For cyclists that demand a high performance road shoe without draining their entire gear budget, the Shimano RC702 Road Shoes offer a great alternative to the top-of-the-line S-Phyre model. The newly designed ultra-rigid hollow carbon midsole ensures great power transfer and ideal venting airflow, while the advanced Surround wrapping upper structure reduces overlap and provides a glove-like fit. Tying that together is an integrated seamless midsole and upper construction that sets a new level of fit, stability and lightweight performance at this price point. Dual Boa dials and more ergonomic anchor placements create an optimal balance of adjustability and pressure reduction that keeps you more comfortable longer, even in the hardest races or long competitive group ride.s

Dynalast is a proven Shimano last design that employs an optimized toe-spring section that promotes a smoother, more energy-efficient upstroke. Ironically the system begins with the heel position, carries through the mid foot (arch) and to the metatarsal zone and toe angle. Shimano's research and constant feedback from sponsored cyclists helped to quantify and qualify a generalized last structure that reduces tension and frees the anatomy to move fluidly through the pedal stroke. The toe-spring section of a cycling shoe plays a key role in supporting efficient pedaling. Too high, and it causes increased tension in the plantar, calf, and hamstring muscles. Too low, and you get a bowlegged, inefficient pedaling form. Dynalast solves that with the Goldilock's imperative, making the last just right for a large percentage of the cycling population.

The incredibly efficient, stiff UD carbon midsole/sole is built to support the the last and deliver power to the pedal. Shimano has expanded the cleat mount zone, offering 11mm fore-aft adjustment. When used with Shimano SPD-SL cleats, that adds up to 22mm combined. A front vented air intake delivers fresh air into the insole to reduce heat and moisture, working to prevent potential hot spots, chafing and blisters. Molded permanent toe and heel taps work well on wet or dry surfaces, and are exceedingly durable through the life of the shoe. Shimano bonds the upper to the last, blending it to the sole edges, adding reinforcement at the heel and toe zones.

The upper itself is a synthetic Surround wrapping structure material that is shaped for the anatomic requirements of the foot and ankle structures during pedaling action. The material is durable, supple, and has some stretch capability that really acts to conform to the foot better as you break the shoes in. By integrating seamless midsole and upper construction and an external heel cup, the overall effect is reminiscent of a climbing show in support and control, but with a stiff carbon sole. Shimano has worked diligently to find the best anchor, leverage, and fastening points for the two Boa Powerzone tech lace closure systems. Keeping all of those physical locations off sensitive pressure zones, while still providing the best possible fit is no mean feat, and of course with the variety in foot shapes, volumes, and structure, it is possible the RC702 won't be right for you. That said, the closure system is very effective and works perfectly with the upper to provide proper fit and support. The Boa L6 dials are easy to use, feature a push down button for quick release, are exceptionally durable. The system is perfect for cycling shoes, with adjustments as small as 1mm possible. The upper of the RC702 is also perforated for ventilation of heat and moisture with some air intake. Overall the effect is very clean, sleek, and fast.

As with all Shimano shoes, the insoles are perfectly matched to the design, with ample support, ventilation, and antimicrobial properties. The Delta 3-bolt cleat pattern is the standard for nearly all current road pedals systems, and the aforementioned increase in fore-aft cleat range is sincerely appreciated. Shimano has a very clear, and easy to duplicate cleat mount gauge on the sole, making it simple to mount any new cleats exactly where you your previous pair was. Everything about the Shimano SH-RC702 Road Shoe is engineered to deliver performance while ensuring comfort and efficiency, with ease of adjustment. The S-Phyre stands alone, but at 255 grams per shoe (size 42), the RC7 isn't much heavier and ensures about 95% of the performance a substantially lower cost.