Shimano has announced a special edition of its RC903 shoe called the RC903S to coincide with the beginning of the 2023 Spring Classics.
The new road cycling shoe has a champagne and black colour scheme said to bring “a pop of colour to the pageantry of this season’s podium celebrations”.
Shimano’s latest top-flight shoe was first seen on the feet of Mathieu van der Poel in February 2022 before being launched officially in September.
This latest version of the shoe may be a special edition, but it has the same price as the standard version at £349.99 / $450 / €379.95 / AU$649.95.
Podium finish
Alongside the champagne finish, Shimano has added some extra bling to the RC903S shoe in the form of metal Boa Li2 dials.
The standard S-Phyre RC903 shoe has plastic Boa Li2 dials and, while the material differs, the two dials offer the same low-profile design and micro-adjustment capability.
This retention system provides adjustment in 1mm increments, with a dial that can be turned in either direction for loosening and tightening.
Refined fit for Brut power
Shimano says the Boa Li2 dials combine with the crossover lacing pattern to provide a comfortable and snug fit.
The lacing design on the RC903 runs in a figure-of-eight shape and is said to help reduce the chance of hotspots and increase the microfibre upper’s flexibility.
Further bids to improve fit and comfort come in the form of a unique Dynalast shape. The shape is said to create an “expanded fit range” to accommodate a wider variety of foot shapes and sizes, possibly reducing the chance of foot pain.
Shimano says this was made possible by a new heel cup, which is claimed to be stabilising and 'anti-twist' to hold your foot in place during hard efforts – and presumably, the outlays of power we can expect to see animate races such as the Tour of Flanders.
Weights and sizes
The Shimano RC903S comes in sizes EU37 to 47, with half sizes available, as well as in sizes EU36 and 48.
There is a wide-fit version of the shoe across the same sizes as the standard version.
The shoe weighs a claimed 225g in a size EU42.
