Road Shoes
Shimano RC7 $300 A
The Shimano RC7 shoes are clearly designed for racing and competitive weekend riding. So it’s not surprising that they deliver exceptional stiffness and support for efficient power transfer without compromising the comfort required on longer rides. Shimano starts with a lightweight and supremely stiff carbon-fibre composite midsole that ensures efficient power transfer when sprinting to the finish. The uppers feature a supple perforated synthetic leather that delivers a foot-hugging fit. The dual Boa L6 dial closures allow for quick on-the-bike fit adjustments. Shimano uses its Dynalast shoe last for construction, which translates into improved comfort and pedalling efficiency. ( bike.shimano.com)
Pearl Izumi Tour Road $200 B
The Pearl Izumi Tour Road shoes offer many modern cycling shoe technologies in a classic, old-school package. The outsole, for example, is made from a black nylon composite with an integrated carbon plate at the ball of the foot for increased stiffness and pedalling efficiency. It’s designed to accept either three-bolt spd road cleats or two-bolt cleats used in off-road rides. The upper is similarly low key (at least visually), but it utilizes a bonded seamless construction that ensures a foot-hugging fit. For a closure system, Pearl Izumi has opted for the traditional laces as they are very light and allow for a wide range of adjustment. (They have been proven effective in almost all footwear over the centuries.) As a nod to those who prefer a bit more visual interest in their cycling footwear, Pearl Izumi includes a second pair of brightly coloured laces. ( pearlizumi.com)
Garneau Course Air Lite II $450 C
At first glance, the Course Air Lite II shoes look a lot like many other high-end road shoes. They have the obligatory lightweight and super-stiff outsole (Garneau specs a titaniumreinforced carbon sole) for efficient power transfer. For the upper, the shoes sport the now ubiquitous ventilated microfibre fabric that is light, durable and conforms easily to the rider’s foot. Garneau adds two Boa dial closures that allow for effortless on-the-bike fit adjustments and create the locked-in fit necessary during hard sprints. Other notable features include a grippy heel-cup lining that helps minimize unwanted heel slip and a replaceable rubber heel pad with hidden screws. These are all good things, but where the Course Air Lite II shoes really distinguish themselves is with the addition of the X-comfort Zone stretch panel. Located on the outside of the shoe, this panel expands as much as to 5 mm to accommodate B through D+ foot widths, as well as the normal foot expansion that occurs when pedalling. This seemingly simple (and patented) feature delivers a level of comfort that few cycling shoes can match. ( garneau.com)
Diadora Vortex Comp Nano $220
The sleek-looking Vortex Comp Nano is a great shoe for aspiring racers or anyone looking to log many road miles. Diadora starts with a smooth synthetic perforated upper that conforms easily to the foot for exceptional comfort during long rides. A single Boa closure with a hook-and-loop strap at the forefoot provides a secure fit that is easily adjusted, even when riding. For optimal power transfer, Diadora has spec’d a lightweight yet rigid composite reinforced sole that also sports vents in the instep for extra cooling in warm conditions. In the heel, the Vortex Comp Nano shoe features a non-slip lining for additional security during hard efforts. For more comfortable walking when off the bike, there’s a durable and grippy heel pad. ( logicasport.com) — Gusalexandropoulos