I’ve ridden in a lot of XC race shoes over the years, and comfort usually isn’t their strong suit. That’s a big reason why I’ve gradually shifted away from them as my shoe of choice over the years, even for cross country riding. However, the new Shimano S-PHYRE XC-903 changes things. The shoe is a rare combination of comfort and efficiency that will tempt a lot of riders – if you can stomach the price.
Fit and comfort go hand in hand, so Shimano worked on improving the fit of the shoes with a new “surround-wrapping upper” made from a microfiber leather with increased elasticity. That supple and slightly stretchy upper is designed to better accommodate a variety of foot shapes which increases the comfort for a larger audience. The upper also features variable perforation with a mesh underneath to increase breathability.
To close the shoe, Shimano uses twin BOA Li2 dials which allow micro-adjustment in both directions. Additionally, the lower BOA dial gets a ‘shield’ to prevent it from being accidentally released on impact along with soft lower lace guides. According to BOA, the XC903 doesn’t officially use their PerformFit Wrap design you’ll find on shoes like the Canyon Tempr CFR, but the Shimano does “offer some degree of wrap, and thus, likely offer some degree of similar benefits.”
For Shimano, that Surround Wrapping upper improves the fit while offering maximum pedal efficiency without having to massively crank down on the BOA dials. For me, that was immediately evident on the trail as it didn’t feel like the shoes were very tight, but the response under hard pedaling was impressive.
Part of that response also comes from the heel cup with anti-twist stabilization which helps keep the foot locked-in without it being extra tight.
Underneath, the XC903 offers a stiff carbon sole with a low stack height midsole and a massively grippy ULTREAD XC rubber outsole. The first time I tried the shoes on, I could feel just how soft and grippy the outsole was while walking around on concrete. That impressive grip inspires confidence off the bike, and it’s one of the reasons these shoes will appeal to more riders than just top racers.
Fit
I’m usually a firm 41.5 in Shimano’s high-end shoes and that is the case here. Of all the shoes I’ve tried from Shimano lately though, the XC903s seem to fit the best, particularly around the outside of my foot near the pinkie toe. It seems like the stretch of the upper only helps with the fit. Around the forefoot, the XC903 definitely feels a bit wider than the RX801, but the shoe doesn’t feel particularly wide.
Actual Weight
On our scale, a 41.5 shoe weighs in at 286g, for a weight of 572g for the pair.
Offered in whole sizes from 38-48, and half sizes from 41.5 to 46.5, you can find the XC903s in Blue, White, or Black.
XC vs Gravel Shoes?
I’ve spent a lot of time in the past few years in the Shimano RX801 gravel shoe, so it was an interesting comparison to the new XC903 MTB shoe. If anything, Shimano has now better differentiated the two categories with two options that provide different features. In my experience, the lighter RX801 provides a more rigid upper fit that is better suited to offer road-worthy performance on gravel. The XC903 on the other hand still provides the efficiency you need for a top-level MTB race shoe, but it allows the rider more freedom to move around on the bike without it being uncomfortable. The XC903 also provides far better grip and confidence off the bike thanks to the softer, wider, and more aggressive tread.
Final Thoughts
For me, the XC903s have had a big impact on what shoes I choose when heading out for a ride. Usually, I’m not racing. I like to go fast, but also want to be comfortable. Over the past 5-10 years, I can’t recall a time when I reached for an XC race shoe that I didn’t have to ride. The XC903 has changed that. These shoes offer a perfect blend of comfort and efficiency which make them a great choice for long days in the saddle when you’re racing nothing but the sun.
Overall, there is a lot to love about the XC903s… until you get to the price. At $450 per pair, the Shimanos are on par with the most expensive MTB shoes on the market. But if you’re already comparing shoes at that price point, for me, the XC903s are the ones to get.
