i recently went from carnac carbon soled to sidi t1s that aren’t. i think it might just be in my head that i’m not as efficient or that i’m losing power from leg to pedal. is it me or is carbon that much better?
Same happened to me this year, to the opposite, as I just purchased a carbon sole shoe and seem to feel better transmission of power to the pedals. Maybe it’s just an impression.
All I know is that they make a huge difference if you are using Speedplay pedals.
IMHO it probably depends on the distance you are racing. For HIM or IM distance I don’t think that anyone is putting down enough power to make a difference as far as stiffness is concerned. For shorter distances, time trials, or road racing I’d say the benefits are more substantial. The weight savings might be significant regardelss though and a valid reason to consider carbon shoes. Reducing mass in your shoes/cleats/pedals is the most important weight savings you can make since your legs need to accelerate that weight with each and every pedal stroke.