Carbon fiber vs. fiberglass/plastic shoe sole

[Grog]

I've had Specialized shoes with Carbon Fiber soles. I now have Sidis (with nylon soles, I hear) and I don't see a noticeable difference. I haven't taken them on 20+km climbs though, but even at the end of long rides (over 100 km with hard hills) they're doing well.

[Aggie_Ama]

I have Sidis non-carbon soles but I use Aline Insoles in my shoes. These insoles are stiff and really helped me with foot pain. They work to correct alignment issues which I had due to really high arches.

[Bike Goddess]

I use Superfeet insoles. They have a website which will help you determine which one to use. I also use Superfeet in my hiking shoes.

Got them at REI about 4 yrs ago and it solved most of my foot issues.

[aicabsolut]

You might want to check with a podiatrist about what kind of sole you need. I know this is different than arthritis, but a friend of mine has been having some nerve problems in one of her feet. They removed the nerve, but she's still having a lot of pain months later. Her doctor said she needs to give up her carbon soles, because they are too stiff and aggravating her problems. She's also getting custom orthotics.

So, for efficient power transfer, stability, and comfort the lightest, stiffest shoe is best. For specific medical problems, though, it could depend. A stiff sole may support your painful joints better, but you may just need the right insert.

[NYer in MTL]

Thanks for all the info! I think I'm going to go with the Pearl Izumi Vagabonds, they were the most comfortable that I tried (and conveniently the least expensive). I went to the podiatrist a few weeks ago, and he didnt say specifically whether carbon was preferable over nylon or not, but rather that I just need cycling specific shoes that have (relatively) firm soles. I am also getting custom orthotics from him, but he said they wont fit in cycling shoes. I will look into the other insole options for sure, and I'll see how my feet feel once I start riding with the right shoes.

[aicabsolut]

See if you can get one made by some physician / physical therapist for your cycling shoes, too. That's what my friend is doing. I've been doing OK with the Specialized BG insoles (highest arch one), because my orthotics don't fit in cycling shoes either, but I don't have foot issues that cause major problems on the bike--just having the right shoes and cleat placement helps a lot. My issues manifest themselves more when running and walking (mostly running).

[Jallora]

My LBS has a board for checking your arches, and they have special isoles for biking shoes. The soles come with various shims that allow you to adjust the fit of your shoes to you. A complete bike fit ($100 at me LBS) includes looking at how your shoes fit and helping you adjust your inserts and shims as needed to make sure that you are fitted properly.

Whatever you decide on, I can't recommend tri shoes enough. I love being able to ride my shoes without socks if I'm just doing a short evening ride or after I've been caught in a downpour and had my socks soaked through.