Shimano SH-R321 cycling shoes

The Shimano SH-R321 shoes are the successor in Shimano's line of super-comfy top-end cycling shoes,

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Score

8/10

Pros

  • Superb fit
  • Adjustable instep height and heat mouldable
  • Good power transfer

Cons

  • Fiddly retention system

Price as reviewed:

£300

    • Many have hotly anticipated the updated version of Shimano’s successful SH-R320 road shoe, the Shimano SH-R321 cycling shoes. Described with phrases such as “wrap like” and “glove like fit” with a new “surround”, it certainly needed to be well fitting, and indeed it is.

    At £299.99, this is a high-priced bit of kit — as expected in a dream shoe test. Out of the box the shoe feels light, fits well and looks nice too, although from a riding position it looks a bit odd due to the colour scheme that splits the shoe down the middle. Thankfully, I could adjust the instep height, as I found the one provided was a little high for my arch — although you can heat-mould these, I didn’t feel it necessary.

    >>>Cycling shoes: a buyer’s guide

    Shimano says the R231 offers a 12/12 stiffness rating, and the shoes diligently provided good power transfer from the stiff sole without being harsh.

    Overall the Shimanos tick both comfort and stiffness boxes. Annoyingly, I did find a few niggles, one being the retention system, which was on the fiddly side, and the wrap style seemed to cause a little pinch when fully tightened up.

    For more details visit the Madison website.

    Verdict

    Updated for 2015, the Shimano SH-R321 shoes are just as comfortable as their predecessors with performance to match.

    Details

    Weight : 268g (size 42)
    Colour : Black/White
    Distributor : www.madison.co.uk