Shimano updates 2020 road shoe line-up including to accessible RC5
New track shoes for the Tokyo Olympics and women specific S-Phyre added to 2020 footwear range
Eurobike is in full swing in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Coinciding with the international trade show, Japanese cycling brand Shimano has announced a revamp of their shoe line-up including the release of new footwear and the updates to their established offerings. The range of Shimano footwear extends across cycling disciplines with models for men and women riders. Here are the major updates to Shimano’s road and track shoes for 2020.
The new RC5 road shoes
The RC5 are a well established and accessible performance road shoe. Shimano’s latest update to the mid-range RC5 includes trickledown features from the top-end S-Phyre road range that is raced on the WorldTour by some of the worlds top athletes. The biggest update to the RC5 is the seamless midsole which has an integrated sole and upper construction. This gives the shoe better fit, stability while pedalling and reduces the weight of the shoes. The new design also reduces the RC5 shoe’s stack height by 3.3 mm to maximize power transfer and efficiency.
The breathable upper is made from a composite synthetic, leather, mesh and TPU material. To secure the foot in place, the RC5 uses a BOA L6 dial and front Velcro strap. The shoes carry an MSRP of US$150 and range in sizes from 36-44 in women’s and 40-48 in men’s models. Theshoes are available in navy blue, white and black.
S-Phyre RC9T track shoe
With the leadup to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in full swing, Shimano unveiled their first dedicated track racing shoe. The shoes are specifically designed for track sprinters and time trialists who will be competing at the highest level in midn. Borrowing a lot from the RC9 S-Phyre road shoes, the RC9T features a reinforced upper and wire closure system to keep the foot securely in place during the hardest efforts resulting in efficient power transfer. A single Boa L6 dial makes space for pedal toe straps used on the boards. The shoes have a stretch-resistant microfiber synthetic leather upper and high grip heel to help maximize the efficiency of every pedal stroke. The shoes come in sizes 36 to 48.
Top-end S-Phyre RC901 women’s specific road shoe
The RC9W is the first women’s specific shoe in the S-Phyre line-up. The shoe uses the same construction and features as the well-established men’s version but uses women’s specific lasts to better suit women’s feet. The shoes will only be available in white in a limited run of 500 pairs in sizes 36 to 44. MSRP will be US$400.
