Whether it's short, mid or long distance, the running course at the end of the race demands full commitment from a triathlete. There's just no room for experimentation in your choice of running shoe. It should be, above all, light, comfortable and quick to get on. Designated tri models from running shoe manufacturers often already come with a quick-release lace as standard. As a retrofit option, however, this is possible with all lace-up running shoes. If you want to get by sock-free for sprint distances in competition, tri shoes often have a sock-like inner lining that reduces friction. It's best to choose a lightweight model (for asphalt and firm ground) that suits your running style.