Shimano SH-RP9 Cycling Shoe - SMU - Men's for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

7.7
out of 10
4 Positive, 2 Mixed & 0 Negative
from 6 Reviews
Retail Price:
$199.95
Used Value:
$119.97
Sale Value:
$179.96

Sooner or later, the time will come when you'll need a new pair of cycling shoes. You owe it to yourself since you put your old shoes through the ringer on fast group rides, countless base miles, and the occasional (but inevitable) crit pileup. We all want a suitably stiff shoe that is lightweight but this doesn't mean squat if the fit isn't great and they hurt your feet. Shimano's SH-RP9 Cycling Shoes feature lightweight carbon soles for putting down the power and ample ventilation so your feet stay cool as a cucumber even during a July Tuesday Night Worlds ride. This version of the SH-RP9 is in a limited edition blue color that adds a touch of bling to your pedal stroke.

The RP9 is Shimano's flagship shoe in the Road Performance lineup and is every bit capable of racing, yet comfortable enough so you can take in the scenery without the distraction of aching feet if you're on a bike vacation. This year's model received some changes. Shimano removed the traditional ratcheting buckle and one of the hook-and-loop straps, replacing them with a Boa dial. This minimized approach is not only an upgrade to the aesthetics, it also improves the fit and makes getting in and out of the shoes quick and easy. The synthetic leather upper is dotted with perforations and hugs your foot with gentle restraint, so the support is always there and your feet can breathe. A lower hook and loop strap remains, but the extra strap and buckle are removed in favor of a Boa system that adjusts to fit your foot perfectly with micro adjustment whether its at mile 70 of a gran fondo or 1km before the city limit sign.

The carbon sole scores a 10 out of 12 on Shimano's stiffness scale, offering plenty of backbone so virtually no watts are lost from your pedal stroke to the pedal. An external, shaped heel cup anchors the back of your foot, minimizing heel slip when launching an attack on a steep canyon road. An EVA foam insole provides comfort for long days when the rides are measured in smiles versus miles.

Specifications

Brand:
Claimed Weight:
[single size 42] 224g
Cleat Compatibility:
3-bolt
Closure:
Boa dial, hook-and-loop
Footbed:
EVA
Manufacturer Warranty:
1 year
Midsole:
carbon
Recommended Use:
road cycling
Sole:
carbon
Upper Material:
microfiber synthetic leather

Full Reviews

10
I’ve been using these for about a year and just picked another pair. I’ve primarily been using these on the trainer and they’ve been cool and comfortable. I ride with shimano s-phyre mtb and xc7 Mtb shoes outdoors but they’re too hot for indoor sessions. I also prefer a wider road cleat for indoors. These only have the single boa but it hasn’t been an issue for me. I have high arches and appreciate that the include a high arch insert as giro does. I also have narrow heals and the shoes don’t slide around as some other brands do for me. The toe box is Fairly wide which I appreciate as well. The only complaint would be the tongue. It tends to fold under the boa cable and need some adjustments when you put it on. Not a big deal but can be annoying when you’re running late for a Zwift event.
Jason B., backcountry.com
May 3, 2020
8
This is my second pair of Shimano road cycling shoes. My first pair was the R321s, which I loved. After I tore up one of the shoes in a crash, and decided to stop racing, I found the RP9s. I was a bit hesitant, as I have a wider foot (even the Sidi Wides feel too narrow), but the RP9s have fit me perfectly. Since I have a wider foot, I marked these as "Runs Large". I've had these shoes for over a year now, and find these shoes stiff enough for the gran fondos and centuries that I now do, but also good enough for the Tuesday Night group rides. I will say I took the heat moldable insoles from the R321s and put them in these shoes, for a very comfortable fit. I've not experienced any numbing or hot spot issues. I really like the Boa closure, but wish it had a second Boa closure at the forefoot, instead of the hook and loop closure.
William C., backcountry.com
August 21, 2019
8
Love the color and the shoe is super light. I’ll be taking a spin with them tomorrow so I’ll have more feedback after a long ride. I love the fact they came with inserts for high arches. I had to remove the medium and added the high insert which came with the shoes which provided a much better fit. I wished there was a second BOA closure system as I have a terrible time finding shoes that fit my narrow feet. Toe box isn’t too wide but wider than SIDI. I’m glad there was a 44.5 in stock.
Bradley J., backcountry.com
October 31, 2018
4
Ordered these shoes and immediately returned as the BOA closure is creating a pressure point on my foot.
Shinji O., backcountry.com
October 12, 2018
6
i upgraded to this from the rc7, and i went down a size, these are lighter but the heal cup on the right size is so tight i'm getting bruising on my bone, even is they are loose or tight, i will give them a couple of weeks to break in. also like the other one tire rub and the color is worn down to bare leather, not sure what they are thinking.
Christopher C., backcountry.com
August 16, 2018
10
I had been eyeing these shoes for a while. Wonderful eye candy. Was about to import these until I saw CC had a SMU for sale. Couldn't resist and purchased them immediately. The fit is wonderful, the stiffness is there, toes aren't bunched up. The Boa and Velcro design allow granularity in fit adjustment as well as having a place to attach my cadence sensor. A bit pricey but all in all a wonderful shoe.
Micah S., backcountry.com
February 19, 2018