SHIMANO RC3 (RC300) SPD-SL Shoes

Product Information

Design improvements in the areas of comfort and power transfer have kept this stiff and comfortable shoe near the top of the podium

Although Fizik's updated unidirectional carbon sole is at the top of their stiffness range, it is not quite as stiff as some of the models offered by Sidi or Specialized. If you're not looking for the stiffest, this shoe more than makes up for it with its form, fit, and comfort. While beautiful when closed, the redesigned upper can sometimes get caught when fastening the shoe, which is an unexpected annoyance. Nevertheless, paying attention when putting the shoe on is a minor issue and can be easily avoided. We believe that serious road cyclists who prioritize comfort during long rides with occasional high-intensity efforts and climbs will find these premium road bike shoes highly enjoyable. The heel is noticeably more contoured than most shoes at this price point, resulting in fantastic foot hold (Image credit: Colin Levitch) By contrast, Shimano’s top-end S-Phyre RC9 measures 12 on the stiffness scale. If you’re producing an all-in effort, you will get the RC3’s soles to flex, but I think this level of stiffness is about right for most day-to-day and fitness riding. Using the shoes in the UK during the summer, where temperatures were between 20˚C and 25˚C, the venting in the sole and upper prevented my feet from overheating.Cycling shoes can also vary wildly in fit (we’ve got a guide to wide cycling shoes) and intended use. It would be easy to throw lots of money at the problem and end up with a set of shoes that don’t suit your unique foot shape or riding style. There are a few tradeoffs for these qualities, though. You probably won't find a better road bike shoe when it comes to customized fit or adjustability. You can adjust so many different parts of the Wire 2, but it's not quite as easy to adjust them while you're riding - ahead of or after a sprint point or climb, for example. It might seem minor, but compared to a two-way BOA dial, the Sidi closures just don't beat the ease. They are a lot cleaner and low-profile, though. It's also worth pointing out that the shoe's sturdiness comes with a little extra weight. It's actually one of the heavier shoes we tested, but we think they're well worth the few added ounces. Shimano DYNALAST Wide models are not just standard shoes that have been stretched horizontally. Instead, wide sizes feature a larger circumference (about 9 to 10 mm compared to standard sizing) around the ball of the foot. This extra room accommodates more foot girth, especially around the metatarsal pad. Rather than just adding extra width in a two-dimensional way, Shimano’s wide sizing provides more space all around the ball of the foot for more comfort and control.

Cycling shoes and clipless pedals are the biggest upgrade you can make when you’re new to road cycling.Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. Shimano’s Volume Tour Last is perfect for riders who need even more volume to balance comfort and performance on the bike. Built upon the DYNALAST platform, the Volume Last offers more space in the toe, ball of the foot, and heel while still comfortably cradling the foot when pedaling or walking.

The insole is fairly basic, as you’d expect at this price, but support at the arch from the shape of the sole and upper is actually pretty good. This is definitely an entry-level shoe, and it's priced to that. Folks who like snug fits will have a better time. If you need more room to roam, you might look around. Conclusion The upper itself is made from synthetic leather and is almost entirely seamless. Perforations across the toe box provide a bit of airflow, as does a sizable vent in the sole, which also allows rainwater to drain from the bottom. The RC3s weigh 269g per shoe in size 45. Ride experience Another unusual feature is the sliding cleat plate that has three settings, and which provides about a centimetre of fore-and-aft adjustability. Once you’ve considered all of the options, keep reading to the end for our buyer’s guide to road cycling shoes. Best cycling shoes in 2023, as rated and reviewed by our expert testersAs with Shimano’s more expensive shoes, the RC3 is based around Shimano’s Dynalast, which the brand claims produces “an optimised toe-spring section that promotes a smoother, more energy-efficient upstroke”. I’m not sure I could feel any great difference on the road, but these were certainly comfortable. Part of that may be down to the sole – it’s pretty stiff, but not incredibly so. Looking for the very best road bike shoes? We got our hands and feet into 12 of the best bike shoes available for a side-by-side test. We narrowed our selection down from more than 25 of the top road shoes on the market and pulled from our years of experience testing more than 80 models. When we test our shoes, we spend weeks researching materials, performance, and issues while putting in 100 miles or at least 6 hours in the saddle on Zwift or some other similar platform. We make sure to put in the time to deliver the best review possible. The first thing you'll notice about the Sidi Wire 2 Air Vent Carbon is that these are just objectively gorgeous cycling shoes. When you start factoring in their top-end performance, like unmatched power transfer and the great ventilation justifying its name, you'll understand why we were so seduced by them. Their ultra-strong carbon sole, robust fastening systems and durable upper with reinforced structures combine to make it the best for stiffness and power transfer.