Testing a pair of Shimano’s top-of-the-range women’s off-road SPD shoes sounds like a dream job, until you look out of the window and realise the first snow of winter is sitting on the ground. Race shoes are generally incredibly well-ventilated, which is ideal for July but a bit of a disaster in November, so this will be a two-part story – an introductory overview now and a full test report next Spring once the mercury has risen back into positive figures again.
Shimano describe their snappily-named S-Phyre SH-XC903W Women’s SPD shoes as being “Designed for world-class cross-country and cyclocross racers.” They go onto say that “the women’s-specific S-PHYRE XC903W cycling shoes deliver superb all-day ride comfort and complete foot security for more efficient pedalling performance during your hardest competitive efforts.” Unlike the S-Phyre XC910 shoes that Shimano launched back in August, the XC903Ws don’t have a gravel-specific focus, instead they are generalist off-road racing shoes. Shimano don’t offer the XC910s in a women’s fit, so the XC903Ws are therefore Shimano’s flagship offering for female riders looking for an off-road race shoe.
Shimano list a number of technical features for the XC903Ws:
- Race-Tuned Closure System: Dual low-profile BOA Li2 dials permit precise on-the-fly micro-adjustment, while the shielded bottom dial is protected against accidental release from impacts
- Lock Down: Heel cup with anti-twist stabilisation assures optimally secure foot position during intense accelerations and sustained high-cadence efforts
- Breathability: Variable-size perforation holes in the upper increase ventilation and add elasticity, helping accommodate a wider variety of foot shapes
- Max Traction: Lightweight Shimano ULTREAD XC rubber outsole with technical tread pattern provides exceptional grip even on slick terrain
- Optimised Power Transfer: Stiff carbon sole and midsole with low stack height help stabilise the foot for efficient all-day pedalling performance
The XC903Ws are available in sizes from 36-44 and the officially listed weight is 606g for a pair in size 43.
Abby’s feedback after her first couple of test rides:
The Shimano shoes are slightly lighter in weight and slightly wider than shoes from other brands that I’ve used in the past. The sizing came up small for me. I usually use a size 38 (my Shimano winter boots are a 38) but I had to size up to a 39 for the XC903Ws. Once I had the right size I found them comfortable. There was a bit of trial and error involved in working out how tight to do up the Boa dials. I started to feel some pressure in the top of one foot but loosening off the top Boa seemed to reduce that. The Boas were easy to adjust while on the bike. I’ll be interested to wear them on longer rides in warmer weather to see if the slightly wider fit reduces the painful hotspots I sometimes get on the soles of my feet on long, hot rides.
The heel cup is very narrow and padded, which holds the heel firmly in place but after a couple of hours the padded area on one of the shoes was starting to rub. This might have just been a ‘new shoe’ issue, so I’ll keep an eye on this when I try them on some longer rides. The air vents around the front of the shoe were effective at creating good airflow. This will be great in the summer, but means these shoes wouldn’t be suitable for cold or wet rides without wearing waterproof socks/overshoes.
The soles have a stiffness rating of 11 and feel noticeably stiffer than my current cycling shoes, but without being uncomfortable to walk in. They’re a mountain bike shoe so have decent tread. It might have just been my imagination, but I did feel like the stiffer soles gave me a bit more power on short sharp climbs.
The S-Phyre SH-XC903W Women’s SPD shoes have a recommended retail price of £349/US$480/€380. More details can be found about them on Shimano’s website.