SHIMANO RC3 (RC300) SPD-SL Shoes

Product Information

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 testers They have a super-neat wraparound design and a single L6 Boa, which is placed centrally rather than at the top of the foot.

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”. 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.

Shimano RC3 performance

There are three main closure systems in use today. The most popular are Velcro straps or wire laces with micro-adjustable dials (Boa and similar). 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. Overall I am impressed by the RC5s. They don't have the stiffest soles but I've found them more than good enough for most rides, and the fact that you get some premium level features at a mid-market price adds appeal. As does the fact they also look great. Verdict The heel is noticeably more contoured than most shoes at this price point, resulting in fantastic foot hold (Image credit: Colin Levitch) If you live somewhere where the weather is invariably cold and wet, it’s worth considering whether those sorts of shoes are really the right choice, or if you’d be better off with something more robust. Do cycling shoes make a difference?

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. 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.For riders just starting out, or those who may be looking for a commuter shoe, the RC3 won’t disappoint. Tech specs: Shimano RC3 For riders who need even more shoe volume, Shimano offers the following shoes in the Tour Volume Last.

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. Design improvements in the areas of comfort and power transfer have kept this stiff and comfortable shoe near the top of the podium 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. Another unusual feature is the sliding cleat plate that has three settings, and which provides about a centimetre of fore-and-aft adjustability.Shoes that feature Shimano’s DYNALAST Wide sizing have an increased volume around the ball of the foot to accommodate a larger range of foot shapes and sizes. However, this added volume and comfort doesn't come at the expense of performance. Instead, the bottom of the last remains the same width as the standard shoe design, which maintains the high-performance technology, pedaling efficiency, and all-day comfort of Shimano's range of cycling shoes. Shimano offers a winter cycling shoe in DYNALAST Wide sizing to keep more riders rolling, no matter the condition. 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.

However, on harder rides where I was keen to press on the pedals, I found the flex in the 8/12-rated sole hindered my effort. When I put more power down, I found the shoe to flex linearly and laterally underfoot, leading to some discomfort and strain on my legs come ride end. The result of these refinements is a top-of-the-line performance road shoe for serious cyclists who don't mind dropping some of the extra room and softer niceties found in the previous model. That said, riders who lean to the leisurely side of riding might be happier in mid-tier shoes with a little more padding and less rigidity. The Shimaina RC9 can cause some achiness for those unfamiliar with stiff shoes.

Pedal Buyers Guide

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. A nice touch, whether by accident or design, is that toe warmers completely cover all the perforations, so although these shoe are designed to let air flow over your foot in warmer conditions, I used them in close to freezing conditions several times with just toe warmers without any issues. Weight, value and conclusion 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.