Not only does Shimano round out their component groups with corresponding pedals, sometimes they also offer matching shoes. That’s the case with their latest special edition, the Dura Ace S-Phyre—which is the perfect companion to the new Dura Ace Group.
Somehow, the Dura-Ace themed special edition manages to be both stealthy, and flashy if you catch it in the right light. Between the sparkly finish on the upper, enameled black surround, and dual pearl metal BOA Li2 dials, the RC902S offers everything we love about the top-level S-Phyre shoes and gives it a unique look. Just don’t expect it to come cheap at $430.
• Li2 Alloy Metal BOA dials
• Reinforced mesh and microfiber leather upper construction
• 360-Degree Surround Upper
• Anti-twist heel cup structure
• Silvadur anti-bacterial treated insole
• Sizes: 36-48, Half-sizes 39-47
• Available Colors: Black
• Weight: 240g (size 42)
• MSRP: $430
S-Phyre RC902T Track/Sprint
Whether you’re just a powerful sprinter or a focused track racer, the RC902T might be a good option. The shoe features a stretch-resistant surround upper combined with a single BOA Li2 dial with a Power Boost Lace Guide and a single velcro strap to keep things tight. That arrangement also keeps the shoes compatible with toe straps to keep the track racers happy.
● Stretch-resistant, 360-Degree Surround Upper
● Microfiber leather upper construction
● Li2 BOA dial with Power Boost lacing
● Toe strap compatible
● Anti-twist heel cup structure
● Silvadur anti-bacterial treated insole
● Sizes: 38-48, Half-sizes 42.5-45.5
● Available Colors: White
● Weight: 235g (size 42)
● MSRP: $430
New RC7 Road shoe
Shimano realizes that most riders won’t want to shell out $400+ on shoes, but still want a high level of performance. That’s where shoes like the new RC7 come in. Drawing on trickle-down tech from the S-Phyre level, the RC702 uses a Dynalast fit with dual BOA L6C dials and Power Zone lacing to deliver a performance shoe at nearly half the price – $240.
● Surround Upper
● Synthetic leather / TPU mesh layer upper
● Dual L6C BOA dials with Power Zone lacing
● Sizes: 38-50, Half-sizes 41.5-46.5,
● Wide Sizes 40-48 (Black Only)
● Color options: White, Blue, Black
● Weight: 266g (size 42)
● MSRP: $240
RC5 & RC5W Road Shoes
For an even more affordable option, Shimano is offering the RC5 as a unisex or women’s specific model. Built with a mesh/TPU and synthetic leather upper, the RC5 features a single BOA L6 dial and velcro strap. A sole rated to 8.5 on the stiffness scale keeps things performance-oriented, and the price of $170 is easier on the wallet.
● Surround upper construction
● Synthetic leather upper
● New seamless mid-sole construction
● Sizes: Men’s 40-48, Wide 40-48, Women’s 36-44
● Men’s Colors: Black, Blue, White
● Wide Colors: Black
● Women’s Colors: Black, White, Turquoise
● Weight: 241g (size 42)
● Price: $170
Limited Edition RX8 Gravel Race Shoes
Finally, for the gravel fans, there are two new limited edition colors of the excellent RX8. Shimano states that the RX8 is one of the lightest shoes in the Shimano off-road line at 265g for a size 42, which makes the shoes a great choice for pedaling-intensive rides that still may require some hike-a-bike.
The LE RX8 will be offered in a unisex model in Bronze, and a women’s specific model in Yellow Gold. As for the colors, Shimano’s Lifestyle Gear Product Manager, Jessie Gascon says, “The inspiration for the new yellow gold colorway is drawn from my long-way-home golden hour commute option where gravel routes are abundant. The bronze is inspired by the vast red-rock desert landscapes that, when paired with long days in the saddle, are food for the soul.”
Both are available now and while Shimano doesn’t mention the retail price, both versions are offered for sale on Backcountry.com for $260.
