SHIMANO RC5 SPD-SL Shoes

Product Information

However, for road riding, you really want three-bolt cleats which will give you a wider platform for improved power transfer through the pedals. For that reason, mid and high-end shoes will only come with three bolts patterns. What should I do to look after my cycling shoes? These Road Shoes are compatible with road bike pedal systems that use cleats with 3-bolt standards, such as: Look Delta and Keo, Shimano SPD-SL, Speedplay Light Action, Zero, X-Series (via 3-hole adapter plate), Campagnolo Pro-Fit, Mavic Zxellium, Time Iclic/Xpresso and Time Impact. I experienced some pressure at the junction of the upper with my upper ankle joint, but this settled down with use – they just need a little breaking in. The key is that there are no pro-truding mouldings (unlike the S-Phyre) on which to mount the Boa wire lacing system; instead the wire runs through a fabric loop which is stitched directly into the TPU/synthetic leather upper. The other benefit of Velcro straps is that they are light. This means that they can also be found on very expensive lightweight shoes designed specifically for climbers. Over time, the Velcro can lose its effectiveness though, so that the hold on your foot can diminish.

When riding hard in an aero position on the flat or grappling with a grippy gradient, the soles do yield but not so much as to strain the feet or leg muscles or seem inefficient. Think too about the closure system. Boa dials are efficient but expensive and single dials may not distribute pressure as evenly as dual dial systems. Ratchets and Velcro are cheaper and can be as efficient. Laces look smart and save weight, but you can't adjust them while riding. From smashing through tough intervals in training to smashing your rivals in races, the RC5 Road Shoes deliver superb performance but at a keen price point for those riders on a tighter budget. The impressive price to performance ratio is thanks to renowned Shimano technology and features, first found on their premium race shoes… Although they come at a very premium price, they are readily available online at a discount which makes them very good value. Several brands do offer ‘wide fit’ options - these include Sidi, Bont, Shimano and Lake. Lake provides wide toe boxes as well as custom moulded heel cups to ensure a good fit all round for those with a wide forefoot and narrow ankle.

While you're looking at the material of the soles of your prospective new cycling shoes, it's worth looking at the type of cleats that they will accommodate, as some will take two-bolt cleats while others will take three-bolt cleats. Some, particularly lower priced models, let you fit either. Your choice really depends on what type of riding you're doing. To reduce the price, one of the BOA dials has been swapped out for a Velcro strap and the dials are the L6 model which only ratchets tighter, unlike the IP1 dials on the S-Phyre which allow you to loosen the tension in 1mm increments.

Former British Cycling physiotherapist and bike fitter at the eponymous Phil Burt Innovation, Phil Burt told us: “If you’re in a wrongly fitted shoe it would manifest as rubbing around the little toe, pain underneath the first and second toe where a lot of people get numbness or pins and needles.” 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. Most cycling shoes can be wiped down with a damp cloth, but don't try anything more aggressive to clean them unless the maker's care instructions advise this.

Features

The Ares shoes don't work for everyone though - your feet need to be the right shape and they work best if your arches are high. You may not have wide feet. It could be that your foot is collapsing, and therefore splaying. A lot of people think they have wide feet, but given an off-the-shelf corrective insole, the problem goes away because they have the support their foot needs.”

Cycling shoes, even pricey ones, often come with fairly basic flat insoles. Since your feet are held in a static position, this can cause discomfort over time. It's worth considering an insole upgrade. Some aftermarket insoles will have an adjustable level of arch support, most will be made of more substantial material than the insoles that come with your shoes and often there will be other extra features like a less flat profile and a midfoot bump to help support your feet better. You can also buy bespoke insoles made to match your feet.You can instantly tell it's not an über stiff race shoe as it has a much softer feel when putting down power, but it certainly isn't a wet noodle. The sole is predominately carbon reinforced nylon, especially around the all-important mid foot area and as such has enough stiffness to retain a good level of power transfer. There is flex at the toe and heel area but for many this will be welcome, especially if you tend to ride all-day and/or at steadier paces. I never once encountered the dreaded hotspots or undue pressure that can come from an overly flexible shoe - even when riding for multiple hours on the turbo. The design of the shoes makes use of Shimano’s S-Phyre philosophy and features, as first seen on their premium race shoes. It starts with the foot-wrapping upper, offering a snug fit that provides a supportive pedalling platform and removes hot spots. Made with a combination of mesh, TPU and synthetic leather, this supple upper is incredibly light and highly breathable too, perfect for warmer weather and hill climbs. The upper construction is also integrated with the sole unit, offering extra support and stability during hard efforts.

As their 10/12 stiffness rating implies, the carbon soles are pretty rigid. However, they do not behave like slate tiles underfoot.Shimano's highly impressive race-orientated RC7 shoes have had a significant redesign for 2019, gaining dials and losing Velcro completely. They're still a very comfortable, secure and well-vented option (with a great fit), but while the carbon soles are stiff and vibe-free, they could be stiffer still without sacrificing comfort. The lace model of the S-Works line is the most affordable in the range - and also notably comfortable. If you're sure you do have wide feet, and not a need for an insole, then read on. Do I need custom insoles in my cycling shoes?