Buyer’s Guide: Running Shoes

Transition Friendly Shoes

What do we all want in a transition-specific shoe? Something we can get on quickly. A comfortable shoe that lends itself to passing on socks.A supportive shoe that provides a fair amount of cushioning to help our cycling-fatigued legs get through the final leg of the race. There are lots of shoes that fit all those criteria – here are a few of our choices for 2012:

::GEARBOX

Adidas
72030
adiZero Adios 2 $160

These super-light shoes might be the choice of some of the world’s fastest 10 km runners, but that doesn’t mean triathletes can’t enjoy all the speedy benefits, too. Added cushioning in the forefoot makes this a great choice for mid- to fore-foot landers, while the extended torsion system provides a surprising amount of support.

::GEARBOX

Asics
72032
Gel-Noosa Tri 7 $180

A mainstay in transition area for years, Asics has somehow managed to improve on a near-perfect triathlon shoe. With many of the cushioning and performance features we’re used to seeing in heavier training shoes, the Gel-Noosa remains extremely lightweight while providing lots of breathability and a stable ride.

::GEARBOX

Ecco
72118
Men’s Biom A Textile 2.2 $220

The lightweight Biom A has a low-profile sole for a natural running feel, making this a great choice for shorter, quicker triathlon runs and training. The textile upper is extremely comfortable and breathable, and there’s lots of cushioning and support in the direct injected PU midsole.

::GEARBOX

K-Swiss
72112
Kwicky QT2 $160

There’s a surprising amount of support in this super-comfortable and lightweight training and racing shoe. The seamless mesh upper fits like a glove and is extremely easy to slip on, which help you fly through T2. The ion-mask hydro-phobic material really does keep the Kwicky shoes clean and dry, too, so you don’t have to worry about spilling any drinks on your feet during the race.

::GEARBOX

Merrell
72111
Barefoot Road Glove $130

Merrell has some road-friendly barefoot shoes for triathletes to leave in T2 this season. The men’s Road Glove is a zero-drop shoe with lots of flexibility and motion throught the foot and ankle. Weghing just 6.6 oz. it’ll feel, well, like you’re running barefoot. The women’s Barefoot Dash Run Glove (5.8 oz.) also gives you that barefoot feeling, along with a forefoot plate and Vibram Barefoot sole.

::GEARBOX

New Balance
72031
1400 $140

We don’t know how they managed to combine all the support and cushioning into such a light show, but we’re hardly complaining. The REVlite midsole and seamless upper makes this a fantastic choice for triathlon training and racing. Throw in some elastic laces or lace locks and you’ll be ready to rip through the run course of virtually any triathlon.

::GEARBOX

Nike
72034
Zoom Streak 3 $140

Who says speedy shoes need to be the exclusive domain of marathon runners? The Zoom Streak 3 offers lots of breathability thanks to the open mesh panels in the upper. There’s lots of lightweight protection and support, too, making it a speedy option for virtually any race distance from 5 km to a marathon.

::GEARBOX

Pearl Izumi
72053
isoTransition $155

Using input from two-time Ironman world champion Tim DeBoom, the isoTransition uses a quick-pull lacing system and self-draining midsole design to help you speed through any triathlon run. The seamless upper lends itself to barefoot running and there’s a surprising amount of support in this lightweight shoe.

::GEARBOX

Saucony
72029
Kinvara 2 $130

This super-light minimalist trainer is a natural pick for triathlon training and racing. The super-light and flexible midsole uses durable foam for cushioning, but remains super-low so you’ll have a close-to-the-road feel. The breathable upper provides a sock-like feel, but remains supportive enough for virtually any road condtions.

::GEARBOX

Zoot
72033
Ultra Kalani 2.0 $160

One of our favourite long distance racing and training shoes, the Ultra Kalani 2.0 fits like a glove and slides on in a flash once you hit transition. The seam-free Ultra-Fit upper should keep you blister-free and there’s just the right amount of support to keep you going for miles and miles.