The XC902 S-Phyre Mountain Shoe delivers the ultimate combination of light weight, power transfer, comfort, and stability that XC and cyclocross racers demand. As with most Shimano products the build of the shoe represents an integrated system, with each component piece, material, and technology optimized to complement the others, and ensure premium rider performance.

The updates and refinements in the XC902 validate the continuing development of the S-Phyre mountain option, while informing the whole series of XC shoes. The construction and materials can be described from the bottom up or the top down. In using the latter format, the story begins with the Surround upper, a microfiber synthetic fabric creation that features a mesh inner layer and strategically placed perforations to increase heat and moisture release and transfer. The eye-catching new upper closure design and implementation via the dual Boa Li2 dials create a semi cross-over design with anchors and guides that keep direct pressure off sensitive bone structures of the foot, while bringing proper support and connection with the foot and Dynalast sole. The updated L-Series platform from Boa brings a sleek, low-profile design, unprecedented durability, and improved sustainability. With incremental micro-adjustability, Li2 offers the ultimate in fast, effortless, precision fit. The mid and fore foot zone features Powerzone lace guides to secure forefoot fit up through the mid. At the top, the second Li2 dial is pulls a short wire and wide, pressure distributing strap that holds the upper zone in place, and effectively counters the directed control of wire pulling system of the lower dial despite the dual dials being located on the same side of the shoe.

Sole stiffness, structure and shape all combine to deliver proper pedaling dynamics from the shoe to the pedal throughout the pedal stroke, and Shimano's UD carbon fiber sole plates are incredible. So much so that their stiffness scale goes to 12. The XC902 delivers a 11/12 with the highest rating going to road shoes that can be stiff to the extreme. Employing the proprietary Dynalast power transfer design, the sole, last and insole serve to deliver the power you create, while carrying the bottom of the foot with support throughout the arch and metatarsal zone to reduce fatigue and limit potential for injury from strain. Shimano complements the power phase of the pedal stroke by ensuring the XC902 will also cradle your foot through the back half as well, using a simple, but effective lightweight external heel counter cup which supports and controls as well as aligns with the center of the heel, then uses the capture shape of the upper to control the zone around the Achilles tendon, maintaining stability and a secure feeling whether your efforts are in or out of the saddle. The material inside the back of the heel system within the shoe features a fabric that features a directional friction pattern, also serving to hold the sock in place, further minimizing the risk of heel slip during the hardest pedaling efforts.