RC902 S-PHYRE Cycling Shoe - Men's
Size:
Quantity
Why We Like The RC9 S-PHYRE Cycling Shoe
Shimano’s RC9 S-PHYRE Cycling Shoe is becoming well known for its glistening blue presence at the front of the pack and is quickly becoming what may very well be a legacy-shoe that holds its dedicated space in cycling lore. Stepping into the RC9 is a unique experience, as comfort is immediate, and you can vividly imagine pro-level accelerations on your race-rides. Shimano uses a 360-degree fit optimization that unifies all the individual components on the shoe to become one complete system, engineered to provide stability and maximum power transfer on the pedals.
The integrated midsole and upper material comfortably envelop your foot for a secure hold, while the dual Boa Li2 dials and PowerZone wiring guide cinch down for the optimum tension. Precision cable tension is a critical performance tool, whether you are unwinding from an epic five-hour climbing session or torquing down for a finish sprint in the criterium.
Shimano elevates the carbon era with a supremely rigid sole that tests at a stiffness of twelve, meaning you’ll never doubt whether your efforts are going into the pedals. This level of control and performance is what we’ve come to expect from Shimano’s top-tier road shoes, and what keeps us dedicated to their component line as well.
A unique trait for the RC9 is the incorporation of the Anti-twist heel stabilizer that holds the foot in place while performing high-cadence accelerations. Heel control is not an overly focused target of improvement, as modern-day training plans and single-ring gear ratios push normalized cadences higher and higher.
Visual upgrades include more refined venting hole placements and sleeker-looking logo placement, both of which set the RC9 as a visual icon in the peloton.
Details
- Pro-level carbon road shoe with a dialed in fit
- Stiff carbon sole transfers power to the pedals
- 360 degree wrapping creates a comfortable and complete fit
- Dual Boa dials for quick, late-race precision adjustments
- Anti-twist stabilizer holds foot securely under fast accelerations
- Runs small, so we recommend sizing up for ideal fit
- Item #SHIU1BA
- Upper Material
- synthetic
- Closure
- Dual Boa Li2 dials
- Midsole
- carbon fiber
- Sole
- carbon fiber
- Cleat Compatibility
- 3-bolt
- Claimed Weight
- [single, size 40] 8.8oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 1 year
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4 based on 15 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.What do you think about this product?
View
Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageFebruary 3, 2023
To narrow...
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
- Weight:
- null
Nice looking shoe, but the toebox is ridiculously narow...and I have narrow feet. Sending it back, what a pain.
December 24, 2021
I really like these shoes!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Size Bought:
- 47
- Height:
- 6' 1"
- Weight:
- 166
I am puzzled by some of the negative reviews on the S-phyre because I really like these shoes! I bounce back and forth between Sidi and Shimano as I find these two brands fit my narrow foot the best. The fit and quality is excellent and I really like the BOA system, which I believe provides just the right amount of tension for a snug fit. Be careful not to over tighten. My only regret was going to a local shop and paying for custom insoles. Ultimately, I didn?t find much of an improvement over the Shimano insole and could have saved some money. This might have more to do with the shop, but need less to say, the Shimano insole provides a good fit and excellent comfort similar to my last pair of Shimano shoes, I expect many miles of comfortable riding ahead.
November 16, 2021
DYNALAST = DONOTLAST
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Weight:
- null
This material is so stretchy that 3-6 adjustments are needed PER ride, as it expands, expands, and flexes. Then it creases. At the 6000 km mark, elite level riding, its creases are really bad, creasing and bunching instead of gliding under the upper dial as you dial in the BOA. So yes, with wear, the DONOLAST folds as opposed to wraps. Combination of heat and rides just do it. in this aspect, vastly inferior to DYNEEMA (specialized) that seems indestructible. DONOTLAST also expands so much that sizing should not be an issue. Fits small becomes fits large after a 10km warmup...Bad Shimano, bad... Yes shoe flexes..
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
June 23, 2021
Nice but weird Fit
As other reviewers have said, the fit can be odd. This may be a QC issue. I ended up buying three different pairs to try (one with Velcro and BOA, two with BOA only). The 48 size was just barely too big with too much heel slip. I returned both and got a 47. One shoe fit like a glove, but I couldn't even get my foot in the other one! I'm returning this third pair and really hoping the Specialized Ares I got will help. I really don't like the amount of money I'm spending on returns!
