Tri Running Shoes

Triathlon shoes are similar to but also different from road shoes. During a triathlon, the athlete needs to be able to change shoes quickly as she needs road shoes, cycling shoes and to be barefoot for swimming. Womens triathlon running shoes are therefore designed for ease of loosening or fastening, often with Velcro strips or easy-fastening laces that can be pulled tight with one hand. The shoes also have a loop to ease quick removal.

These shoes need to be light weight but strong; the best ladies triathlon trainers have a carbon fibre soul which is tough but light. Hard nylon souls are also suitable but are heavier. The best triathlon shoes must be very comfortable and not chafe, as they are worn without socks. They also need to have excellent ventilation in order to keep the feet dry and cool and be able to adapt to hot and swelling feet after a long run. Some shoes even feature a silicone based rear and front silicone gel cushioning system for extra comfort.

Some of the most popular brands of ladies' triathlon shoes include the makes Zoot, Sidi and Shimano. They have many different designs and colours and also supply men's triathlon shoes; in some cases they also have after race recovery shoes. Although Louis Garneau and Pearl Izumi manufacture mostly cycling shoes, they do supply triathlon shoes as well.

Other makes include well-known names in casual trainers, namely Asics, Nike, Puma and Adidas. Their specialised triathlon shoes compare favourably with the best. Other names supplying triathlon shoes in the women's market are Scott, Shimano, Lake, K-swiss, Avia, Inov-8, Saucony and Brooks.