However, on harder rides where I was keen to press on the pedals, I found the flex in the 8/12-rated sole hindered my effort. When I put more power down, I found the shoe to flex linearly and laterally underfoot, leading to some discomfort and strain on my legs come ride end. A nice touch, whether by accident or design, is that toe warmers completely cover all the perforations, so although these shoe are designed to let air flow over your foot in warmer conditions, I used them in close to freezing conditions several times with just toe warmers without any issues. Weight, value and conclusion The heel and toe bumpers are moulded TPU, offering a stable platform for walking, and the shoes feature a sliding three-hole cleat mount, allowing for a rearward cleat position. The sole may not be carbon fiber, but it has its strengths. It's a lightweight glass fiber nylon. That doesn't make for an immovable pillar of adamantium, but the nylon actually improves the tensile strength while the glass fiber adds rigidity (power transfer). The result is a good balance of performance to longevity. We expect the shoe to hold up for at least 3-5 seasons of regular use before there are any problems with mechanisms, upper, sole, or seams. Value

If you live somewhere where the weather is invariably cold and wet, it’s worth considering whether those sorts of shoes are really the right choice, or if you’d be better off with something more robust. Do cycling shoes make a difference?

For riders who need even more shoe volume, Shimano offers the following shoes in the Tour Volume Last.

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 testers From the World Championship-winning RC903 to the coffee ride favorite RC300, Shimano road shoes feature a wide range of regular and wide last options. As 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”. 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 The first thing you'll notice about the Sidi Wire 2 Air Vent Carbon is that these are just objectively gorgeous cycling shoes. When you start factoring in their top-end performance, like unmatched power transfer and the great ventilation justifying its name, you'll understand why we were so seduced by them. Their ultra-strong carbon sole, robust fastening systems and durable upper with reinforced structures combine to make it the best for stiffness and power transfer.

Value

Cycling shoes can also vary wildly in fit (we’ve got a guide to wide cycling shoes) and intended use. It would be easy to throw lots of money at the problem and end up with a set of shoes that don’t suit your unique foot shape or riding style. 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 Shimano’s Volume Tour Last is perfect for riders who need even more volume to balance comfort and performance on the bike. Built upon the DYNALAST platform, the Volume Last offers more space in the toe, ball of the foot, and heel while still comfortably cradling the foot when pedaling or walking. These Road Shoes are compatible with road bike pedal systems that use cleats with 3-bolt standards, such as: Look Delta and Keo, Shimano SPD-SL, Speedplay Light Action, Zero, X-Series (via 3-hole adapter plate), Campagnolo Pro-Fit, Mavic Zxellium, Time Iclic/Xpresso and Time Impact. 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.