Replacing my older MTB gear with the Shimano S-PHYRE RC9 is probably the most significant change recently made to my bike rides. Currently, I’m riding a gravel/adventure bike with a bunch of fancy components. However, I know one of the most important aspects of my ride has been the addition of the Shimano S-PHYRE RC9 shoes. From long stretches along the SoCal beaches to a quick jaunt up to the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, these shoes make rides quite an amazing treat.
Every time I slide into these comfortable shoes, I know I’m going to have a fun and safe ride in sunny California. The RC9’s achieve a great balance of comfort and firmness due to the amazing dual independent Boa IP1 dial system. Click, click, click, and BOOM, you’re strapped in and ready to go. The turn-to-tighten wired lacing system allows for quick and precise micro-adjustments, making the shoes feel like they are built specifically for your feet.
The upper one-piece Teijin Avail microfiber synthetic perforated leather is not just super sleek looking (really, look at this beauty), but also allows for great ventilation. A stiff, carbon midsole provides fantastic stabilization with an additional external curved heel cup holding your feet firmly in place. Shimano also threw in a new material at the rear of the shoe for grip around your ankle for the ultimate fit.
After riding over 2,000 miles with the S-PHYRE RC9’s, I haven’t once experienced numbness or soreness in my feet. These shoes are designed and built to be light, comfortable, and efficient in providing the most power transfer in a cycling shoe. I believe Shimano has achieved all that and more. Treat yourself and feel the difference, I’m sure glad I did.
If you are a fan of Shimano components and clothing, check out other velospeak product reviews.
