SHIMANO RC3 (RC300) SPD-SL Shoes

Product Information

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. Speaking of the BOA, the L6 dial is offset down the outside of your foot to prevent hotspots. It only spins one direction and allows for micro-adjustments when tightening, and a pop release to let out the cable. 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. A nice touch, whether by accident or design, is that toe warmers completely cover all the perforations, so although these shoe are designed to let air flow over your foot in warmer conditions, I used them in close to freezing conditions several times with just toe warmers without any issues. Weight, value and conclusion The sole may not be carbon fiber, but it has its strengths. It's a lightweight glass fiber nylon. That doesn't make for an immovable pillar of adamantium, but the nylon actually improves the tensile strength while the glass fiber adds rigidity (power transfer). The result is a good balance of performance to longevity. We expect the shoe to hold up for at least 3-5 seasons of regular use before there are any problems with mechanisms, upper, sole, or seams. Value

When it comes to comfort and stability on the bike, the right style of shoes with the right fit can make all the difference. That’s why Shimano offers performance road, MTB, gravel, and winter shoes in a variety of sizing options, including wide. Chain reaction Cycles and CRC are trading names of Wiggle Ltd (In Administration) registered in the United Kingdom at 1000 Lakeside, Suite 310, Third Floor N E Wing, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 3EN, The heel is noticeably more contoured than most shoes at this price point, resulting in fantastic foot hold (Image credit: Colin Levitch)

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For riders just starting out, or those who may be looking for a commuter shoe, the RC3 won’t disappoint. Tech specs: Shimano RC3 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 These Road Shoes are compatible with road bike pedal systems that use cleats with 3-bolt standards, such as: Look Delta and Keo, Shimano SPD-SL, Speedplay Light Action, Zero, X-Series (via 3-hole adapter plate), Campagnolo Pro-Fit, Mavic Zxellium, Time Iclic/Xpresso and Time Impact. 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.

Another unusual feature is the sliding cleat plate that has three settings, and which provides about a centimetre of fore-and-aft adjustability. The result of these refinements is a top-of-the-line performance road shoe for serious cyclists who don't mind dropping some of the extra room and softer niceties found in the previous model. That said, riders who lean to the leisurely side of riding might be happier in mid-tier shoes with a little more padding and less rigidity. The Shimaina RC9 can cause some achiness for those unfamiliar with stiff shoes. 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. Overall I am impressed by the RC5s. They don't have the stiffest soles but I've found them more than good enough for most rides, and the fact that you get some premium level features at a mid-market price adds appeal. As does the fact they also look great. Verdict For riders who need even more shoe volume, Shimano offers the following shoes in the Tour Volume Last.

They have a super-neat wraparound design and a single L6 Boa, which is placed centrally rather than at the top of the foot.