyfowler9423]

This shouldn't even be up for debate, no socks is just nasty and unhygienic.

[@legsopensarah9759]

Not really, I don't share my shoes.

[@billyfowler9423]

@@legsopensarah9759 it’s still nasty and you can fungus.

[@legsopensarah9759]

@@billyfowler9423 Literally never happened to me, and I never wear socks. Even my gym trainers have caused absolutely no issues re fungus.

[@AustinIsTheGreatests]

What pair of cycling shoes do you use? Also socks all the way.

[@EvangelosMakrinos]

Socks! I put comfort above T times.

[@hydrolito]

Don't run on rough or hard surfaces in bare feet.

[@ipor7]

"For me, personally always Socks ... Once i did try no socks then feel really uncomfortable and blister. After that, waste a few secs to put my feet is better"

[@gtn]

If you are more comfortable, it is certainly worth going with socks

[@justanormalguy7120]

damn, these shoes without socks gotta be stinky

[@klqc4915]

At 6:34 Heather started to sound so ironic and it took me some time to understand she’s not😂😂

[@paulmelde919]

Olympic distance and less NO socks! It's not that hard if you practice a few times. I find it is important to make sue you feet are free of small pebbles and sand before putting on your shoes. I just run one hand around my feet quickly to make sure they are free of debris.

[@gtn]

Thanks for the tip Paul!

[@safctilidie]

I've done 4 triathlons all at sprint distance and all sockless. My feet just about cope for 3 miles without socks, but they're getting introduced for my first standard this summer. Who knows if I think it speeds me up I may consider them for all future races. Plus my bright green socks have been my trademark look for a good few years!

[@gtn]

Heather will be proud of your neon socks!

[@cooperharris13]

Apply "second skin" on your feet before the race.

[@UKbob1975]

I've tried both. One thing I do know is be careful choosing socks if your planning to a flying mount. Those Velcro straps on the tri cycling shoes stuck to my socks, which made the start of the bike leg interesting

[@gtn]

Good tip Peter, thanks for sharing

[@pyfeu]

Since I have started running and triathlon I have always ran without socks I feel way more confortable without and even get blasters with it ! The worst for me is... the smell haha That for me the only con for not wearing socks Also because I think my shoes fit perfectly my feet...

[@gtn]

Whichever you feel most comfortable in pyfeu 👍

[@kathrynhoke4830]

What brand of running shoes are you using?

[@IanLoughead]

Definitely try out running without socks before race day. Some shoes are fine to run in without socks, some will destroy your feet.

[@gtn]

Yes, it's always worth testing it out before you head to the race!

[@ThePowerPCHub]

Normally go sockless for sprints and olys so decided to go sockless racing today up a mountain & back. BIG mistake. Was fine going up by the friction on the descent has ripped my feet to pieces.

[@gtn]

Ouch! Guess you are now officially a sock person!

[@ThePowerPCHub]

Nah I'll take the bloody feet as a price for the 30 seconds I saved in T2 🤙

[@lexington476]

Are there triathlon specific running shoes?

[@boiboiboi1]

Heather, what are those laces? They look pretty neat, and will save time in T2 as well, but is it snug when it comes to fitting?

[@heatherfell_oly]

Karl, they are the laces that come on those ON shoes. I do not actually race with those though but they do seem to keep my feet snuggly in the shoe.

[@samw156]

On the bike: no socks, on the run: no socks for a sprint distance, anything longer than that, I'll wear socks

[@gtn]

Good choice Sam

[@tyreseburnerman]

I chose socks because no socks sucks

[@dbtri95]

Racing without socks ;)

[@guitarro1972]

I'm not sure about the answer yet but one question that I have is, "Why do you lace your shoes in the way that you do?"

[@heatherfell_oly]

Hi Tribrotry, those are elastic laces and came on those ON shoes. I do not race with them but find them comfortable to wear and fit my feet well.

[@MdmERM]

Socks!! I have had far too many blisters to risk my feet to save 10 seconds

[@gtn]

MdmERM Nice choice, it's certainly worth it if you feel more comfortable!

[@jackthomas7626]

Do they have a video on different ways of tying running shoes? I keep seeing different ways in their videos and out on the road.

[@heatherfell_oly]

Jack Thomas, that is a great video idea.