I purchased these shoes for the wide footbed and dual Boa closures to accommodate adjustments while riding. Overall I find the shoe to be comfortable with plenty of space in the toe-box. I have two issues with the shoe: One, I regularly have to tighten the Boas as they get loose over a period of time. It doesn't happen all the time but it will happen a couple of times during a 30-mile ride. I've had bad luck with a saddlebag with Boa restraint so maybe it's just me. The second issue is the top strap and the way it covers the tongue of the shoe. I'm not exactly sure how it happens but the strap and tongue can be positioned just so that it will pinch the top of my ankle. I wish the tongue of the shoe was a bit more "fixed" as it tends to move around, even when the Boa closures are snug. The shoe is light, airy, and comfortable and overall I'm happy with the shoe.
I have held off several years on replacing my prior Shimano RC301 (?) wide fit shoes for fear of how difficult it has been in the past to find a suitable wide-fit shoe - to the point my old ones were held together with super glue and the cleats could not be removed. My skepticism peaked when I held the RC701 next to my old shoes and noted they were on a slightly narrower last. However, now that I have now put a couple of hundred miles on them, I note that the uppers are supple and super adjustable for a perfect fit, the heel conforms well and the power transfer on the sole is as good as any shoe. I guess I should not have waited so long!
Allow me to begin by saying I'm hard to fit Narrow heel but have flat feet and a pronounced big toe bunion on the left foot. Right foot bunion isn't as large. I NEED a big toe box. These RC701E shoes offer the adjustability in fitment that I was looking for. The dual BOA adjustments allow each shoe to be fitted for each foot. These were comfortable right out of the box. After installing my Speedplay cleats, the first ride was a joy. My OLD shoes were Specialized brand, with a velcro toe adjustment and BOA instep adjustment....absolutely wore them out.
The RC701E has a carbon sole and is a little stiffer than the Specialized composite sole....one can tell the difference. Have 5 or so rides behind me....still very pleased with them.
If I could give them a 6 rating, I would.
Even now I dont regret the dollars paid. Great shoes. Great shirt. Great service. I love these shoes and will insist I am buried in them.
It was perfect for for my wide feet. I followed to size guide and turned out just perfect.
These shoes are discreet in black color and easy to adjust and take out. Putting them in requires more effort as the tongue is short and has tendency to go in as insert the feet, so I always have to pull the tongue back in place. Other than that,.it is a pleasure to wear it.
These replaced a pair of Sidi Dominators after I switched to Favero Assioma pedals.
I like the Sidis a whole lot more, mostly because of the material quality. These RC701E shoes fit well, look good, and don't weigh a whole lot. I don't think they'll look as good as the Dominators after 16,000 miles, but here's to finding out.
Superb adjustability, just what I needed. I'd buy these again in a heartbeat. Extremely comfortable, lightweight but a solid platform. You will NOT be disappointed. I need a wide toe box but have narrow heel.....these fit like moose hide moccasins. Love, love, love.
High quality and awesome style. You can never go wrong with Shimano products.
Did not ride much last summer so when I came back I needed some new shoes . I can notice a difference in my riding and getting more out of each stroke of the pedals . advise getting the next size up that your foot measures up to .
Every previous road shoe has always hurt my big toes, to the point of agonizing pain on long rides. This shoe fits wonderfully well, I don't have to cut out the big toe in the uppers to give my toes more room, and it barely hurts at all - which is amazing.
Delivered quickly at good price. I depend on Shamono for comfortable wide cycling shoes. Shoes are durable for many cycling seasons.
Nice improvement from previous version.
I also ride with the RX8 for my 3E wide feet, and the fit is very similar. I have only 500 miles on the shoe, so it is a bit eary
Great compromise between comfort and stiffness. BOA Dial allows you to adjust the fit as needed.
I have a wide foot, and this is the most comfortable shoe I ever used.
Shoe fits like a glove even over a large bunion
I have wide feet and I've tried a few wide pairs so far, but these are by far the best! They are lightweight with a great fit and I like the BOA closure. Worth the money!
I am a first time road biker and was looking for a shoe. Everyone told me these shoes were awsome. 100 miles into wearing them and i have no complaints...
Wide cycling shoes dont populate most manufactures product list. That being said Shimano did a great designing a quality shoes ant a fair price point. The fit is as expected and they are great on the bike.
Amazing stiffness in the sole. Wonderfully made quality shoe. Is a real bargain in the mid $100 range. Unfortunately i had to return because they caused pain in my right foot. I typically wear a 10-10.5 EE shoe. Ordered these in a 45. Quite long but width was right on.
