Shimano Mountain Bike Shoes SH XC9 S PHYRE Wide Cycling Shoe Men’s

Why We Like The SH-XC9 S-PHYRE Bicycle Shoe – Wide

Take a look at Shimano sponsored off-road racer’s feet and there’s a good chance you’ll see Shimano’s SH-XC9 shoes. It’s easy to pick out the electric green or bright blue ones out of a crowd and they look just as cool as they perform. Shimano launched its S-Phyre concept as part of its top-of-the-line road and mountain shoes and clothing, as a no-holds barred offering of the finest cycling accessories available. The XC9’s are designed for off-road racing at the highest level and if you have a wider foot and value maximum power transmission, superb fit, and excellent comfort we urge you to have a look at the SH-XC9 S-PHYRE Cycling Shoe – Wide.

Shimano constructs the XC9 with a one-piece upper using Teijin synthetic microfiber leather that helps keep water out, and its increased number of perforations allow your feet to breathe easier and fit better. Dialing in the fit comes courtesy from the dual Boa IP1 dials offering independent and micro-adjustable tension and an instant release. Shimano believes that the fit is so refined and adjustable, that it didn’t bestow the XC9 – Wides with the Custom Fit heat and vacuum system we have known and loved on its high-end shoes over the past decade or so. We agree that the new BOA retention system and the soft upper creates such a near-custom fit that we’re not sure if a better or more comfortable fit is achievable.

At the rear of the shoe, Shimano uses a rounded external heel cup that caps the carbon sole and continues up the back of the heel. This design supports the heel preventing any possibility of twisting and rolling, stabilizing the foot for more efficiency. Inside the shoe at the heel cup, a cat’s tongue like gripping fabric further bolsters the foothold, providing a solid foundation for the feet without having to resort to excessive tension on the uppers. Shimano employs the French rubber wizards at Michelin to create a rubber compound for the lugs and the surrounding cleat mounting area. The rubber provides excellent grip off the bike and if you botch the clip in after the barriers, the middle of the sole offers a bit of grippy traction so your foot doesn’t slip off the pedal. The ability to run toe spikes come in handy when the course is heavy and running while off the bike is a reality. The shoes also get the upgrade of beefier armor up front to increase the shoe’s durability and save your toes.

The XC9 isn’t the lightest shoe on the market but Shimano wouldn’t sacrifice anything in the performance department to chase grams. However, hitting the scales at 330g per shoe in a size 42 isn’t bad at all in our book. When fit, power transfer, comfort, and durability, are factored in, you’ll find several shoes that are lighter but miss out elsewhere, yet you’ll probably never find a shoe that is this well rounded at any weight. A stiff Dynalast carbon fiber sole harnesses pedal power while putting less stress on the metatarsal zone. It’s super thin helping lower the overall stack height of the sole and hits an impressive 11 out of 12 on the brand’s sole stiffness scale. Paired with XTR pedals, you’ll get a setup that is damn close to being as efficient and light as a road setup with the versatility to use it on any surface. Wide feet cyclists rejoice; the performance shoe you’ve always dreamed of has arrived.

Details

• A pro-level mountain bike and cyclocross race shoe
• Additional perforations on the upper improve fit and breathability
• Wider last provides comfortable space for big feet
• Carbon-reinforced sole puts a premium of stiffness
• Dynalast carbon construction increases pedaling efficiency
• Rubber outsole features dual-density Michelin compounds
• Dual BOA IP1 dial buckle provides a near-custom fit
• Finished with reinforced toe spike mounts

Tech Specs

• Upper Material: Teijin synthetic leather
• Closure: dual Boa IP1 dials
• Midsole: Dynalast carbon fiber
• Sole: dual-density Michelin rubber
• Cleat Compatibility: 2-bolt mountain
• Claimed Weight: [single, size 42] 11.6oz (330g)
• Activity: cross-country, cyclocross
• Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year