Discussion: Carbon Fiber Soled MTB Shoes

I've always been hesitant to use a carbon fiber MTB shoe because on ARs we often end up hiking so much etc., and I figured it would destroy them. Instead I buy polymer soled shoes, but lately the bottoms have been separating on me (because I've got ridiculous power no doubt.)

Just wondering if anyone used carbon fiber soled mtb shoes for AR, and if they have any luck with them.

Yes. Worked fine for me.

the CF should be strong and durable enough for hiking in. often, the CF that is visible is more for cosmetics anyways. Personally though, i prefer a rubber soled shoe for AR to provide more grip and traction on the hike, I dont like being on wet rocks and roots with hard plastic soles.

Cool. Thanks guys. Kind of wishing I had some Christmas money left now!

Not to hijack the thread, but I have 2 pairs of these and they are amazing for AR:
The X-Alp sole isn't bad for trekking if you have to, (even a bit of running) and the shoes are decent for biking.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PROD...

I've been using these bad boys for two seasons now.

They are good for AR, not as stiff as you'd like on the pedal, but good for the time on your feet. These are the ones where the sole keeps separating on me though. I got a new pair on warranty and they are doing the same thing. Hence I'm looking into the carbon sole.

Those ones look interesting 'Bent... kind of bulky maybe? Are they a narrow fit as one review described?

If you don't get off your bike, then CF bike shoes are the way to go! Train harder :-)

Seriously though, I know of racers who have gone back to wearing their AR shoes and cages on their pedals. I wear CF souled shoes from Specialized and love them even if I end up hiking or bike whacking.

i second the PI X-alps, i bought a pair for AR..i dont ride them for my normal mountainbiking, the soles are a bit soft, but they make the bikewhacking sections much more bearable and safe because of the better grip

I third the X-Alps for AR biking (but not for regular biking). I have also used them for short trekking/running/bushwhacking sections rather than changing shoes.

In winter or in races with lots of transitions, I have sometimes biked in my regular Salomon shoes with Powergrip pedals - better than regular cages.
http://powergrips.mrpbike.com/

I don't like seeing my shin bones, I prefer using clipless in any type of riding!

I got my X-Alp shoes 1/2 size larger, and they fit well. I had the lace-up ones first I got for a good deal, but went to the buckle version. Best AR bike shoes ever!

O9Man, we all prefer using clipless but you'd be surprised at how well the Powergrip pedals work. Just like clipless, you have to turn your feet to get out. They feel very different from cages.

BTW, when I talked about a race with lots of transitions, I was referring to a multisport relay race where I had to do 8 transitions in an hour-long lap - then do it again every second hour for 10 hours. I would have changed my shoes 4 times/hour if I'd used clipless.

I remember that race :-)

Runners and cages for me in that one. Maybe that's why Hillflyer beat me? :-)

I have raced in carbon soled S Works shoes for as long as they have been around. THAT SAID, check out the carbon-soled Mavic top of the line shoes that are out with the SALOMON "conttagrip" sole glued onto the carbon. Best option for AR if they fit your feet. The S Works are the lightest shoe available other than maybe a custom Bont, but their soles will be shredded after a few 24hr races (trust me).

I have used the Specialized Tahoe for 5 AR seasons and have been happy with it. Very good when you are on foot (traction, comfort and flexibility) and they are inexpensive. I compared them to the X-Alp and they have nearly identical qualities. The good trekking qualities hurt it as a pure riding shoe because it is not as stiff as shoes designed only for riding. I eventually got a pair of carbon soled mtb shoes and choose the shoe based on how much time I expect to be on foot during the bike.