Sockless - Triathlon Week

moabrunner · 04-18-2006, 07:32 PM

Does it take some time to get the body ready for running and biking without socks. I would think that you would get some nasty blisters. Do you use body glide on your feet to prevent hot spots?

sfricks · 04-19-2006, 08:41 AM

YUP... Use BG all the time on mine. Today was longggggg run day at 19 miles. I greased up with Body Glide and didn't suffer at all.

As for shorter runs, I started with 3 milers to aclimate my feet to sans socks. Then over a few weeks picked it up to 6. I do not run over 6 miles (10k) without socks. If it rains or the terrain is wet, my feet will blister beyond that point. Over 10K I use shorty Defeet cycling socks (they're thin & light). If over half marathon (13+ miles) I lube my feet with body glide or vaseline. In Marathons and Iron Distance triathlons, I also treat known hotspots with Liquid Bandaid. This puts a skin like coating on them but it's non-sticky so it doesn't hold dirt and you can't feel it in your shoe.

As for shoe type, I run Saucony Omni Grid 4's. They're a very comfortable shoe to run without socks in. Use speed laces to quicken your transition (T2).

OK... Cycling shoes... I ride Sidi T1s and Diadoras. I do not wear socks in rides or races under 60 miles. Over that, I treat my feet just as I mentioned in the run. HTH!