SHIMANO RC3 (RC300) SPD-SL Shoes

Product Information

From the World Championship-winning RC903 to the coffee ride favorite RC300, Shimano road shoes feature a wide range of regular and wide last options. Additionally, Shimano’s Surround Wrapping Upper technology does just what it says. It wraps around the foot and allows for greater adjustability to fine-tune the fit for your riding preferences. Together, DYNALAS Wide and Surround Wrapping Upper technology creates fewer gaps between your foot and the shoe, offering a more adaptable fit for longer, faster, and more comfortable rides no matter your foot shape. Shimano Wide Sizing Right for Me? Using the shoes in the UK during the summer, where temperatures were between 20˚C and 25˚C, the venting in the sole and upper prevented my feet from overheating. 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 Shimano offers a winter cycling shoe in DYNALAST Wide sizing to keep more riders rolling, no matter the condition.

Another unusual feature is the sliding cleat plate that has three settings, and which provides about a centimetre of fore-and-aft adjustability. As with many entry-level or lower-end shoes, the RC3 uppers are robust, made from the same synthetic leather throughout, with just one mesh panel at the bottom of what would be the tongue and perforations above the toe box. There's also a small grille at the front of the sole for ventilation underneath. They cope well with chillier outdoor riding, but needless to say they're not the coolest indoors. For riders who need even more shoe volume, Shimano offers the following shoes in the Tour Volume Last. The 1.2-millimeter Laser Perforated Microtex upper is the first major feature to make the shoe such a great transferer of power. The material is super strong, and it's cut so that it folds over the top of the foot for better closure and fit, which translates into a closer, snug fit with less energy wasted moving around inside the shoe. There's almost no flex anywhere in the shoe. The Infinito Closure System also goes a long way toward improving energy transfer. Its upper dial alters the way the arch support interacts with your foot, and the lower dial adjusts shoe volume.If you live somewhere where the weather is invariably cold and wet, it’s worth considering whether those sorts of shoes are really the right choice, or if you’d be better off with something more robust. Do cycling shoes make a difference? The shoe has limited premium features, which means it has a few disadvantages when compared to high-end full-carbon shoes. The upper isn't as supple as top-tier bike shoes, which could lead to rubbing or hotspots. Also, it only has one BOA dial, so the fit and fastening aren't as precise as they could be. Additionally, the outsole is mostly made of nylon, so there's a little more flex when you're pedaling. However, if you're on a budget, this is still a great shoe that you can rely on. Occasionally, you even get a combination of both. Velcro straps have the advantage of being cheap, effective and easy to use, so you’ll often find these on lower-end shoes. On higher-end shoes, Boa and other similar dial systems tend to dominate due to their ability to precisely control fit. The Boa dial is a popular closing mechanism for cycling shoes, alongside the more classic Velcro. David Caudery / Immediate Media

From the moment I slipped the Shimano RC3s onto my feet, I was impressed. Quite often, budget shoes offer a vastly less refined fit than their flagship counterparts. This is due to several factors; price is a big one, and intended use is another. The ultra-aggressive race cut and support of many race shoes doesn't suit quite as many feet, and is often too unforgiving for the beginner or leisure rider. Shimano has done well to relax certain aspects of the shoe without watering down the essential ingredients that define the fit. The upper, with its wrap-around design, creates a shoe that is comfortable and fits around the foot well, even if the Velcro toe box strap offers little adjustment. I didn’t suffer any rubbing or issues with circulation. Instead of a traditional tongue, the outside of the RC3’s upper wraps around your foot. The Boa dial is designed to spread the pressure evenly, and while it does so, I’m not convinced it’s better than the top-mounted Atop dial and twin Velcro combination of the dhb Aeron Carbon Road Dial shoes I also had on test. Once 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 testersIt’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.