There are basically four different systems used to tighten cycling shoes: Velcro, ratchets, laces, and dials. It’s always worth considering what type of riding your shoes are designed for. A lot of road cycling shoes are designed to be ridden in hot weather, for example, meaning they’re very breathable and won’t offer much protection from the elements.

Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. The relatively mild conditions will have contributed to that, but most of the water that entered the shoe also flowed out through the vents in the bottom and didn’t slosh about inside for too long. An optimised toe spring section using Shimano’s ‘Dynalast’, is said to put less pressure on the plantar by allowing the foot to follow a more natural range of movement.Therefore, I’d class the RC7 as a three-season shoe suitable for the UK winter (provided you wear overshoes). Laces are excellent for distributing pressure evenly for achieving a comfy fit for all day rides. Plus the shoes also benefit from the superb FACT Powerline carbon sole, which is one of the stiffest platforms on the market. Whether your ambitions are to boost your fitness to ride faster for fun or you’re aiming to drop your rivals as you race for wins, the RC5 Road Shoes offer all the performance you could need, but without emptying your bank account. These shed water well too, as I found on a couple of soggy commutes when my feet got drenched, yet not cold.

I’m not sure I could feel any great difference on the road, but these were certainly comfortable. Part of that may be down to the sole – it’s pretty stiff, but not incredibly so. Former British Cycling physiotherapist and bike fitter at the eponymous Phil Burt Innovation, Phil Burt told us: “If you’re in a wrongly fitted shoe it would manifest as rubbing around the little toe, pain underneath the first and second toe where a lot of people get numbness or pins and needles.”Shoe sizing is pretty consistent across brands, particularly when compared to other pieces of cycling clothing – but just because your old and worn-out size 46 shoes were comfortable, it doesn't necessarily mean you can jump straight into a different brand in the same size.

Carbon soles will be stiffer and increase pedalling efficiency, which is great unless you're expecting to walk in them, when a little more give will prove useful. Likewise, they don't have and sole grip.From smashing through tough intervals in training to smashing your rivals in races, the RC5 Road Shoes deliver superb performance but at a keen price point for those riders on a tighter budget. The impressive price to performance ratio is thanks to renowned Shimano technology and features, first found on their premium race shoes… Think too about the closure system. Boa dials are efficient but expensive and single dials may not distribute pressure as evenly as dual dial systems. Ratchets and Velcro are cheaper and can be as efficient. Laces look smart and save weight, but you can't adjust them while riding. Overall, these are stylish, supportive and lightweight shoes that combine a stiff sole with all-day comfort. They’re comparatively good value, too, being cheaper than both the Giro Empire SLX and the DMT KRSL.

Once you’ve considered all of the options, keep reading to the end for our buyer’s guide to road cycling shoes. Best cycling shoes in 2023, as rated and reviewed by our expert testers The Shimano RC5s are a bit of a faff to get on and tensioned correctly, but once done it's absolutely worthwhile. They're well made, good looking, very secure and comfortable for long, hot rides, while offering good stiffness for hard efforts. The mid-range price is a big bonus. Oh, and did I mention that blue? Verdict Although they come at a very premium price, they are readily available online at a discount which makes them very good value.These Road Shoes are compatible with road bike pedal systems that use cleats with 3-bolt standards, such as: Look Delta and Keo, Shimano SPD-SL, Speedplay Light Action, Zero, X-Series (via 3-hole adapter plate), Campagnolo Pro-Fit, Mavic Zxellium, Time Iclic/Xpresso and Time Impact. Most cycling shoes can be wiped down with a damp cloth, but don't try anything more aggressive to clean them unless the maker's care instructions advise this. The Shimano RC7s are very easy to recommend, as they do everything you want for the price and arguably look even better. Slip them on, give them a twiddle and you're free to enjoy anything from an epic to a sprint to a race. Ideal. Verdict The Boa dial is a popular closing mechanism for cycling shoes, alongside the more classic Velcro. David Caudery / Immediate Media The upper is the same non-stretch Dyneema but with mesh panels that not only deliver on better ventilation but also provide additional give in the upper for increased comfort around areas prone to hotspots.