Shoes

Shimano S-Phyre RC9 shoes

Brand new top-level racing slippers from Shimano

Japanese giants Shimano have been busy of late, but it wasn’t just their flagship Dura-Ace groupset which got a makeover for 2017, Shimano also have a new top-end shoe, the S-Phyre RC9.

Tested throughout the 2016 season by the likes of Team Giant-Alpecin and LottoNL-Jumbo in the UCI WorldTour peloton, the S-Phyre RC9s are a big departure from Shimano’s former flagship R321.

For a start, Shimano have adopted Boa dials for the first time – and liked them so much, presumably, they stuck two on the RC9s. The sole has also been redesigned, with a carbon heel cup of the same ilk as Specialized’s S-Works shoes.

Whereas the R-321 utilised a heat-mouldable custom fit, Shimano have done away with that when it comes to the RC9 too – a by-product of the precise, micro-adjustable fit the Boa dials allow, apparently.

As you would expect for a top-end road cycling shoe, you also get a lightweight, supple, one-piece synthetic upper, which is dimpled and perforated with a mesh panel for breathability. The sole is full carbon, naturally.

RCUK 100 2017 - Shimano S-Phyre RC9 shoes

Shimano S-Phyre RC9

Also in keeping with top-end trends, there is no tongue – the shoe instead fitting with a wrap-around effect, which is not only comfortable but adds a level of surety to your pedal stroke.

They also look superb, in our opinion anyway, with eye-catching metallic blue, white, fluoro yellow and limited-edition black models all available. There’s more to a shoe than looks, of course, but if you’re going to splash out £319.99 on a new pair of premium disco slippers then you want to look the part.

And if you just can’t look beyond that price tag, you’re not completely out of options – Shimano have also added a new mid-range shoe, the RC7, at half the price. Featuring one Boa dial and a Velcro strap, as well as a carbon composite sole, it’s an everyman version which offers plenty of bang for your buck.