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First look: Shimano S-Phyre RC9

A top-end race shoe featuring Boa dials and a synthetic one piece upper

With a one-piece upper and introduce Boa dials to Shimano’s top-end road shoes, the S-Phyre are refined for performance. With a lighter weight, lower stack height, improved ventilation and aerodynamics, and an externalized heel cup the S-Phyre were updated to better maximize the wearer’s power transmission.

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Shimano say the S-Phyre help deliver an unrivaled symmetry between the bike, the footwear, the movement of the rider and the rider’s muscles. The RC9 uses a one-piece outer made from a highly breathable, stretch-resistant and supple Teijin Avail microfiber synthetic leather. The shoes have perforated dimple vents like a golf ball to increase ventilation and help with aerodynamics according to Shimano. The material is designed to provide a snug and comfortable fit being noticeably supple.

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Boa enclosures are new to Shimano shoes. The RC9 use two Boa IP1 dials which can be adjusted in both directions in 1-mm increments for precise adjustability. They are familiar to high-top end footwear. The dials also allow’s the wearer to make sure the fit is right at all points during the ride and if you are about to lay down the power they are easy to tighten up on the fly.

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The shoes use an externalized heel cup to keep the foot securely in place. This and the elimination of the lasting board which is traditionally used in shoe construction has allowed Shimano to reduce the weight. The heal pad on the shoe is also easily replaceable if it gets worn out or damaged. The shoes come with a pair of socks that are intended to improve fit and symmetry.