S-PHYRE Road and MTB footwear unveiled

S-PHYRE introduces BOA dials to Shimano footwear lineup

After months of testing with professional riders on the World Tour road and cross country circuits Shimano has revealed the name and features behind the footwear everyone’s been talking about.

The new S-PHYRE elite footwear range matches Shimano’s ambitions to create the most technologically advanced cycling solutions in the world. The S-PHYRE concept has one goal: to maximize power transmission by delivering more performance and making the most efficient use of the connection points between the bike, the footwear, the movement of the rider and the rider’s muscles.

This concept manifests itself in a range of performance cycling shoes and socks for road and cross-country/cyclocross racing.

The RC9 shoe is the pinnacle of this concept, having been tested thoroughly in the 2016 season by Team Giant-Alpecin, LottoNL-Jumbo and riders like Orica-BikeExchange’s Michael Matthews. The one-piece outer is made from supple, stretch-resistant and highly breathable Teijin Avail microfiber synthetic leather, with perforated dimple vents, providing a glove-like fit.

The closing mechanism is handled by two independent Boa IP1 dials with wire lacing to allow quick and precise micro-adjustments.

An externalised heel cup, along with the elimination of the lasting board helps reduce weight to 232g and allows for maximized power output through the ultra-rigid carbon sole.

Available in blue, white and yellow from sizes 36-48 including half sizes and wide fitting options.

The XC9 on the other hand combines the power-transferring benefits of a road shoe with the rugged qualities needed for off-road racing. The outsole minimizes weight to 325g (size 42) and offers increased traction over rocks and roots and adherence towards SPD pedals. Asymmetrically positioned molded studs help provide grip while optional 18mm spikes increase the XC9's winning combination in extreme conditions.

Available in blue and yellow, sizes 36-48 include half sizes and wide fitting options.

To increase synergy and power transfer between the footwear and the rider, S-PHYRE RC9 and XC9 shoes are sold with colour-matching professional grade S-PHYRE long ankle racing socks. These socks are designed with temperature-regulating sole ventilation, cushioning comfort in pressure areas, anatomically contoured construction with woven-in ankle guides, anti-slip heel stability, with an extra-tall cuff that’s guaranteed not to droop. Did we mention they look great too!