Carbon sole – worth it?

I’m looking at new road shoes and for an extra £70-90 ish, I can get ones with carbon soles. Are they worth the extra cost? I’m looking at two different ones which are 10 and 11 on the stiffness index – am I likely to notice much difference between the two – I’ve never had carbon soles before so not sure…

My current road shoes are pretty stiff and very comfy but having been used for 6/7 days a week for 5 years, they are beginning to age so I’d like a bling pair for road racing and summer use only.

I bought some £60 shimano road shoes, loved them, they were well stiff and comfy. The Madison rep then gifted me a pair of their top end carbon soled ones (their first IIRC), twice the price.

They didn’t feel any different to me but they were a bit lighter…things may have moved on tho.

I’m looking at two different ones which are 10 and 11 on the stiffness index

You’re looking at Spesh shoes then?

I’d rather have a ratchet than a carbon sole with velcro straps. I use carbon soled (S-Works) summer shoes and nylon soled winter ones, the biggest difference is the thickness rather than the stiffness. Not sure I’d pay an additional £90 for carbon, that sounds like a doubling of the budget!

Do you have small feet? Bargain.

i got a deal on mavic fury mountain shoes super stiff carbon sole very light weight,fantastic shoe for when i ride on the road and very comfy just bright yellow.

Yup, all my shoes are Spesh, get on well with them on and off road so probably sticking to them, although i’ll try on a few other pairs from Velo Ecosse to see how they fit.

Although i’ve just noticed the shoes i’d really like are US only 😡

Edit: njee20, yes i have small feet but the 39s in your link are too big for me.

Ive got a pair of Giros which i’ve had for about 6 months. I was unsure at the time of blowing £130 as apposed to about £60. Nice Easton sole and they definatley feel stiffer than the old Shimanos they replaced.

CRC now have the Giros on clearance:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=60047

The road shoes look ok.

I’ve got a couple of MTB shoes, both made by Spesh, one with plastic, one with carbon.
Both body geometry Sport models, so basically the only difference is the sole. Only real difference I can tell is the weight of the carbon ones being a lot less.

Apologies to the OP. I didnt see your username!

Here you go…..

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=60048

rumbledethumps, thanks for the link. Bargain tastic £68 for carbon soles. Result! Just hope I like the Giro’s…

You’ll love them. They’re ace.