SHIMANO RC3 (RC300) SPD-SL Shoes

Product Information

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 Occasionally, you even get a combination of both. Velcro straps have the advantage of being cheap, effective and easy to use, so you’ll often find these on lower-end shoes. On higher-end shoes, Boa and other similar dial systems tend to dominate due to their ability to precisely control fit. 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. 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 Boa dial is a popular closing mechanism for cycling shoes, alongside the more classic Velcro. David Caudery / Immediate Media 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.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. 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. Another unusual feature is the sliding cleat plate that has three settings, and which provides about a centimetre of fore-and-aft adjustability. 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 heel and toe bumpers are moulded TPU, offering a stable platform for walking, and the shoes feature a sliding three-hole cleat mount, allowing for a rearward cleat position.

Speaking of the BOA, the L6 dial is offset down the outside of your foot to prevent hotspots. It only spins one direction and allows for micro-adjustments when tightening, and a pop release to let out the cable. 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. 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. 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 RC3Finance 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.

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. 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?

Our Websites

From the moment I slipped the Shimano RC3s onto my feet, I was impressed. Quite often, budget shoes offer a vastly less refined fit than their flagship counterparts. This is due to several factors; price is a big one, and intended use is another. The ultra-aggressive race cut and support of many race shoes doesn't suit quite as many feet, and is often too unforgiving for the beginner or leisure rider. Shimano has done well to relax certain aspects of the shoe without watering down the essential ingredients that define the fit. 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. 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. 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,