Stiff carbon soles?

hubcap

Today I tried on a pair of Northwave Extreme Tech SBS Road Shoes, they fitted me really nicely as they come in half sizes meaning I can finally find some shoes to fit me properly. My only concern is that they have a very stiff carbon sole and I'm wondering if this is going to make them uncomfortable on longer rides.

I don't race and these are expensive shoes for someone like me who is a leisure / fitness rider so don't want to splash out only to find after 2 hours riding that they're uncomfortable.

Anyone got experience of these shoes or stiff carbon soles in general? Does the increased stiffness make them unforgiving and uncomfortable?

Slack

I would have thought that the stiffer the sole, the more comfy it would be on a bike over distance, than flexy soles. The only down side of fully rigid soles, is harder to walk in, but as they're cycling then not an issue . As long as the top fits your foot, as it does in your case, then thats it.

luv2ride

I've just upgraded from some Mavic Avenirs that, although they've served me very well, I always thought were a tad on the big side for me. I went for the Mavic Pro Road shoes with full carbon soles in a half size smaller, so a better fit overall. Pretty pleased with them, and you can feel the difference especially when sprinting or climbing. BUT I have noticed I'm now getting pins and needles in my toes after a ride. Can't help feeling there's a connection...

Monty Dog

It's quite common for people to suffer discomfort from too-stiff shoes and some makers like Sidi do design a little bit of flex in the sole for this reason. A lot depends on the fit of the shoe - but if they're a little tight and with no give in the soles your feet could be tingling after a while. Riding with the straps cranked-up won't help either.

hubcap

Thanks all, so it sounds like upper fit is obviously more important and as long as that is good then I shouldn't worry too much about the stiffness of the sole?