Instead of a traditional tongue, the outside of the RC3’s upper wraps around your foot. The Boa dial is designed to spread the pressure evenly, and while it does so, I’m not convinced it’s better than the top-mounted Atop dial and twin Velcro combination of the dhb Aeron Carbon Road Dial shoes I also had on test. 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. 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. More space does not mean a loose, sloppy fit, however. Shimano’s DYNALAST Wide technology is anatomically curved to conform better to the natural contours of the foot. It features an adjusted instep height to allow the heel to sit deeper in the shoe so your foot stays snug in the shoe, even on hard, out-of-the-saddle efforts. The upper, with its wrap-around design, creates a shoe that is comfortable and fits around the foot well, even if the Velcro toe box strap offers little adjustment. I didn’t suffer any rubbing or issues with circulation.

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. The shoe has limited premium features, which means it has a few disadvantages when compared to high-end full-carbon shoes. The upper isn't as supple as top-tier bike shoes, which could lead to rubbing or hotspots. Also, it only has one BOA dial, so the fit and fastening aren't as precise as they could be. Additionally, the outsole is mostly made of nylon, so there's a little more flex when you're pedaling. However, if you're on a budget, this is still a great shoe that you can rely on. Additionally, Shimano’s Surround Wrapping Upper technology does just what it says. It wraps around the foot and allows for greater adjustability to fine-tune the fit for your riding preferences. Together, DYNALAS Wide and Surround Wrapping Upper technology creates fewer gaps between your foot and the shoe, offering a more adaptable fit for longer, faster, and more comfortable rides no matter your foot shape. Shimano Wide Sizing Right for Me? 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).Chain reaction Cycles and CRC are trading names of Wiggle Ltd (In Administration) registered in the United Kingdom at 1000 Lakeside, Suite 310, Third Floor N E Wing, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 3EN, 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”. 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. 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. It’s always worth considering what type of riding your shoes are designed for. A lot of road cycling shoes are designed to be ridden in hot weather, for example, meaning they’re very breathable and won’t offer much protection from the elements.

They have a super-neat wraparound design and a single L6 Boa, which is placed centrally rather than at the top of the foot. For riders who need even more shoe volume, Shimano offers the following shoes in the Tour Volume Last. 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 As with many entry-level or lower-end shoes, the RC3 uppers are robust, made from the same synthetic leather throughout, with just one mesh panel at the bottom of what would be the tongue and perforations above the toe box. There's also a small grille at the front of the sole for ventilation underneath. They cope well with chillier outdoor riding, but needless to say they're not the coolest indoors. Another unusual feature is the sliding cleat plate that has three settings, and which provides about a centimetre of fore-and-aft adjustability.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. 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. For riders just starting out, or those who may be looking for a commuter shoe, the RC3 won’t disappoint. Tech specs: Shimano RC3 The 1.2-millimeter Laser Perforated Microtex upper is the first major feature to make the shoe such a great transferer of power. The material is super strong, and it's cut so that it folds over the top of the foot for better closure and fit, which translates into a closer, snug fit with less energy wasted moving around inside the shoe. There's almost no flex anywhere in the shoe. The Infinito Closure System also goes a long way toward improving energy transfer. Its upper dial alters the way the arch support interacts with your foot, and the lower dial adjusts shoe volume. 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.