Yet the story of the upper is not over, as the material has been improved and changed to match the new 360 Surround design. Reinforced mesh and Microfiber leather upper materials with perforated zones are arranged and layered in targeted performance zones to maximize fit, flexibility, rigidity and breathability. Some of those may seem contradictory, but are more complementary. The closure of the upper is still controlled by a dual BOA dial and wire system, now the Li2 version. You still get quick and precise micro adjustments, and the even draw of the wire from the anchor and mounting points, but with the new upper the feeling can be more specific to your foot, as opposed to the upper itself. That was one complaint for cyclists who loved the platform, weight, and power, but couldn't quite get the inner arch zone to feel supported, though the foot was generally secure. So with more refined support from the surround wrap and anti-twist heel concepts, the foot now feels cradled and the closure system just confirms that. Proper last and support fit for your foot shape and volume should always define your shoe choice, but now the RC902W S-Phyre is more adaptive for a more perfect fit for more women.

This is a shoe concept that has always been capable of great power transfer thanks to a good fit, effective heel cup, and super stiff carbon fiber sole design, but now it is going to be better for virtually all those who wear it. Shimano has also re-explored their cleat mounting system based on shoe size and arch length, developing a 2nd gen Brannock foot measuring device that accounts for both to inform cleat placement. That explains the much more detailed cleat alignment guide on the bottom of the shoe. It make take some time for dealers to both acquire and grasp this system, but bike fit experts will generally follow their own training in this regard. The 3-bolt Delta cleat mount design is still optimized for SPD-SL pedal and cleat systems, and will still work with all other 3-bolt options, with fore-aft adjustability. It remains to be seen how cyclists and fitters embrace Shimano's Brannock based set-up, but you should at least be aware of it, and recognize it is a tool available to you from Shimano shoe dealers that use the Shimano Brannock 2 device. It is designed to identify the true ball of the foot and allow for adjustment as desired, just as other methods already in use do.

The outsole carries a toe-tap and heel lug for walking safety, with the heel lug also integrated into the ventilation system. The forward vent allows air in to be circulated within the sole and insole system to keep you cooler and drier. The heel lug also faces forward, catching air and sending it right up under the heel, which usually gets limited fresh air. These details matter in all day rides and hot weather exertion.

Overall the SH-RC902W S-Phyre Road Shoes are very impressive and we see real benefit the changes and refinements. They exhibit a strong commitment to customer feedback and best represent he application of total system integration to their shoe design. Instead of just having all the best component pieces and some upper coordination with the shoe and last, the RC-902W seems to be developed as if a human foot was literally inside it throughout the process. Excel Sports has sold many S-Phyre road shoes, so we are in no way demeaning the previous two versions. We have many happy cyclists wearing them, but we are excited to see Shimano taking the process further and delivering real world enhancement to their premium Women's road shoe.