Road Shoes

Shimano SH-R087 Road Bike Shoes: The Road Competition series combines the three most important properties of a competitive racing shoe: Stability, Rigidity and Light Weight. There are two primary considerations for a shoe at this price-point: comfort and performance. Are both considerations covered on what is essentially an entry-level shoe? Thankfully, the R087 provides plenty of bang for your buck on both fronts. These arrived for test some time ago but have become the go-to shoe for casual riding and training. Save the super-bling carbon soles for serious training or racing. Two Velcro straps and a ratchet buckle ensure a snug, secure and comfortable fit, with no sign of slippage nor discomfort during a long ride. And the stretch-resistant leather upper has maintained its shape throughout. A generous amount of mesh material and a series of small holes provide plenty of ventilation when riding in warm weather, although, like most shoes, you’ll need an oversock or overshoe to keep the wind out through winter. But that’ll help keep them clean anyway as the R087 is only available in white. As for performance, the fibreglass reinforced polyamide sole is stiff and compatible with SPD-SL and SPD cleats. Our pair weigh 700g with Shimano SPD-SL cleats fitted. One word of caution; fit is on the small side so order a size up. On the plus side, a wide fit option is available through all sizes. So all that makes for an excellent shoe ideal for, as Shimano told us from the outset, club and recreation riding.

The R241 is an elite, heat moldable shoe, second only to the R320 in Shimano's vast lineup of well-engineered shoes. Shimano perfected a method of head-molding to achieve a perfect, customized fit. The R241 provides excellent comfort in a feathery light shoe with pro-level stability. A curved, anatomical last creates a natural shoe-to-foot interface while a supple micro-fiber upper supplies a snug, supportive fit. Shimano shoes traditionally look pretty traditional. But this model has some flare with the blue accents. A lightweight hollow channel, weaved carbon fiber composite sole is ultra rigid. The upper material of the shoe regulates temperature through mesh panels and an anti-slip heel lining prevents heel lift. The fit isenhanced through an easy-to-use top buckle and ratchet system, while two off-set straps eliminate pressure points. Shimano has its own oven that is necessary to mold the shoe, and you should seek out someone trained in this process to reap the full benefits of this innovative technology, but many people find it to fit great right out of the box.

The Sidi T4 AIR Carbon triathlon cycle shoes features a super-perforated triathlon-specific upper for maximum drainage and ventilation, with a plush, brushed interior for sock-free comfort for fast transitions and supreme comfort on the bike leg. Like all SIDI carbon soles, the Twelve Carbon/Composite sole is made with two different materials blended together, nylon and carbon fibre. It is made out of injected Carbon Fiber in a matrix of Nylon. The Nylon used doesn’t absorb water and doesn’t lose rigidity in hot or humid weather or as it ages. The result is a significantly lighter and stiffer sole Translation: The T4 gives you legs on the bike, and saves your legs for the run. Features: NEW AIR perforated Triathlon-specific upper has a plush, brushed interior with minimal seams for sock-free comfort, and is now vented for air flow and water drainage TWELVE CARBON COMPOSITE Sole is made with two different materials blended together, nylon and carbon fibre Large heel loop for fast transitions For walkability, Sidi cycling shoes include a replaceable polyurethane heel pad. Specs: Upper: Vented Politex Upper Sole: Twelve Carbon Composite Sole Technology: Sidi heel cup pull-tab on the heel for fast transitions, replaceable heel pad