SHIMANO RC5 SPD-SL Shoes

Product Information

If you're riding off-roa d or want to have a pair of shoes that are easy to walk in, then go for a pedal system that uses two-bolt cleats such as Shimano SPDs or Crankbrothers Eggbeaters. As 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”. Here’s where the Shimano RC5 shoes shine. The Nylon/carbon sole carries a stiffness rating of 8 (out of 10), which translates into a surprisingly adept sprinting and climbing experience.

Although they come at a very premium price, they are readily available online at a discount which makes them very good value. That said, the S-Works 7 Lace do also suffer from the same problem as all lace up shoes - there's no scope for adjustment on the fly and it is difficult to get them really tightened down for sprint efforts. Our tester found that his feet would still end up moving a little inside the shoes, no matter what. But for long rides and anything that doesn’t involve maximal sprints, the 7 Lace are even more comfortable than the regular S-Works 7, and make an excellent choice.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. 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…

Touching on the performance element, he added: “The foot and ankle don’t generate any power. All the power comes from your quad and your glute. But you can lose a hell of a lot through badly fitting shoes – for example, if your foot is moving around or over pronating, you can waste a lot of energy.” 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. I certainly felt experienced zero ‘hot spots’ in testing, after rides of around two hours. Add in the fact that they weigh in at a respectable 248g per shoe (in a Euro size 42), and this all combines to make the Shimano RC5 shoes an admirable attempt at combining comfort with performance. The relatively mild conditions will have contributed to that, but most of the water that entered the shoe also flowed out through the vents in the bottom and didn’t slosh about inside for too long. 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.

Support road.cc

Laces are excellent for distributing pressure evenly for achieving a comfy fit for all day rides. Plus the shoes also benefit from the superb FACT Powerline carbon sole, which is one of the stiffest platforms on the market. 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. 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.

Heel support and heel lift are often an issue with this type of winter boot though, so make sure that the fit is good if you go this route. Also consider swapping to winter boots and pedals for two bolt cleats for their better walkability in the wet or when it's icy - you're less likely to take a spill on a tile floor at the coffee stop. Do brands make cycling shoes to fit wider feet? They have a super-neat wraparound design and a single L6 Boa, which is placed centrally rather than at the top of the foot.Overall, these are stylish, supportive and lightweight shoes that combine a stiff sole with all-day comfort. They’re comparatively good value, too, being cheaper than both the Giro Empire SLX and the DMT KRSL. An optimised toe spring section using Shimano’s ‘Dynalast’, is said to put less pressure on the plantar by allowing the foot to follow a more natural range of movement. The Boa dial is a popular closing mechanism for cycling shoes, alongside the more classic Velcro. David Caudery / Immediate Media