If the shoe fits, wear it. Now that will be a lot easier to accomplish if you happen to be looking at Shimano shoes for road, Tri, mountain, and just about anything in between. Part of an impressive 18 new models from Shimano, the new additions to the road, Women’s road and mountain, and Tri market bring the total number of models to 71 total footwear designs. Of those 71, now there are 16 women’s specific models of which many like the new RP2W, RP3W, RP5w, and TR9W use the exact same technology as their male counterparts.
Fitting into their new Road Performance category, the four new models seek to offer an ideal balance of performance at attainable prices and high comfort levels. All of the new RP series shoes are built ont he Shimano Dynalast shape and with the exception of the RP9 above, all RP models are available in a narrower women’s specific fit. The reason for the lack of the women’s RP9 happens to be due to the fact that there is a new WR84 which steps in as a new competitive race shoe for the ladies…
Starting with the new RP2 and RP3, both models are meant to give the club or recreational cyclist a taste of what high end road kicks provide at a fraction of the cost. Built with a glass fiber reinforced sole with SPD or SPD SL cleat compatibility, the main difference between the two is the addition of a buckle for the RP3 for better adjustment of the shoe. Claimed weights are listed at 505g for the RP2 (40) and 527g for the RP3.
Building on the platform of the RP3, the RP5 ratchets things up with a carbon fiber composite plate that stands to reinforce the glass fiber nylon sole. The RP5 also includes a more supple upper with their pro level buckle design but still offers SPD and SPD SL cleat compatibility.
The RP line tops out with the men’s only RP9. The only shoe in the line to offer heat moldable custom fit technology, the upper and the insole will conform to your feet for a perfect fit. A textured upper surround, large air vents, reverse buckle, and a woven carbon fiber 11/12 stiffness rated sole finish off the kicks. Bonus – you get some anti-bacterial, mint scented insoles that should keep your feet smelling fresh. Or at least not nearly as bad. Coming in at 538g in size 40, the shoes will be available in black or white from size 36-50 with 37-47 in half sizes, and 36-48 in wide sizes.
Breaking away into the performance line, the women’s version of the RP9 is called the WR84. Shimano points out that while all of their shoes are technically unisex, the WR84 was designed specifically with women’s feet in mind with a narrower heel pocket, less volume, more support for the instep, and a smaller toe box. Meant for full on racing, the shoe includes a textured upper surround, an adaptable reverse buckle for better fit on different shaped feet, and a carbon fiber sole. The weight is listed at 500g.
With the exception of the WR84 (September) all of the shoes above will be available in October.
