Shimano's new RP9 shoes are claimed to be its lightest yet at 224 grams (Image credit: Russell Eich / Immediate Media)
The carbon soles have a stiffness rating of 10 out of 12 according to Shimano (Image credit: Russell Eich / Immediate Media)
A large rear heel tab is present for off-bike manoeuvring (Image credit: Russell Eich / Immediate Media)
A Boa dial snugs up the upper portion of the shoe while a Velcro strap handles the toe area(Image credit: Russell Eich / Immediate Media)
A women's version is also available at lower price point due to a simpler Boa dial and less intricate construction(Image credit: Russell Eich / Immediate Media)
Shimano stated this snazzy blue color is a very limited edition (Image credit: Russell Eich / Immediate Media)
Shimano has unveiled its latest road shoes, the SH-RP901 or in simpler terms, the RP9s. If that name sounds familiar, it's because the moniker has been used before for its endurance performance footwear. Like the previous RP9s, the new version caters to riders who want a light, high-end shoe but also want comfort and a bit less overall rigidity.
Lightest ever
Shimano stated the new $300 (UK£ and AU$ TBD) RP9s have a claimed weight of 224 grams. That's a decent weight reduction over the previous RP9 BikeRadar measured weight of 287.5 grams (size 43), but still a bit off of Giro's scale-tickling Prolight Techlace shoes which come in at 187 grams (size 45).
Boa and a suction cup-like heel
The biggest difference is the new RP9s do away with one of the Velcro straps as well as the ratcheting buckle in favor of a Boa dial.
A Boa dial snugs up the upper portion of the shoe while a Velcro strap handles the toe area
The other big news was the fit is said to be improved with a new heel cup. Longtime Shimano employee and former Olympian Wayne Stetina said the new heel provides "a suction cup-like fit with absolutely zero heel lift."
Shimano also claimed that because the heel cup is so snug, the rest of the shoe's adjustments can be loosened for added comfort.
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S-Phyre trickle down
The new RP9s use the same microfiber upper material as Shimano's top-end S-Phyre shoes, and the carbon sole gives a bit more with a claimed 10 out of 12 on Shimano's stiffness scale.
The carbon soles have a stiffness rating of 10 out of 12 according to Shimano
The aesthetic of the RP9s mimics the S-Phyre as well with loads of perforations throughout. Shimano gave a nod to 70s cycling culture, too, with pull tabs on tongue and heel.
The insole is also not the typical throw away item as found in most shoes. The arch can be adjusted with the included pads and the insole is lined with silver anti-bacterial material.
While S-Phyre shoes boast Shimano's trademark bright blue, the dark blue version of the new RP9 is a limited edition color.
Women's model
A women's version is also available at lower price point due to a simpler Boa dial and less intricate construction
