Choosing the Right Trainers for a Triathlon

Finding the best triathlon running shoes can be difficult as even avid runners struggle to find a pair that ticks all the boxes and keep up with the demands of a 5km race as the third leg of an intensive competition.

Fit
One of the most important and overlooked considerations is the fit. You should feel comfortable, enjoy a snug feel in both the heel and midfoot, and have enough room to wiggle your toes. For a quick check, see if you can fit half to a full thumb’s width of space next to the ball of your foot and around your toes. It’s a good idea to pop to your nearest Decathlon store to try them on in person, take a walk and even go for a short jog to get a feel for it and makes it easy to try a few different sizes and compare comfort and fit.

You might even want to try a gait analysis, which will help you determine your foot type as well as any biomechanical issues you need to account for when shopping for footwear to find the perfect fit.

Terrain
Think about the terrain you’ll be running on, as this will directly impact the kind of footwear you’ll need to consider. If you are running mostly off-road, opt for footwear that features a prominent sole to benefit from better traction. Alternatively, on-road runs are best done in smoother soles.

Support
No matter the terrain, you’ll want trainers that offer excellent support for better stability, as you’ll rely on these more than usual due to the combined fatigue involved. The 5k run will be the final segment of the triathlon, which means you’ll already feel a level of exhaustion after completing your swim and cycling, and any extra stability can make a huge difference. This, along with good arch support along with a stable heel, will prevent overpronation and supination and minimise the risk of injury.

To discover the most suitable and swiftest running shoes, let's begin by exploring the various types of footwear at your disposal.

Regular trainers, commonly worn in everyday life, represent the most prevalent choice for novice triathletes. They are an affordable, reasonably reliable option available in various price ranges, brands, and featuring diverse footwear technologies. As such, they are generally the most accessible option for new triathletes. Regular trainers fulfill the fundamental requirements, typically providing a comfortable experience for shorter, less strenuous runs, and offering some degree of comfort and support.

However, it's important to keep in mind that triathlons typically involve experienced runners, and regular trainers may only meet the minimum requirements for coping with the intense nature of these activities. This is especially true if you use them as your primary pair of shoes within a rotation. Additionally, you are more likely to experience injuries or discomfort because regular trainers may not absorb impact as effectively as specialised running footwear.

Long-distance running shoes could be the ideal choice if your primary goal is completing the race rather than competing for a top spot on the podium. These shoes offer exceptional durability, stability, and maintain a lightweight design throughout.

A 5k race is relatively long, especially if you plan to push your pace throughout. Long-distance running shoes typically provide excellent cushioning, acting as a reliable buffer between your feet and the pavement, and they offer the right balance of firmness to facilitate a powerful push-off. These shoes are designed to withstand significant mileage and are available in various foam blends for added versatility.

Flat shoes are ideal for running on roads or tracks, designed to accommodate multi-directional movements, including braking and changing directions—both of which are typically required in the running segment of a triathlon.

Flats are known for their lightweight construction and speed-enhancing features, maximising your energy return and potentially helping you shave off valuable seconds from your time. They are particularly well-suited for interval running at moderate to fast paces.

If you're seeking a triathlon-specific version of flats, consider the carbon-plated variety. These flats are often regarded as some of the best running and racing shoes, perfect for individuals aiming to achieve personal bests. However, they tend to prioritise performance over durability and should be reserved for competition purposes as they wear out faster than other footwear options.

Carbon-plated flats usually come with a higher price tag, reflecting their advanced technology designed to improve split times and overall performance.

Find the Decathlon-approved fit to find the fastest running shoes in our range.

You won't be the first if you’re looking for triathlon running shoes with no laces. It’s a right of passage for runners to struggle with inefficient laces that don’t seem to stay in place no matter how intricate the knots.

Triathlon running shoes are designed with the inconvenience in mind and usually feature fabric laces that stick, but it’s always a good idea to check out the pros of laces running shoes. Here are a few reasons you might consider going laceless:

• Low-risk: You’ll be less likely to take a tumble, save yourself from obsessively checking your footwear while on the run, and keep your eyes on the road.
• Time-saving: You’ll save precious time in your run by skipping over the stop and start when retying your laces.
• Convenient: Easy to put on and take off and transport.
• Boost performance: Many lace-less shoes tend to be lightweight, comfortable and versatile and minimise the need for maintenance.

When it comes to choosing the best running shoes, several factors must be considered. These include terrain, distance, and your specific goals in the triathlon. If you aim to compete at a high level, carbon-plated flats are a great choice. For a lighter, more durable option that keeps you agile, long-run shoes are a good alternative. It's advisable to visit a store in person to try out different options and find the perfect fit for your needs.