Road Cycling - Carnac Matrix vs. Sidi Genius 4

I'm in the search for a new shoe. My current shoes are mid-level Shimanos and I get some severe hot spots after about 2 hours. I've been increasing my miles and hours cycling this spring and summer to the point that I'm doing 5 to 6 hour rides pretty regularly (2 times per week). They are getting almost unbearable with the foot pain. I have to stop after 4 hours and massage my feet just to get home. And then, sometimes I have to keep stopping every hour or so after that. I have tried many different things to help but I think it's just the shoes that are causing it.

I use Look cleats. I've heard that both Carnac and Sidi are really great shoes and help get rid of hot spots and they are both very stiff shoes.

Anyone have a preference as to which they would buy. Price really isn't an issue for me.

Thanks.

I prefer the Carnacs. But thats becasue their shape suits my foot better than the Sidi's. Try both and choose.

I have Sidi Genius and they are great.
I also was using a mid level Shimano shoe and the
difference is worth the money. No hotspots, much
cooler shoe (as in temperature not hip factor, but they
do have that too!) due to the mesh and lorica.
I have a slightly wide foot (d to e width) and find
I don't need the Mega version the shoe stretches nicely.

Marty

well, sidi tends to be a smaller, lighter shoe that fits like a glove with a thin insole. carnacs are bulkier and heavier with an awesome insole. i prefer sidis, and if you don't like the stock insole you can always buy a new one. but you really have to try both on side by side...

My feeling is Sidi are relatively narrow in the heel, but quite roomy in the toes. This comes from the fact that they fit me well and i have feet shaped like that (wide, square toes - narrowish heel). I wear Genius 4 on the road and Rampa off road and find they fit well. I actually find the Shimanos I've got seem a slightly narrower fit overall (my opinion only).

Best bet is always to try first. I find, however, that on the road I like a good, close fit as this affords the best performance and long term comfort (less rubbing due to movement in the shoe).

On the "hot spots" I've found in extensive experience with walking boots that people who don't have good, close fitting boots tend to have more rubbing & blisters than those who do, even though the first impression is of more comfort. I have so far successfully applied the same logic to my road shoes.

Thanks all.

I have pretty average sized feet, width-wise. I have decided to go with the Sidi's. If I still have the same problems on long rides, I'll take them back for the Carnacs.