Sitting atop the Road Performance line is Shimanos SH-RP9 Cycling Shoes. These kicks have all the performance features Shimano can think of, and can pretty much go toe to toe with their RC, Road Competition, offerings.

Theyve upgraded everything here. They like to start with the sole, as thats the point of contact with the pedal, and your foot as well. Theyve upgraded the material to a light carbon composite, which allows them to both increase the stiffness, to a 10 on their scale (max is 12), and drop the weight, down to 224g for a size 42. Theyve also increased the size of the forward sole vent, enabled the three-bolt cleat plate to slide both fore and aft, and have marked the sole so you can precisely adjust and set your cleats. Theyve finished the sole with both toe and heel pads to make walking both safer and less damaging to the shoes. The heel pad is particularly ample, and makes the dreaded waddle much less pronounced.

The upper is made of a single piece of perforated microfiber. This is a synthetic leather that resists stretching, doesnt get damaged by sun, air, or water, dries quickly, and allows your feet to breathe. The rear of the shoe features a molded, external heel cup, to really anchor your heel in the shoe.

Shimano utilizes Boas IP1 Dial for the upper two segments of the shoe. This dial is bi-directionalyour tighten and loosen it. And the direction of tightening is mirrored in the left and right shoes. That means one side youll tighten clockwise, the other counter-clockwise, but since theyre on opposite sides of your feet, youll intuitively sense it is the same direction. the IP1 has a quick-release mechanism built in; you pull the dial up and all the cable tension disappears. The lower foot has a single hook-and-loop strap for adjusting the volume of the toe box. For most, this is a set-and-forget strap. youll do it once or twice, and probably leave it after that.

The RP9s fabrics are treated with Silvadur anti-microbial treatment. This will help keep the shoe looking good and smelling fresh for a long, long time.

The Shimano SH-RP9 Cycling Shoes weigh 224g for a size 42 shoe.