A lot of us have WorldTour ambitions without WorldTour budgets. That’s where the Shimano SH-R171 Cycling Shoes can be our ideal footwear with champagne and caviar options at beer and pretzel prices.
Technically, these are second-tier shoes in the Shimano hierarchy, which is all the more impressive since they offer the sort of techiness that only top-quality options from other brands can even hope to have. One thing you should keep in mind is that having the right sort of shoes does not only keep your feet comfortable, but will also help relieve fatigue in your calves, hamstrings and lower back. The SH-R171 alleviates any such mechanical troubles by focusing on producing a shoe last design with an optimized toe-spring section that promotes a smoother, more energy-efficient upstroke. They call this Shimano Dynalast, but what it will mean to you is that the cycling shoe will play a role in supporting your foot and pedal motion at the toe-spring section to keep the tension down in the plantar, calf, and hamstring muscles. But it will provide enough support that you won’t get a wiggly, inefficient pedaling motion.
The elegantly cut, surround upper pattern not only provides the perfect balance between secure hold and malleable comfort, they look super slick, and as a result are ideally aero. It is a “surround” upper wrap design that will prevent your feet from shifting inside, but will not cut off the circulation as you tighten down the ratchet. And the synthetic leather will wear like steel. It is pleasantly minimalistic and avoids the cluttered over-design that is unhappily common on many cycling shoes. The ratchet offers an adaptable closure system that will adjust itself to the various instep heights and shapes that are inevitable for pros and amateurs alike. Then there are two hook and eye Velcro closures at the mid foot so you can adjust to taste.
The super rigid, lightweight carbon composite sole provides perfect power transfer. It is rated at a ten out of twelve on the Shimano scale of rigidity. But what you’ll really appreciate is the level of ventilation the sole provides with a great big intake channel right at the toes that will then work through the customized channels in the insole onto the instep to govern the air through your often over-toasted tootsies.
The Shimano SH-R171 Cycling Shoes pairs best according to Shimano with their PD-6800 pedal, though the soles do offer a wide degree of flexibility with cleat placement. They offer an extra 11mm of adjustment fore and aft compared to previous editions of Shimano shoes, ensuring you can use these with just about any pedal out there that works with a three-bolt cleat. These are competition-oriented shoes that will keep you comfy even on those epic centuries.