The first thing you notice with Shimano’s RX6 shoes is how impressively light they are – the manufacturers claim just 274g for a size 42. While these shoes share the same upper as their big brother, the RX8, their sole is aimed firmly at gravel riders and bikepackers with a slightly less racey outlook on life. The carbon reinforced nylon sole is designed to create “race-level rigidity for enduring pedalling performance on day long rides” but they are equipped with a “wider outsole pattern” and “TPU lugs” which help to “provide reliable comfort and confidence off the bike”. We’re thinking café stops, impromptu re-supplies and schlepping about at the overnight bivvy spot.

The synthetic leather uppers have the same surround-wrapping design as the racier RX8s, but with a BOA L6K adjuster, rather than the BOA IP1 micro-adjusters from the RX8s.

They come in four colours – stone grey and sand beige for the women’s models plus green and black for the men’s versions.

Both the women’s and the men’s versions feature the same amazing venting – there are vents in the sole, plus “micro-perforations for ventilation and a mesh insert provides superior breathability to facilitate improved temperature regulation on your ride perforations in the upper”. For anyone heading away for some winter sunshine, these will be ideal.

The women’s RX6 shoes come in sizes 36 to 44 and the men’s version comes in 38 to 50, plus a wide version which is offered in sizes 38 to 48. 

The MSRP is £159.99/US$180. Full details can be found here