Shimano unveil new S-Phyre performance road and mtb shoes

You may have seen them on the feet of WorldTour riders from Team Giant-Alpecin and LottoNL-Jumbo at the Tour de France or being worn on the world cross country mountain bike circuit in 2016. Now, after months of testing Shimano have unveiled the S-Phyre series of road and mountain bike shoes. They introduce Boa enclosures to Shimano’s high-end road and mountain bike line-up of performance footwear. The S-Phyre shoes are geared towards performance intended to maximize the wearer’s power transmission by delivering symmetry between the bike, the footwear, the movement of the rider and the rider’s muscles Shimano say.

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S-Phyre RC9

The S-Phyre RC9 are a big step away from Shimano’s previous line of performance road shoes, the SH-R321 which featured an overlapping upper, velcro straps and a mechanical closure. The RC9 use 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. The material is designed to provide a snug and comfortable fit.

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. The precise adjustability allows you to make sure the fit is right at all points during your ride and if you are about to lay down the power they are easy to tighten up on the fly.

Finally, 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 to 232-g. The shoe features an ultra rigid carbon sole to maximize power output into the pedals. The shoes will be available in blue, white and yellow from sizes 36 to 48 including half sizes and wide fitting options.

Shimano S-Phyre XC9

For cross country racers, the XC9 incorporates the rugged qualities of a durable and performance geared off-road shoe with the design qualities that allow for the lightweight and optimization of power transfer in the road shoes. The Teijin Avail microfiber synthetic leather minimizes the shoes weight to 325-g. The shoes are equipped with asymmetrically positioned molded studs for exceptional traction on rocks and roots when you are forced to dismount and 18-mm spikes when grip is particularly precarious. The XC9 will be available in blue and yellow from sizes 36 to 48 include half sizes and wide fitting options.

The S-Phyre line of footwear come with a pair of colour-matching S-Phyre long ankle racing socks that are designed to increase the synergy and power transfer between the rider and Shimano’s new footwear. The socks use a ventilation system on the sole that is designed to regulate the riders temperature and cushioning for comfort on pressure points. The socks also feature an anatomically contoured construction with woven-in ankle guides to reduce bunching as the foot moves around the pedal stroke, anti-slip heel and an extra-tall cuff.

Shimano RC7 and XC7

Also announced were the RC7 and XC7 which use one Boa IP1 and a strap. The shoes use a high-density synthetic leather with perforated venting, an adaptable cup insole and a rigid lightweight insole.

Prices for the new footwear was not yet announced. They will be begin to become available in October 2016.