S-PHYRE quality at a mid-range price - Shimano SH-RC703 Carbon SPD-SL LOOK KEO Cycling Shoes Review

Shimano’s RC7 shoes have been a popular option for cyclists looking for high-performance cycling shoes at a relatively affordable price point. The new RC703 shoes are the latest iteration of the RC7 shoes and features improved fit and breathability. Shimano has incorporated many of the unique design features of the S-PHYRE RC9 shoes in the RC7 without inheriting the S-PHYRE’s price tag. That means the RC703 shoes retail for an affordable $250 with available women’s and wide fit options available. The RC7 shoes have a dual BOA L6Z dial fit system and a wrap-around upper design for stability and comfort. Shimano has incorporated a power zone lace guide system as well as low stack height to optimize power transfer.

Visually, the Shimano RC7 shoes have always mimicked the S-PHYRE RC9 design with a surround wrapping synthetic leather upper and dual BOA Fit system. Where the Shimano S-PHYRE shoes have flashy color shifting finishes, the RC7 have solid color schemes and a more traditional heel cup. Shimano currently offers the RC703 shoes in three colors: white, black and sage green which we have in this review. It’s a great looking color option that uses three shades of dark green with a subtle geometric overlay that goes from dark to light to darker in the rear. The finish is also semi-glossy which give the shoes an almost metallic appearance in the sunlight. There are black diagonal lines along the rear portion of the shoes which add some additional detailing and a reflective strip along the back seam. Branding on the RC7 shoes is limited to RC7 on the side and Shimano printed on the top strap.

Ventilation on the RC703 shoes has been improved compared to the RC702 with the variable sized perforations along the toe box which extend nearly half way down the sides of the shoes. One of the main reasons the RC7 can achieve a mid-range price is that Shimano has utilized dual BOA L6Z dials. These are one of the newest variations of the BOA L6 dials and have a sleek flat design that mimics the top-of-the-line Li2 dials. There is a non-slip rubber coating along the sides of the dials which make it easy to grip the dials. While they look very similar to the Li2 dials, the L6Z dials only have micro tightening and have to be pulled up to release the tension. It’s a minor inconvenience compared to the micro loosening feature of the Li2 dials but common at this price point.

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00:00 Intro
00:11 Unboxing + Specs
01:49 Fit + Finish
07:03 On The Road
08:38 Comparison (Shimano S-PHYRE, Bont Riot, Canyon Tempr)
11:46 The Final Score
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[enzoo]

thank you for this review! Ive been thinking about getting the RC703 for Christmas since I bought the RC100 as my first cleats shoes, it will be a big upgrade for sure if I consider buying the RC703. This review helped for sure!

[escamunicha]

For longer rides, I think the RC703 is much more comfortable than the S-phyre. I have both and the S-phyre feels really stiff on the sides like you are wearing wooden shoes. Feels ok if you are racing. The carbon plates for both on the bottom feel the same. The quick adjustibility for loosening in Sphyres is really useful though. YOu dont have to go down the bike if you need to loosen.

[oneschance]

Is there an rc903PWR s-phyre video available? How do you like the single BOA and strap compared to the double boa?

[koganmb]

Wanted to like them, but they are to narrow for me. I'd like a 44.5 wide, but they only make wide in whole sizes and 45 was to long, 44 to short. Ended with Lake CX238 in 44.5