The Shimano RC703 street biking sneakers are designed for these in search of a stage of efficiency just like the range-topping S-Phyre mannequin however with out the value tag. Think about these sneakers the second tier, or the Ultegra stage in Shimano’s street biking shoe lineup.
Being a part of such a lineage means these sneakers are supposed for eager amateurs searching for fast-ride efficiency. Throughout my time testing these sneakers, they’ve carried out effectively. There have been a couple of niggles, which I’ll get onto later however as second-tier merchandise go, these sneakers are a worthwhile addition to Shimano’s lineup and supply a powerful alternative for riders searching for one of many greatest biking sneakers at a cheaper price.
The development
The shoe is constructed with a ‘excessive rigidity, hole carbon midsole’ mated to an artificial leather-based higher, with two BOA L6Z dials because the fastening system of alternative.
The higher materials partially wraps across the carbon sole which Shimano claims ‘reduces overlap and gives a glove-like match’. I can’t say I totally agree with this assertion. Whereas the sneakers are snug, they’re nonetheless sneakers designed to ship for these in search of efficiency. To me, ‘glove-like match’ suggests a gentle, snug, supple match, whereas I discovered these sneakers provide a agency, sturdy, locked-in really feel. What the wrap-around higher does present, is a sleek-looking shoe because it cloaks the carbon sole and creates the phantasm that almost all of the shoe is one uniform color, very similar to the range-topping S-Phyre mannequin.
Smooth, clear seems characterise Shimano’s RC703 shoe
(Picture credit score: Future)
The insoles provide little arch help and are fairly flimsy. I’d advocate shopping for an aftermarket insole that gives a bit of extra help and is tailor-made to your toes.
On the skin of the sneakers, the toe field space performs host to a small plastic bash guard, which takes the brunt of tyre scrapes when clipped in, and any bumps which end result from strolling round. I like this function quite a bit and it’s one thing you’ll be able to see on different in style street biking sneakers. It protects the fabric from being reduce up by abrasive surfaces and makes cleansing tyre scrapes a lot simpler.
The 2 Boa dials and the wrap-around higher present a safe, locked-in using expertise
(Picture credit score: Future)
The BOA dials are no-nonsense; merely twist clockwise to tighten and pull out to launch the stress. BOA dials are near being an business customary for biking sneakers and work effectively for many who favour on-the-fly adjustment. Other than the mechanics of the closure system, I do like how the shoe contains a tongue that sits in your foot after which a cushioned strap is pulled excessive of the tongue by the BOA, that means strain distribution is stored good and even.
The experience
I first used these sneakers when coaching indoors. I discover this a pleasant strategy to verify I’m proud of the cleat place and get used to how they really feel in a extra managed setting. The very first thing I observed was how stiff the soles have been. Rated as a ‘10’ on Shimano’s stiffness chart, the RC703s are solely bested by the range-topping S-Phyres at ‘12’, and it left me wanting for little or no. I felt related to the bike in a non-squishy or flimsy method. I used to be locked and able to go.
The carbon sole is rated 10 for stiffness, but it surely’s not noticeably completely different from the range-topping S-Phyre’s sole, which is rated 12
(Picture credit score: Future)
After my preliminary indoor rides, the sneakers joined me on a visit to Spain for additional testing. One small subject prevailed after my first couple of rides – a pinch level on the higher proper aspect of my left foot. The sting of the tongue was pushing into my foot and making a good bit of ache, which led to me loosening the shoe to alleviate the difficulty.
The RC703s carry out at a stage near the range-topping RC903s however for significantly much less cash
(Picture credit score: Future)
The discomfort continued till I used the sneakers to the purpose the place the uppers softened and have become extra malleable, higher accommodating my foot. My toes might have swollen within the warmth additional contributing to the difficulty; now I’m again within the chilly UK, both the sneakers have worn in or my toes are now not a bit of bloated. The very fact is, no matter has stopped the difficulty, the sneakers now match significantly better than they did initially and are now not inflicting me any ache.
Worth and conclusions
The Shimano RC703’s value £220, or $250. The simple comparability to make is in opposition to the vary toppers, which is the place Shimano claims the trickle-down tech these sneakers profit from originates. The RC903s value £349 or $450, which is a giant leap in value. The RC903s are lighter, function higher air flow, provide extra stiffness and are shod with fancier BOA dials, however the price to get there’s important.
In case you are searching for a pair of sneakers that carry out at a stage that’s nearly incomprehensibly near the RC903’s, then these gained’t disappoint. The vary of sizes accessible in each customary and large matches is complete and the comparative worth is tough to disregard.
After all, you’ll want to put on them in, as a result of they get higher the extra you employ them. I might additionally counsel getting some insoles that present the right amount of arch help too. Lastly in the event you, like me, love a white pair of sneakers, then choose your using days fastidiously primarily based on the newest climate forecast.
Specs
- Value: £220.00 / $250.00
- Weight: 488 grams
- Fastening: BOA Match System with two L6Z dials
- Materials: Artificial leather-based higher
- Sole: Carbon, stiffness ranking 10
- Colors: Black, White, Sage Inexperienced