I've worn the standard width Shimano SH-RC702 shoes for years. I like them. However, on hot days, on long rides I would get hot spots on the ball of my right foot after 40-60 miles. I tried upgraded insoles, moving the cleat back, all with some success, but not entirely effective. Finally, I tried the shoes in wide, with aftermarket insoles, and have had much better luck. I always wear a normal width shoe, but for biking on hot days a wide seems better.
Previous shows were all a bit small, most Shimono ones seem to run a full size smaller than they say. I got these in a size larger and wide, the fit makes them great and they are light and easy to tighten
This shoe will split open along the outside edge of the forefoot. This has happened on two pairs, returned one pair, received a 2nd pair and that pair started to split on the very first ride. Surprising when you consider Shimano's overall quality.
I rode a pair of RC701's for about 10,000 miles and just picked these up to get a little more room from the wide model. I wouldn't have replaced the old pair if they hadn't started to feel constricting, but I'm glad I did. Apart from the wide fit which I should have switched to ages ago, the burrito style closure (no separate tongue) is really great as I always struggled to get the tongue in the right place with the old pair. This seems to help the boa dials tighten down more evenly.
The ventilation is also noticeably better, so much so that they are almost TOO well ventilated for the Northern California winter. The perforations on the upper go much further back than on the prior model, so the light toe covers I usually use don't cover all the vents, and there's also a second vent/drainage hole in the heel now in addition to the one under the toes. I've found myself taping over the vent holes, which I never had to do with the 701's, and pulling out my full shoe covers I usually only use for rain. That said, I'm really looking forward to that extra airflow when it warms up.
In all, the 701's were a great shoe for a good price and these have a few marked improvements. I wouldn't ditch a perfectly functional pair just to get the new model, but they're well worth a look if it's time for new shoes anyway, especially if you can wait for another sale.
I always have trouble getting shoes that fit. My feet are wider than the typical Italian and don't even ask me a bout Sidi. Shimano shoes fit better and these are better yet. My first shoes with Boa closures. So far so good.
Have not ridden with my new pair as of yet. My old pair is the same. Looking forward to riding up the mountains soon
Fantastic shoes in every way. Comfortable, great adjustability, and they look great.
My old feet have splayed out requiring wider shoes and these have ample space in forefoot. I did swap the footpads that came with the shoes for better OTC inserts, which resolved some metatarsal discomfort. Only downside is a bit of struggle putting them on. I resorted to using a shoehorn. I am very satisfied.
I bought the 903's in wide and they just aren't what they used to be. These were slightly wider and I don't see any drawbacks. I actually like the heel retention in these better than the 903s
the shoe fit to size.
I waited to review this show until I rode with it for pretty much the entire season. I am very pleased with it. I appreciate the wide width and it's not crazy wide. Stiffness is perfect for how I ride. My guess is if you're a hard racer you'd want something a bit more stiff, but for general long rides of 30-70 miles these are great. I highly recommend.
When you consider everything this shoe has going for it, its hard to believe irs not priced among other brand top tier shoes. They're comfortable, stiff, light, good looking, and made to last.
Needed new pair of shoes and found these at a great price. Shoe fits like a glove and very comfortable. Nice toe box. Good stiffness for the climbs. Happy to have Dual Boas to make easy adjustments. More comfortable that my S-Phyre from few years back!
Love these shoes, stiff, light, fit right..........
I really like these shoes. They are fairly stiff but comfortable. The BOA dials allow you to get the shoes exactly as tight as you prefer. I would buy these again.
