Determining the Right Mix of Performance and Comfort for Your Ride
Whether you're an Enduro racer, weekend road warrior, gravel rider, or everyday commuter, Shimano’s range of cycling shoes has something for everyone. Our footwear lineup is purpose-built for different riding styles, and each model offers unique features designed to enhance your ride performance while boosting comfort.
A key feature that riders often overlook when deciding what shoe is right for them is the shoe’s stiffness. Each Shimano shoe is designed around a specific level of stiffness, indicated with a number that ranges between 2 and 12. This rating helps describe whether the shoe is designed for performance, comfort, or somewhere in between.
Shoes with a stiffness rating of 12 provide the most efficient pedaling dynamics. They are engineered to limit torsional and lateral flex while providing unrivaled power transfer and efficiency. On the other end of the index, a Shimano shoe with a rating of 2 has a more pliable sole optimized for walkability and comfort or for ultimate flat pedal flexibility.
Below is a breakdown of Shimano’s shoe stiffness ratings and what each level is best suited for in terms of riding style and personal preferences.
12 – Unrivaled Road Race Performance
There are two shoes in Shimano’s entire lineup with a max stiffness number of 12, and those are the top-of-the-line S-PHYRE RC903 and RC903 PWR road shoes. These shoes win monuments, Grand Tours, and World Championships and are a regular in the men’s and women’s pro peloton and on the track.
Both the RC903 and RC903 PWR feature upper constructions that minimize torsional and vertical flex, promoting the highest power transfer possible. This helps riders squeeze out every bit of efficiency and speed through each professional-grade pedal stroke. The shoes also features a full carbon sole that is built for stiffness to help power riders to their maximum potential.
While the RC903 and RC903 PWR road shoes are an obvious choice for professional racers, these shoes are also a great choice for keen riders looking to maximize performance by increasing their pedaling efficiency and power transfer.
11 – Unrivaled World Cup Mountain Bike and Cyclocross Performance
Shimano’s S-PHYRE XC903 off-road shoes feature a stiffness rating of 11 and are chosen by the world’s best mountain bike and cyclocross racers. They offer the highest stiffness rating of any Shimano off-road shoe while maintaining just enough flex for added comfort and control on hike-a-bike sections or while running through muddy fields.
The XC903 shoes have helped carry pro riders to countless victories, including Olympic gold medals and CX World Championships. They’re also a regular at local mountain bike and cyclocross races, where riders want the ultimate responsiveness when throwing down the power lap after lap.
10 – Top-Shelf Gravel Race and Road Premium Performance
Shimano’s RX8 gravel race shoes have a level 10 stiffness rating and are the optimal balance between pedaling efficiency and comfort. These shoes feature a similar upper construction to the uber stiff RC903 shoes but with a more rugged sole like the XC903 off-road kicks. Ideal for long gravel races and hard rides, the RX8 gravel shoes deliver the power transfer to win a 200-mile event while maintaining comfortable walkability for stream crossings or the dreaded mud sections.
The RC7 premium road shoes also have a stiffness rating of 10. They feature the same last and construction as the top-shelf RC903, but with more cost-conscious materials and walkable properties. Many domestic level pros and discerning amateur riders can be found rocking the RC7 for their reliability, comfort, and premium pedaling efficiency.
8-9 – Cross Country Performance and Road Enthusiast Performance
The mid-range XC7 and RC5 fall on the upper middle end of the Shimano stiffness scale. Both maintain a firm and stable pedaling platform while allowing more movement and comfort off the bike. This stiffness is great for dedicated XC, Grand Fondo, or charity riding enthusiasts.
6-7 – Gravity and Enduro Race Performance
The GE-series of clip-in gravity shoes fall on the lower-mid spectrum of stiffness. While enduro racers and downhillers put down an incredible amount of power during race runs, these shoes are often paired with clipless pedals that use a larger platform, like the XTR and XT trail pedals. The increased surface area provides stability while allowing the shoe to remain flexible for a better feel in corners and technical sections. They also offer added comfort while hoofing it on the transfer stages.
5-6 – Indoor Cycling Performance
The IC series of clip-in, indoor cycling shoes strike the ideal balance between a stable pedaling platform for indoor workouts, while maintaining more natural movement while getting around the cycling studio. The IC1 and IC5 are purpose-designed and built to help people reach their fitness goals while delivering comfort on and off the bike.
4-5 – Bike Touring Performance
Shimano’s EX category of endurance touring shoes uses a less stiff sole than most since these kicks are designed to provide equal parts pedaling efficiency and walkability. They are the single pair of footwear needed on multi-day adventures, where happy feet on and off the bike are key to a fun and successful trip.
2-3 – Gravity, Enduro and Trail Flat Shoe Performance
The GF series–for flat pedal gravity, trail, and enduro riding–has the least stiff sole of all Shimano footwear, allowing riders more flexibility and control through their shoe while making off-the-bike walking more comfortable.
While these shoes are less stiff, the connection between rider and bike is still secure. Flat pedals provide a large, firm platform that helps transfer power when pedaling out of corners or sprinting up to speed. Riders can count on the pedal itself to provide that powerful pedaling platform while the shoe delivers optimal flexibility to stay firmly planted on the pedal.
Plus, the extra flexibly makes these shoes super comfortable to walk in, whether pushing up a hill, standing in a lift line, or cruising around town after a ride.