Features

• Professional DNA benefitting directly from features engineered for the XC9 S-PHYRE shoes
• Surround-wrapping upper structure reduces overlap, minimises hotspots and enables a glove-like fit
• Synthetic leather material with mesh texture provides a lightweight and breathable ride
• Glass fibre reinforced sole, wrapped in proprietary Shimano rubber, with SPD cleat compatibility
• 360° reflectivity for ultimate visibility
• 3 Velcro straps allow maximum adjustability
• Weight: 360g (size 42)
• Stiffness rating: 5

Do cycling shoes run true to size?

When deciding what size cycling shoes to get, go with your normal shoe size, as bike shoes run true to size. However, if you’re normally between sizes, for example sometimes you go with a 9 and sometimes a 9.5, it’s recommended that you size up. “Always size up if you have to decide between two sizes because your foot can swell throughout the day and your foot size changes,” says Jessie Gascon, Shimano’s lifestyle gear product manager. “We recommend trying on shoes and doing shoe fittings in the afternoon for this exact reason.” Even hydration throughout the day can affect the size of your feet. Plus, unless you’re planning on racing, having a little extra room in your shoe won’t affect your riding.

Should cycling shoes fit snug?

While it’s suggested to size up if you’re between sizes, cycling shoes are intended to wrap snuggly around the foot. Similar to how running or walking shoes are created to help you excel at said activities, cycling shoes were also designed with a specific purpose in mind—pedaling. “Cycling shoes are made to be used 99.9 percent of the time solely for pedaling—you’re not out and about walking or running around in them,” explains Gascon. Unlike high impact running, when you pedal, you’re applying pressure to the ball of the foot versus the toe area, so it’s low impact, and it doesn’t cause the foot to move around. “Therefore they are designed to fit very close to the foot, almost like a second sock,” says Gascon.” This helps to minimize foot movement and create more stability.

Shimano has taken over a million impressions of different foot shapes and has a good idea as to where the mass population fall, which has allowed them to build 12 foot-shaped lasts that they use to create their shoes. Most other cycling brands use only three or four lasts for all their shoes.