Shoes - tri vs. road?

[Nokomis]

I'm shoe shopping... previous purchases have been mtb shoes for the wider toe box, but I'd like to get a road shoe (will be trying different cleats soon, need something that will allow more than my current spd)

Looking thru a Performance catalog, a tri shoe looks very similar to a road shoe. Any reason Not to get a tri shoe? I'm going to put many miles on my bike this year, hope to do my first century too. My shoes are 41, and in every day shoes I'll range from a 9-10, if that matters.

preThanks for your help & advice!

[Running Mommy]

The only differences in a tri shoe and a road shoe are usually the closure system. Tri shoes are made to be put on quickly. They can also have holes, or mesh areas for water to drain.. My sidi T1's have big open areas which are nice in hot weather, but stink when it's cold out. Also they are very easy to get on and off.

[Grog]

I think usually tri shoes have just one closure instead of 2-3. So you have less possibilities for adjustment, but on a short ride (normal tris are either 20 or 40 km on the bike) it doesn't really become an issue.

They may also be more appropriate to ride barefoot in (as Running Mommy pointed out).

If you don't intend on doing tris and think about riding long distances, I'd suggest getting normal road shoes. They usually have more micro-adjustments that you will find helpful on the long run.