After a sneaky tease at Eurobike back in July, the all-new Shimano S-Phyre RC903 shoes are hitting the shelves, topping out the brand's premium shoe line-up.
Superseding the S-Phyre RC902 model, the road cycling shoes have been redesigned with a revised retention system, highly vented toe box and no fewer than five colour options.
There's also a women's-specific model on offer, the S-Phyre RC903W, featuring a reduced volume and narrower fit, claimed to better suit the female rider.
First seen sported by Mathieu van der Poel back in February, the shoes have been tested and raced throughout the 2022 season by both him and other WorldTour riders, including Primož Roglič, Romain Bardet and Lorena Wiebes.
Updated Boa setup and heel cup
A few changes in the Boa dial and lace setup are said to improve the flexibility of the shoe's upper, reducing the risk of hot spots.
A pair of Li2 Boa dials are used to adjust the lace tension, which now runs in a figure-of-eight layout over the top of the shoe. These premium dials are also adjustable in both directions, so you can fine-tune your fit even on the fly, according to Shimano.
This reduces the three plastic guides for the lower lace on the outgoing S-Phyre RC902 model to just one with the RC903.
Further improving the fit of the shoe, according to Shimano, is the updated heel cup. Designed to be secure and stable, this anti-twist feature is said to lock in the heel to prevent movement during hard efforts and sprints.
Added ventilation, reduced weight
Be in no doubt that this is a warm-weather shoe. The lower reaches of the shoe's tongue have been replaced by a highly perforated mesh, presumably to further improve ventilation.
The S-Phyre RC903 is claimed to weigh in at 225g for a size 42, saving 10g on its predecessor.
New colours for the RC903 and RC903W
The shoes are available in five colourways.
Riders opting for the unisex fit can choose between black, white, red and the classic S-Phyre bright blue.
The women's-specific model features its own colourway, with a white base complemented by a pearly silver heel cup, more akin to the outgoing model design.
Shimano S-Phyre RC903 shoes sizes and pricing
Shimano usually offers a good range of sizing options, and the S-Phyre RC903 is no exception. In the white, black, blue and red colourways you can find sizes from 40 to 48, with half sizes available, reaching up to 46.5. There are also wide-fit sizes on offer from 40 to 46.
If you opt for the women's S-Phyre RC903W model, there are shoe sizes from 36 to 44 in full sizes only.
Pricing is set at €359.95 / $450. UK pricing is to be confirmed.
