Without knowing who you are as a rider, it's difficult. But on AliX, if you see something for 40 dollars, assume there's about 10 in shipping, and the 30 you're paying, you'd be paying 20 on alibaba. So there's probably 15 bucks, if not less, in "product".
If you dont totally suck, i'd consider stiff soles, ideally carbon, because it does feel much better (i bought winter alix shoes for 40 and they are noodles. for winter, i dont care too much, but i wouldnt use these for my "most of the year" riding.
Both my carbon soled pairs, i bought second hand, because i'm the kind of guy who buys second hand shoes from strangers on the internet. Both high end full carbon Gaerne shoes, they're awesome. Retail is 300+ on them. I paid 50-70 from memory.
Sometimes, ghetto is a badge of honour
