SHIMANO RC3 (RC300) SPD-SL Shoes

Product Information

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. Traditional laces have also had a bit of a renaissance in the last few years, so if you like a classic look you’ll have a few more options now. Just remember you won’t be able to adjust your shoes on the bike. Other features

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. Looking for the very best road bike shoes? We got our hands and feet into 12 of the best bike shoes available for a side-by-side test. We narrowed our selection down from more than 25 of the top road shoes on the market and pulled from our years of experience testing more than 80 models. When we test our shoes, we spend weeks researching materials, performance, and issues while putting in 100 miles or at least 6 hours in the saddle on Zwift or some other similar platform. We make sure to put in the time to deliver the best review possible.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. The heel is noticeably more contoured than most shoes at this price point, resulting in fantastic foot hold (Image credit: Colin Levitch)

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. The upper itself is made from synthetic leather and is almost entirely seamless. Perforations across the toe box provide a bit of airflow, as does a sizable vent in the sole, which also allows rainwater to drain from the bottom. The RC3s weigh 269g per shoe in size 45. Ride experience Design improvements in the areas of comfort and power transfer have kept this stiff and comfortable shoe near the top of the podiumOnce you’ve considered all of the options, keep reading to the end for our buyer’s guide to road cycling shoes. Best cycling shoes in 2023, as rated and reviewed by our expert testers 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 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. Another unusual feature is the sliding cleat plate that has three settings, and which provides about a centimetre of fore-and-aft adjustability. 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.