Cycling shoes and triathlon shoes are designed to attach to the bike pedals and transfer power and energy from your legs to the bike. Triathlon shoes have unique features that meet the requirements of the triathlete, such as the ability to quickly remove the shoes during the transitions. Cycling shoes, on the other hand, have features that make them more useful for general riding and are not designed for quick removal.
Shoe Entry
Quick transitions from the swim to the bike and from the bike to the run in a triathlon are essential for finishing the race in the fastest time possible. As a result, triathlon shoes are designed without a tongue and with a wide opening so you can quickly and easily put the shoes on after the swim and remove the shoes before the run. Most triathletes will attach the shoes to the pedals of their bikes and put the shoes after they mount their bike at the beginning of their ride. General cycling shoes are designed to be put on before you mount your bike.
Straps
There are several different systems for straps and lacing on cycling and triathlon shoes. Common lacing or strapping systems on triathlon shoes include an easy-to-use single Velcro strap or hook-and-loop strap closure across the top of the shoe. Cycling shoes have more options for straps because fast removal is not required. Straps, shoe laces, ratchets or a combination of the two or more are commonly used on cycling shoes.
Seamless Technology
Triathletes typically wear the shoes without socks. As a result, shoe manufacturers have produced shoes with seamless interiors that prevent rubbing, chafing and blistering. Seamless technology is also used in some cycling shoes, but it is not as important because cyclists commonly wear socks.
Heel Loops
Heel loops are an important feature of triathlon shoes. The heel loops are designed to assist the triathlete in pulling the shoe on quickly. Cycling shoes, however, typically do not include heel loops.
Materials
Triathlon shoes are made from a mixture of nylon mesh, microfibers and synthetic materials with moisture-wicking capabilities. Because the bike leg of a triathlon typically comes after the swim, triathletes are usually putting wet feet into their shoes. To improve comfort with wet feet, triathlon shoes are built for maximum ventilation and feature a mesh upper for comfort with bare feet. Cycling shoes are also made from lightweight materials and include vents to cool the feet from sweating during long rides, but they tend to be harder and more sturdy.
Price
Two models of triathlon shoes from Pearl Izumi--Tri Fly III Carbon and Tri Fly III--are priced from $125 to $180. Cycling shoes have a wider price rang--from $80 to $300 based on materials and construction.
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