OSAKA, Japan (BRAIN) — Shimano on Tuesday announced a new line of top-end road and mountain bike shoes, called S-PHYRE.
The shoes were designed for lightweight, low aerodynamic drag and refined efficiencies. The new shoes are shipped with matching socks the company said maximizes the performance of the shoes.
The one-piece outer is made from Teijin Avail microfiber synthetic leather with perforated dimple vents. The company said the upper better accommodates a wider range of foot shapes, enabling up to E+ wide widths in a standard size.
Two independent Boa IP1 dials with Powerzone wire lacing allow for quick and precise micro-adjustments. A new outsole construction technique eliminates the lasting board, reducing weight and stack height for improved stability and increased power transfer. An external heel cup suppresses foot twist and roll, which Shimano said allows for maximized power output through the carbon sole.
The S-PHYRE RC9 is the road model. It weighs 232 grams in a size 42 and is available in sizes 36, 37-47 in half sizes; and size 48. Wide sizes are available in size 40-48. Colors: blue, white, yellow and limited edition black. The MSRP is $400.
The S-PHYRE XC9 is the mountain bike shoe. It contains many of the same engineering features found in the RC9, with a new lightweight cross country/cyclocross outsole. Its proprietary outsole was designed in conjunction with Michelin, to offer increased traction off the bike while minimizing weight thanks to high traction, mud-shedding tread patterns. The outsole has a minimalist, three-section design with dual-compound rubber, a lighter triangle knob design and new anti-slip arch pattern to provide extra grip in the mid-arch section. Optional new extra-long 18mm toe spikes are accompanied by a reinforced spike mount. They weigh 325 grams in size 42, and are available in size 38, 39, 40-47 in half sizes; 48; and wide sizes 40-48. Available colors are blue, yellow, black. MSRP is $400.
Both models are sold with color-matched S-PHYRE racing socks. "By studying the shoe/sock interface and applying Shimano's Linkage Effect approach, S-PHYRE socks combine thermoregulation, comfort, ankle roll stability, and heel slip-resistance with an extra-tall cuff that does not droop. Asymmetrical structural weaving of proprietary fabrics provides guiderails for proper foot alignment through the entire 360-degree crank rotation," the company said.