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
May 3, 2021
Exceptional Fit and Finish
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Weight:
- null
Based on some of the previous reviews regarding the fit of the shoes, I was somewhat hesitant to purchase these shoes. I am so glad that I did though. I will agree that the toe box of the shoes definitely seem more narrow than the Fiziks that these are replacing. I actually spent hours wearing them on carpet (with no discomfort or numbness ) before even installing cleats. I have since put on a few hundred miles with them and are very happy with my purchase. After some time spent in the shoes, I have some things to share. First, they are one of the most ventilated and cool shoes to wear in hot weather that I've ever had. There is exceptional ventilation on both the top with micro perforations as well as vents on the bottom as well. In fact, if you position your foot correctly when coasting you can actually feel the air through the bottom of the shoes on your toes and heel. The BOA adjustments are positioned perfectly with micro adjustments possible for both the top and front of your feet. The shoes also feature a small piece neoprene at the top of the younger that makes them feel comfortable out of the box with zero break in time. Finally, the carbon soles are Uber Stiff - probably the most solid shoes I have ever ridden. Every ounce of effort you put into pedaling helps move you forward. I ordered the black with the purple writing. A small sidenote is that the S-phyre font is made of a color shift paint. It can range from purple to navy to lavender depending on the angle and the light. It is actually a super cool feature and (somewhat matches my bike which is an added bonus), looks great. Take the plunge - You'll be happy that you did!
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
April 26, 2021
Well constructed shoe with an odd fit
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
- Weight:
- null
I was very excited about these s-phyres, and I was impressed by the quality of the shoe. Unfortunately the fit of the shoe was less than ideal. The heel and mid-portion of the shoe felt great, but the toe box is toed-in while the rest of the shoe is pointed straight. The toe-box also seemed quite large in comparison to the rest of the shoe. These inconsistancies in the fit made the shoes uncomfortable for me.
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
April 7, 2021
RC902
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Weight:
- null
Have owned RC9, 901, and now 902 over the past few years. These are my favorite thus far. did size 45 in the 901 and 902. Fit is spot on. The upper wraps to your foot a little more and the heel cup sucks you in. The new dials are an improvement.
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
April 3, 2021
Glad I Stayed With Shimano
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Weight:
- null
Just got the blue SH-RC9 S-PHYRE in a 46.5 EUR or 11.5 US , love them , fit just right not too tight or overly roomy - have them combined with Shimano blue SPD-SL cleats and Dura Ace SPD-SL pedals - replacements for 13 year old Shimano SPD-R shoes with Red Look cleats and Look pedals . Both feet are B width and so they may run narrow but I think they're available in wide width. Competitive Cyclist has been great to work with , great product selection , fast delivery , & customer friendly return policy and standards - would buy these shoes again from Competitive !! Have only used them on an indoor Kurt-K fluid trainer but I'm sold on these shoes !!
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
March 10, 2021
Just a bit too narrow
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
- Weight:
- null
I don't have a wide foot, but do like a bit of toe room in my bike shoes. I really wanted to like these shoes and they were very comfortable when trying them on. However, as others have noted, they feel noticeably narrower and tighter right where you need space the most on the ball of your foot. Toes went numb after about 30 minutes and I had to return them :(
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
March 2, 2021
Amazingly comfortable - Odd fit
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Size Bought:
- 43
- Height:
- 5' 8"
- Weight:
- 170
These were my first pair of top tier cycling shoes. I was quite impressed with the feel overall, it was secure but not restrictive enough to feel like the sizing was wrong. One of the noticeable differences from my previous pair of shoes these are narrower overall. So much so that asking the misses about it and she said the same thing. Even at low tensions on the BOA dials my feet were definitely secured in the shoe and it felt comfortable. A problem I ran into though was after 30m (trainer only) my toes would go numb. As much as I would have like to think it was my fault for this, I tried to change my cleat positions a few times, lower tension on the BOA dials (I tend to like them tight), and even restricting my power output. None of my changes were met with positive results as right at the 30 minute mark my toes would go numb, which led me to return the shoes. Going back to my Fiziks (not wide versions I should add) I had no issues riding for hours on the trainer or outdoors with foot numbness. Overall the fit was great, but the narrow design caused issues for me.
Need Expert Advice?
Our Gearheads Can Help
January 4, 2022