Hi, question regarding high-end triathlon shoes versus high-end
regular road shoes. I have a pair of the one-strap triathlon shoes,
and while they work great for triathlon, I wonder if I should also
have a seperate pair of three-strap shoes for regular training
rides/road races. I am very competitive in triathlon, and don't mind
spending the extra for two pairs if there really is a difference.
After trying a few on, seems that the regular road shoes have
significantly less heel slippage than the triathlon shoes. Does this
make any performance difference, and are there other differences large
or small? Thanks!

In general, Tri-specific shoes will have a liner (so they feel comfortable
when not wearing socks) and be made for very easy entry. Typically that
means a single velcro strap, so there's less to mess with. The use of more
straps (either two or three, as found on most standard road shoes) does two
things- First, it helps with fit, since you can adjust the shoe to fit your
foot at more than one location. And second, it may give a more secure
feeling as you pull up on the pedals.

If your Tri shoes feel very comfortable when riding, and you don't notice
any "sponginess" (don't know how else to describe it) when pulling up, then
there's little to be gained from another pair of shoes. But sometimes the
standard shoes will expose the compromises made for a Tri-specific model.

--Mike--
Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReaction.com