Carnac quality, rock-solid construction, super-stiff sole.
New-style sole does not require adaptor plate for most pedals. Get the right size, they fit like a glove. Last for YEARS.

'Different' Carnac sizing, go 1/2 size smaller than other brands you should be OK.
Also, these 'sport' model shoes have silkscreened rather than embossed graphics, if that's a big deal. That's the trade-off for a cheaper shoe, just wax them properly they'll be fine.

I've had really good experience with Carnac shoes, despite the very high price. Never bought their absolute top-of-the-line, I got a pair of size 43.5 Carnac Altitudes
back in 1992. (these unfortunately in grey with purple trim)
which I discovered were just a bit too big on one of my feet. So a few months later I got a pair size 43, same model same color which fit perfectly. So for the next 8 years, I had a summer pair for thin socks and a cold weather pair for thick socks! Believe me these things last, and this model (like the recently discontinued Comete) was their THIRD from the top of the line. I just had to live with the fact that my shoes were purple, for many, many years. The color schemes have improved somewhat. Somebody at the Carnac factory must have been listening to too many Prince records in the early 90's!

So, I'd been looking for a new pair, and with a closeout I got a pair of Comete's for about half-price before the shipping and taxes are figured in. I'm not a pro rider and with other priorities in my life, I can't imagine training at the volume I did ten years ago! So, the 'sport' rather than 'pro' model shoe seems like a good choice and means I can afford some other stuff too... don't talk to me about tubulars!! (Or clothes, chains, drivetrains, etc, etc.)

First put 'em on yesterday morning, they fit like my foot has become part of a shoe-machine. Perfect. I expect these should last a few years.

The construction seems reassuringly solid. The 'economies' Carnac have made here are cosmetic for the most part, for instance you're not paying for exotic kangaroo leather like with the Ellipse model.The graphics are screenprinted rather than embosed, and the straps are some sort of non-stretch composite, but don't have that 'woven carbon' look. Well there's three of them so they should be plenty secure.

The other difference is, the sole is a new MPS rather than UCS design which means you don't need to buy an extra adaptor plate, for most pedals. I use Looks, no problems there. In fact since I'm on a budget and was shopping for a heavily discounted price this is a bonus. (in fact, with my old Carnacs, one of the annoying things about the UCS sole was, that you had to get extra-long bolts to secure the Look cleat to the Look adaptor plate) If you ride Speedplays, or Time pedals, you need an adaptor for the MPS sole though. The new sole design, like the UCS, is also a one-piece carbon composite, so you still get a plenty light, rigid shoe.

Bottom line, if I was rolling in dough and had to choose between the retail prices, $239 Ellipse and the $175 Comete, I might well go for the Ellipse, but a bit of careful off-season closeout shopping got me a real bargain, 65.25 UK Pounds minus 17.5% duty-free export discount, I guess that's about US $84.00, can't argue with that. Kind of like buying the last-years color Look pedals which was always a good deal. After all, just maintaining the bikes costs a lot every year, so you can't justify paying top dollar for just a few top quality items, when you've got drivetrains, tires, clothes, and every other expense in this expensive sport to contend with.

Just remember that the sizing on these things runs about 1/2 size larger than with the Sidi or Shimano shoes I've worn, so buy a 1/2 size smaller than what you would wear with the other shoes.

Similar Products Used:

Other Carnac (Altitude) Sidi and Shimano Shoes

Excellent Fit and priced right for Carnacs.
Also a good looking shoe that will last for years

None so far.

These are one of the best cycling shoes you can buy for the money. I was lucky enough to purchase them on sale. I also own a pair of Carnac Ellipses. The Ellipses are made better and fell a little more comfortable, but they are rediculously priced.
I have only put about 300 miles so far this year on the Ellipse and they are just breaking in, but they are very comfortable. There has been no foot pain what-so-ever during the break in period and I have been taking them out in 20 degree weather (Jan/Feb in NJ, USA).
Very unlike the experience I had with the Diadora Cosmos. In cycling, more than anything else, you get what you pay for. The Diadora Cosmos are pure unadulterated garbage.

Similar Products Used:

Carnac Ellipse, Northwave, Diadora Cosmos