Shimano's RC9 S-PHYRE Cycling Shoe is becoming well known for its glistening blue presence at the front of the pack and is quickly becoming what may very well be a legacy-shoe that holds its dedicated space in cycling lore. Stepping into the RC9 is a unique experience, as comfort is immediate, and you can vividly imagine pro-level accelerations on your race-rides. Shimano uses a 360-degree fit optimization that unifies all the individual components on the shoe to become one complete system, engineered to provide stability and maximum power transfer on the pedals. The integrated midsole and upper material comfortably envelop your foot for a secure hold, while the dual Boa Li2 dials and PowerZone wiring guide cinch down for the optimum tension. Precision cable tension is a critical performance tool, whether you are unwinding from an epic five-hour climbing session or torquing down for a finish sprint in the criterium. Shimano elevates the carbon era with a supremely rigid sole that tests at a stiffness of twelve, meaning you'll never doubt whether your efforts are going into the pedals. This level of control and performance is what we've come to expect from Shimano's top-tier road shoes, and what keeps us dedicated to their component line as well. A unique trait for the RC9 is the incorporation of the Anti-twist heel stabilizer that holds the foot in place while performing high-cadence accelerations. Heel control is not an overly focused target of improvement, as modern-day training plans and single-ring gear ratios push normalized cadences higher and higher. Visual upgrades include more refined venting hole placements and sleeker-looking logo placement, both of which set the RC9 as a visual icon in the peloton.