Crocs in "Sport Mode" Are Your Answer to a Triathlon with a Long, Rough Run to T1

Triathlons sometimes involve a long and rocky road from the edge of the water to your bike in the transition area (known as T1). Rather than suffer on your bare soles, likely soft and uncalloused from modern living, there's the option of leaving some footwear at end of the swim to traverse the distance shod.

You might be tempted to use the shoes you're going to run in but you risk getting them wet and sandy for the real run leg and you will lose time getting them on and off. Enter Crocs. Yes you'll have to stop to put them on but it'll be quick and, while their not your carbon plated race shoes, you will be able to run in them when in "Sport Mode" (see the highly scientific study below). Which is really just pulling the heel strap to the back so they don't go flying off.

This idiot lost a swim sock during the swim

There is another option. Blue70 Swim Socks. They don't provide quite the same protection for the feet (not a thick rubber sole) but they do avoid stopping to put something on after the swim because you're already wearing them during the swim. Swim socks or booties are legal for most triathlons. Make sure they're tucked under the leg of your wetsuit so they don't slip off in the swim. And you should place your ankle timing chip underneath it.

Again, I would only go for Crocs if it's particularly rough or long and your run speed is really compromised. Otherwise you're just complicating your triathlon unnecessarily.