You can instantly tell it's not an über stiff race shoe as it has a much softer feel when putting down power, but it certainly isn't a wet noodle. The sole is predominately carbon reinforced nylon, especially around the all-important mid foot area and as such has enough stiffness to retain a good level of power transfer. There is flex at the toe and heel area but for many this will be welcome, especially if you tend to ride all-day and/or at steadier paces. I never once encountered the dreaded hotspots or undue pressure that can come from an overly flexible shoe - even when riding for multiple hours on the turbo. Overall I am impressed by the RC5s. They don't have the stiffest soles but I've found them more than good enough for most rides, and the fact that you get some premium level features at a mid-market price adds appeal. As does the fact they also look great. Verdict 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. Although they come at a very premium price, they are readily available online at a discount which makes them very good value. When riding hard in an aero position on the flat or grappling with a grippy gradient, the soles do yield but not so much as to strain the feet or leg muscles or seem inefficient.

The additional ventilation is noticeable, and so expect to get cold feet on chillier rides. However the big game changer is the mesh panelling which allows for foot expansion in heat and improved comfort when riding hard! 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. Traditional laces have also had a bit of a renaissance in the last few years, so if you like a classic look you’ll have a few more options now. Just remember you won’t be able to adjust your shoes on the bike. Other features Therefore, I’d class the RC7 as a three-season shoe suitable for the UK winter (provided you wear overshoes). We were really impressed with the retro race shoe blend of laces and carbon sole, especially at the price point that these dhb Dorica road bike shoes come in at.Triathlon shoes are different from road shoes. If you fancy the idea of doing some triathlons, it might be worth getting a triathlon-specific pair. I certainly felt experienced zero ‘hot spots’ in testing, after rides of around two hours. Add in the fact that they weigh in at a respectable 248g per shoe (in a Euro size 42), and this all combines to make the Shimano RC5 shoes an admirable attempt at combining comfort with performance.

Several brands do offer ‘wide fit’ options - these include Sidi, Bont, Shimano and Lake. Lake provides wide toe boxes as well as custom moulded heel cups to ensure a good fit all round for those with a wide forefoot and narrow ankle. Another unusual feature is the sliding cleat plate that has three settings, and which provides about a centimetre of fore-and-aft adjustability. That said, the S-Works 7 Lace do also suffer from the same problem as all lace up shoes - there's no scope for adjustment on the fly and it is difficult to get them really tightened down for sprint efforts. Our tester found that his feet would still end up moving a little inside the shoes, no matter what. But for long rides and anything that doesn’t involve maximal sprints, the 7 Lace are even more comfortable than the regular S-Works 7, and make an excellent choice. However, for road riding, you really want three-bolt cleats which will give you a wider platform for improved power transfer through the pedals. For that reason, mid and high-end shoes will only come with three bolts patterns. What should I do to look after my cycling shoes? Much of my testing was while commuting. The RC7 was ideal for a blend of traffic-filled urban streets and longer stretches on open roads.

Buyer’s guide to cycling shoes: what to look for

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. Heel support and heel lift are often an issue with this type of winter boot though, so make sure that the fit is good if you go this route. Also consider swapping to winter boots and pedals for two bolt cleats for their better walkability in the wet or when it's icy - you're less likely to take a spill on a tile floor at the coffee stop. Do brands make cycling shoes to fit wider feet? 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. There are three main closure systems in use today. The most popular are Velcro straps or wire laces with micro-adjustable dials (Boa and similar).

Cycling is a forefoot sport. Whilst the foot itself doesn’t generate any power, all of the watts produced elsewhere pass through your digits. So not only do poorly fitting shoes create pain, they can also limit performance. 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. 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 testersAs with Shimano’s more expensive shoes, the RC3 is based around Shimano’s Dynalast, which the brand claims produces “an optimised toe-spring section that promotes a smoother, more energy-efficient upstroke”. The shoes lose some weight compared to the regular 7s and although they also lose a little bit of stiffness this is not noticeable. At the top of the tree you have dial closures, the fastening system used on most high-end shoes. In general, these are very secure, are easy to adjust, and can be dialled in (excuse the pun) to give a very precise hold. However, there are differences between different brands of dials. Boa dials offer the current gold standard with higher-end Boas providing incremental tightening and loosening, while those from other brands and lower spec Boas can't always be loosened quite so easily. The main thing that you are looking for with the soles of your cycling shoes is for them to be stiff. This means that when you press down the sole won't bend, meaning that all of the power that you generate is transferred through the sole and into the pedal. The second consideration is weight, with more expensive shoes coming with lighter soles. 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 Ares shoes don't work for everyone though - your feet need to be the right shape and they work best if your arches are high. Occasionally, you even get a combination of both. Velcro straps have the advantage of being cheap, effective and easy to use, so you’ll often find these on lower-end shoes. On higher-end shoes, Boa and other similar dial systems tend to dominate due to their ability to precisely control fit.The lace model of the S-Works line is the most affordable in the range - and also notably comfortable.