Studio : Shimano

Publisher : Shimano

Binding : Misc.

Product Description
Have a look at the start grid of a World Cup 'cross or cross-country race. You'll notice a sea of high-viz yellow and electric blue Shimano SH-XC9 Bicycle Shoes eagerly waiting to clip in and make the mad dash to the front of the field. We're pretty sure there are some black ones in their too on the feet of some racers who tend to not be so flashy with their footwear choices, but those are harder to notice. Why so many competitive off-road cyclists use these shoes are obvious as soon as you get a set in your hands or on your feet. These shoes are designed for maximum performance. Recently Shimano launched its S-Phyre concept as part of its top-of-the-line road and mountain shoes sharing similar construction features. The XC9's are designed for off-road racing at the highest level and as such, features and technologies are included in the design with the focus on maximum power transmission, superb fit, and excellent comfort. Shimano constructs the XC9 with a one-piece upper using Teijin synthetic material that handles water resistance, while the large and numerous vent holes allow the feet to breathe. Dialing in the fit comes courtesy from the dual Boa IP1 dials offering independent and micro-adjustable tension across the top of the foot. Shimano believes that the fit is so refined that it didn't bestow the XC9 with the Custom Fit heat and vacuum system we have come to expect on its high-end shoes in the past decade. We'd have to agree that indeed the Boa and the soft upper simple melds the shoe around our foot and we're not sure if a better or more comfortable fit is achievable. On the rear of the shoe, Shimano uses an external cup that covers the carbon sole and up the back of the heel. This design supports the heel preventing twisting and rolling, stabilizing it for more efficiency. Inside the shoe at the heel, a cat tongue like gripping fabric further bolsters the foothold, providing a solid foundation for dishing out the big watts at the race start and on ...
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