I have always used high end bike shoes with carbon soles so I know the sole is solid but it seems like over time the top of the shoe breaks down allowing the foot to move along the long axis. Unlike running shoes which wear out pretty quick and are EZ to judge, the bike shoe seems to go very gradually so it is difficult to gauge at what point they need to be replaced (expensive). Right now I have a pair of Vittoria Carbone road shoes that I train in that have about 500 hrs. on them and I am thinking they are broken down. Does anyone have a rule of thumb for life expectancy or criteria for objective analysis?
You know personal observation/preference usually is what dictates the replacement of shoes. Right now your perception is that the uppers are worn and allowing too much movement - regardless of whether this is the case or not, I think you will be hard pressed to change the perception based on others observations. Now for a more analytical answer - I log around 9,000-10,000 miles per year and in the last 5-years I have purchased 4-sets of what many would term high end ($180+) carbon soled shoes for myself (3-sets for my wife who averages only 5,000-6,000 miles per year).
The first replacement was nearly 4-years ago and was prompted by a high speed crash during a road race that toasted the micro-buckles/uppers on a pair of 7-month old Diadora Veloce’s. The pair of Veloce’s that replaced the thrashed set lasted 13,000 miles over a 14-month period and were only replaced (still use them for spinning) when I observed that I had to ratchet the micro-buckles 5-6 notches tighter than when I first purchased them. These were replaced by Shimano R-214’s at the beginning of 2003 that were too wide and never seemed to fit right which required me to use both Diadora and the Shimano insoles together to get a good fit.
In February, the Shimano’s were going strong with about 12,000 miles on them but my wife was having problems due to the width and design of the last with hers, so we replaced them with Specialized ‘04 Pro Carbons in February. I like these shoes quite a bit, but after 3,000 miles I can not help be feel that once again my shoes are not the right size (too much room in toe box) so I ordered a set of 04’ DMT Ultimax RSX Carbons (they are on closeout for $219 DMTShoes.com) since I have had relatively good luck with Italian shoes in the past (Diadora).
Michael
I too had this question when I noticed my Carnac’s were wearing out. I decided to dump them when I began to “feel” the pedals on my bike. Basically the support isn’t there anymore. I race mostly tris and have a pair of Shimano TR1 and use the Carnac Quartz on my road bike. Compared to the TR1, the Carnacs feel like running shoes.
The carnacs are about 3yrs old with about 10k+ miles, so I guess they are about time to retire.
In a nutshell; if they feel like shit, then it is shit.