August 19/09 12:55 pm - Shimano R310 Road Shoes

Posted by Editoress on 08/19/09
 

I have been a fan of Shimano road and mountain shoes for over 15 years.  They are stiff, lightweight, and comfortable (in that order).  Shimano has managed to take it one step further with the R310 road racing shoe. By using a new 'Custom-Fit' technology, Shimano offers shoes that appeal to a broader range of feet.  They still use a stiff carbon fiber sole, they continue to get lighter with each new incarnation, and best of all, they have reached a level of comfort unmatched by previous generations of cycling shoes.

Gone are the days of the top end Silver coloured Road shoes

With the R310 Road shoe, Shimano has hit the nail directly on the head with what a cycling shoe should be. A unidirectional, hollow carbon fiber sole makes them stiff, eliminating flex in the sole, which means all power is transferred directly to the pedals. The hollow sole (made similarly to carbon bicycle frames), has allowed Shimano to keep these shoes incredibly lightweight while maintaining stiffness. Additionally, there are two vents in the bottom to keep your feet cool and dry during long hot rides.

If I had to complain about previous Shimano shoe offerings it would be the uppers.  They tended to be a little stiff which caused uncomfortable pressure points on my feet during long days in the saddle.  To amend this problem, Shimano has redesigned the shoe's last. It is now made from vented synthetic micro-fiber leather, which is much more supple and has virtually eliminated all pressure points.

To the unassuming eye, the fasteners on the R310 appear unchanged. However, Shimano has tweaked them slightly creating a more ergonomic fit.  The top clasp is a wide, padded micro-adjustable buckle, which secures the shoe over the top of the foot along with two additional velcro straps for precision fit.  The micro-adjust buckle is detachable and has two mounting points that can accommodate those with a taller instep.

The R310's lining is weaved with silver thread, which is not only antimicrobial to help control odour, but the metal fibres actually grip your heels, virtually eliminating any noticeable heel slippage.

By using more carbon in the sole and heel-cup, Shimano was able to save considerable weight and increase stiffness in the R310

What makes this shoe even better is the custom moldability.  By using heat and a vacuum molding system, the insole and upper can be completely form-fitted to the shape of your foot.  This process offers greatly increased comfort at a price point that other 'custom' cycling shoe manufacturers can't come close to.  Once the shoe has been molded, it transforms from a very comfortable off-the-shelf feel into a shoe that fits more like a slipper. You couldn't ask for anything better.

For those that can't find absolute comfort in the heat moldable insoles, custom orthotics are completely compatible with all of the custom-fit models of road and mountain bike shoes. Riders that have wide feet need look no further as these shoes are also available in E widths.

The days of Shimano's top-end classic silver coloured shoes are no more. They now offer the R310's in black or white. The shoes fit true to size - if you are a 43 in previous Shimano models you'll be the same size in these new shoes.

As far as pedal system compatibility goes, Shimano uses the typical three-bolt cleat mounting system similar to Look.  When combined with a pair of SPD-SL pedals, you feel one with your bicycle.

The full carbon sole now has two vents to keep your feet cool even on the warmest of days

One other thing worth mentioning, for those that ride/race in all weather conditions, the material used in R310's tend to dry quickly so you won't have to slip on a pair of soggy shoes the next day after riding in the rain!

At the end of the day, what more could a rider ask for in a high performance cycling shoe?  Shimano has made a shoe that offers unparalleled comfort and performance in an 'off the shelf' design that is available to the masses.  For those that have an appreciation for high-end cycling gear, a pair of these shoes will certainly compliment the rest of your kit.

The R310's are available through Shimano shoe retailers.  However, not all retailers stock the custom fitting machine.  An inquiry to Shimano Canada or the shimano website (use the dealer locator) is all you need to find the closest retailer that offers this fitting service.

MSRP is $499.99 and more information is available at shimano.com

Review and photos by Chad Grochowina