Shimano SH-RC502 Road Shoes - Black 38

I needed to replace S-PHYRE 900 era shoes and the current 903 equivalent is about $500 a pair. I was sort-of willing to go there, but I decided to try a couple of other shoes first before making that big a purchase. I wanted double BOA design shoes, but after trying a couple different models which did not fit my feet very well, I decided to try one more pair, the RC5 even though they were single BOA. From the start they felt comfortable, with a nice solid fit, and a bit of flex as compared to the S-PHYRE and other shoes I've worn in the recent past. Given the $170 price was about one third of the latest generation S-PHYRE, it was worth a shot. After a few weeks, they remain great, and in fact I favor them over the S-PHYRE I had planned to buy. On the road they have ... MoreI needed to replace S-PHYRE 900 era shoes and the current 903 equivalent is about $500 a pair. I was sort-of willing to go there, but I decided to try a couple of other shoes first before making that big a purchase. I wanted double BOA design shoes, but after trying a couple different models which did not fit my feet very well, I decided to try one more pair, the RC5 even though they were single BOA. From the start they felt comfortable, with a nice solid fit, and a bit of flex as compared to the S-PHYRE and other shoes I've worn in the recent past. Given the $170 price was about one third of the latest generation S-PHYRE, it was worth a shot. After a few weeks, they remain great, and in fact I favor them over the S-PHYRE I had planned to buy. On the road they have been comfortable, with no hot spots and good power transfer, and on the trainer they've not been an issue. I may miss the dual direction BOA (tighten and loosen by the dial), but not at this point. My feet usually shrink during a ride, so being able to tighten the shoes with the BOA dial may be enough. Love them, would buy again in an instant. I may buy a second pair later in the year so I can switch between them for my trainer-winter as all the trainer riding really took a toll on my last pair. For this price, why not?

Good shoe for the value. Boa works as it is designed. However, the binding strap seems to be non functional - with respect to providing additional tightening and support. Result is lots of room and no snugness causing my feet have some minor float/slopiness when pedaling. Could be a sizing issue. I've tried 44 and 45 in the RC 300 series which neither were a good fit. So I moved up to RC502. Bottom line, this will work for my current cyling regimen - cardio riding 48- 75 miles a week.

Their definitely meant for narrow feet. And, it’s a good fit; at least for me. I went from a size 47 to a size 48. The size 48 allowed thicker socks for winter cycling; also, more toe room !!! Shimano quality IS present !!! However, the sole plate heel and toe protrusions (right wording ?) could be more substantial; understandable at this price point. Satisfied 75 year old cyclist; about 2000 miles a season on a 1980 Schwinn Voyageur 11.8 - 6 speed. Thanks