Shimano has added a new RC902 version to its very popular RC9 S-Phyre road shoe series.

This release is not a complete surprise. Our keen observer Josh Croxton had already spotted Wout Van Art wearing Shimano's unreleased shoes at the Back to Racing Technique Gallery. The new shoes have already proven to be a world-beating pair, as evidenced by Wout Van Aert's recent successes in Strada Bianche, Milan-San Remo, and the first stage of the Criterium du Dauphiné. Team Jumbo Visma and Team Sunweb are currently using the RC902 in their 2020 Tour de France campaigns.

We reviewed the previous generation Shimano RC9 S-Phyres and gave them an impressive 4.5/5 and subsequently included them in our Best Cycling Shoes Guide. We were impressed with the fit, stiffness, and weight of the previous generation of shoes, and the new 2021 S-Phyres seem to enhance these strengths even further.

Shimano says it made these improvements using function-specific zones identified by studying the pedaling dynamics and foot movements of pro-level riders. This led Shimano to focus on shoe construction with mesh and leather layered upper materials, which it claims provide a better fit and improved support.

The sole still maintains a 12 on Shimano's stiffness chart, but a new heel cup shape has been designed that should reduce torsion and increase heel stability during high-wattage sprinting efforts.

The Boa Fit System Li2 dial, Shimano's Dynalast fit, and microfiber leather are retained, but the upper support mechanisms have been revised. The new 360-degree surround-wrapped upper wraps evenly around the entire foot and provides a comfortable hold for all regular, half, wide, and women's sizes.

The RC902 weighs 235 grams (16 grams lighter than the RC901) and is available in sizes 36 to 48 in four premium S-Phyre dealer versions in blue, black, white and red. The women-only RC902-W is available only in white, features a narrower last and upper, and comes in sizes 36 to 44.

The Shimano RC902 shoes will be available in stores from mid-October and retail for £319.99.