Hi,
Does anyone know the weight difference between the Sidi Genius 4/5 Carbon sole vs. Millenium sole? Is it worth spending the extra $50 for carbon? Any opinons?
Thanks.
This is an intelligent question, and one I asked myself and out excellent outside sales rep for Veltec, Kelly O’Brien.
I don’t know the weight difference but I am told by Veltec that the primary advantage or selling point to going up to the carbon sole is sole stiffness.
Now, I only partially buy that reasoning, here’s why: The Sidi carbon sole is only partially carbon, i.e., there is a carbon plug in it around the cleat area while the outer circumference area is injection molded plastic. They say this is to provide variable stiffness over the entire surface area of the sole of the shoe: Very stiff where the cleat is under foot, and more flexible in the outlying areas of the sole away from the cleat.
I compare that with Shimano’s all carbon sole- entirely cast carbon fiber, or molded carbon fiber, whichever- I don’t know.
Given the admittedly fuzzy difference between these shoes I would rely on fit predominantly for deciding. I guess if the carbon and non-carbon versions of the Genius fit you correctly, then it is your call as to how much the $50 means to you. Me, I would either keep the $50 or look at Rocket 7 shoes also. They have some very nice stock models with carbon soles at a price comparable to Sidi’s with carbon soles.
I haven;t tried the Rocket 7 shoes, but will likely do so at some point in the future. SuperDave on this forum uses them and is an outspoken advocate: He does not sell them or rep for Rocket 7.