Specialized & Shimano shoes really seem to be a cut above. I like LG clothing and helmets. But I think those are the two things they do best. I haven’t heard bad things about the shoe, but certainly they are lower on the totem pole than either the Specialized or the Shimano. The Nike T-Speed is another very popular shoe with a great carbon sole and well made upper. The DMT shoe is also very nice.
I notice the difference with a carbon sole. I wouldn’t buy a shoe without one. Shoes are one area where I think it makes no sense to try to save money. Shoes and saddles. Always buy the best of those two things, that’s my feeling.