The Shimano S-PHYRE RC903 is the flagship road race shoe, worn across the professional peloton. It is built for riders who want everything the pedal stroke has to give, in sprints and on climbs, without paying for it in comfort five hours later.

The carbon sole carries Shimano's highest stiffness rating of 12, ventilated at the toe and heel, with a low stack height that keeps the foot close to the axle. Above it sits a 360 degree surround wrapping upper in perforated microfibre leather, with a low-profile crossover lacing pattern and two BOA Li2 dials that adjust in both directions on the move. An anti-twist stabilising heel cup holds the heel through hard accelerations. Shimano rebuilt the upper pattern for this generation, with a rounder toe box and a more elastic material, so it accommodates more foot shapes than the RC901 did.

Key features

• Carbon composite sole, Shimano stiffness index 12
• Dual BOA Li2 dials with 2-way micro-adjustment
• 360 degree surround wrapping upper in perforated microfibre leather
• Anti-twist stabilising heel cup
• Ventilated sole at toe and heel
• Low stack height, DYNALAST construction
• 3-bolt SPD-SL cleat pattern, cleats sold separately

Also available in a wide (E) fit. If you are between sizes or coming from another brand, come in and try a pair on. The wrap-around closure fits differently to a traditional tongue.