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Whether off-road or on the road, with the S-Phyre shoes the Shimano designers are allowed to live out their full potential. The aim of the high-priced top models is clearly to increase efficiency for racing. BIKE has already extensively tested the top model in bright neon yellow for around 360 euros.
Shimano S-Phyre XC 9: technical data
- Weight: 782 grams per pair, size 44, incl. Shimano cleats (50 g)
- two Boa fasteners per shoe, with fine adjustment
- Michelin rubber sole
- Extra long studs (18 mm) available
- stiff, extra-flat carbon sole
- Sizes: 36 to 48, 37- 47 also in half sizes, width 38 - 47
- Scope of delivery: shoes, screw-in studs, shoe bag, S-Phyre socks
- Colours: yellow, blue, black
Price: approx. 360 Euro >> e.g. available from Rosebikes from 280 euros
Variable fit - from narrow to wide
The general Shimano recommendation is to order one size larger. However, our test shoe in size 44 was in no way smaller than the MTB shoes from other manufacturers. So if you ride size 44 on Specialized, Sidi, Giant and the like, you can confidently go for the same size here too. The insole can be adjusted to the respective arch of the foot using the two arch pads supplied. For strong support, we chose the thicker pad in High, which is velcroed under the insole to prevent it from slipping.
The two Boa twist fasteners allow the foot to be fixed very well and finely. The upper material encloses the foot from both sides and offers optimum support when pulling on the pedals. Even narrow feet will find sufficient support in the Shimano S-Phyre without the upper material creasing too much. However, the cut of the Shimano shoe is designed more for normal width feet.
Plenty of pressure on the pedal
The Shimano S-Phyre XC 9 is all about maximum power transfer, with the sole not flexing a millimetre and converting every ounce of power directly into propulsion. The low-profile sole is also pleasantly noticeable, allowing you to stand very close to the pedals. Even on longer rides, the Neon pedal sits comfortably firmly without pinching. Thanks to the rubber coating in the centre of the sole, you are still relatively secure on the pedals even when you are not yet clipped in. In running sections, the S-Phyre behaves like a typical racing shoe with a stiff sole but grippy rubber studs. On flat terrain, it runs quite well and is non-slip, but on steep climbs you have to tighten the Boa dials, otherwise the non-flexing sole causes heel slippage.
Test result: Expensive, light and maximum propulsion. The Shimano S-Phyre XC 9 fulfils all the requirements that a real race shoe for bikers should offer.
Pro
- First-class power transmission
- Wide range of customisation options
- high wearing comfort
- non-slip sole
- Very good range of sizes
Contra
- Very expensive
- some heel slip in steep running passages
