The R131 ticks all the right boxes when it comes to an expert level race shoe; you rarely get much change from £100 for a shoe with such features, especially ones with a full carbon sole.
The synthetic silver uppers match the carbon sole for racy looks, but there's still no escaping Shimano's utilitarian nature. Putting the desirability for all things European to one side, the R131S is a great top-level shoe. Two huge, offset Velcro straps secure a resounding hold against the feet and the ratchet feels like it could secure a marquee in a gale force wind.
Shimano shoes are always built to last and we see no reason why the R131 would be any different - they certainly feel like they will take regular abuse. The R131 is a competitively priced shoe that can easily deal with race, training or commuting duties.