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The Shimano SH-R220 road shoe offers many of the features of the top-end R300 model but at a much lower price.(Image credit: James Huang)
Heat-moldable materials in the heel make for a solid hold once they're fitted(Image credit: James Huang)
The R220 also includes a Custom-Fit insole with optional inserts for additional arch support or to help spread your toes(Image credit: James Huang)
Offset forefoot straps deliver a snug fit free of pressure points up top(Image credit: James Huang)
The hollow carbon outsole offers no perceivable yield under power(Image credit: James Huang)
The ventilated tongue includes a soft cut-out to prevent tendon irriation(Image credit: James Huang)
The R220 doesn't use Custom Fit materials ahead of the ankle but the upside is that Shimano includes more mesh for improved airflow(Image credit: James Huang)
Fortunately, the technology has now trickled down to the cheaper SH-R220, This has a similar buckle, offset two-strap layout and
As with their more expensive brother, the shoes have to be fitted at a
The
Total weight for our test pair (EU size 43.5, UK 9, US 10) is 688g, complete with insoles,
The R220s fit quite well straight out of the box with the refined shape and substantial feel we’ve come to expect from Shimano. Though the mesh-and-synthetic upper isn’t
The custom molding process then takes the heel-hold one step further from
As there is no heat moldable material ahead of the ankle, the R220 is better ventilated – even without the extra midsole vent – thanks to a more
The molding process only affects the back of the shoe, though, so the
The custom-molded insole provides a marked improvement in comfort
The R220s are notably heavier than their ultralight
At US$249 (£139.99) per pair, they represent solid value for a custom-fit
