A quick review for anyone who might be looking at these gravel shoes. I was keen to find a pair that would be significantly lighter than my current Giro Code Techlace, and would match well with the reflective silver Ekoi Corsa Light 'BikingMan' special edition helmet (purchased after an enormous amount of research into minimising the mushroom effect for my tall, large head).
My foot size is generally UK10 in non-cycling shoes. I wear size EU44.5 in Fizik Vento Infinito Knit; size EU45 in Giro Code Techlace; size EU46 in Adidas indoor cycling shoes. Measured length of my larger foot is 286mm. Measured width 104mm.
I initially tried the Shimano RX8 in EU46, but too big. Sought out an EU45.5 but couldn't find (think they only do half sizes up to 45). So I bought the EU45. They fit…OK. Lengthwise is fine but width of toebox feels slightly constrained (measures 101mm externally, so it is narrower than my actual foot width at that point).
The shape is odd as there is ample room around the middle of the foot and arch, so much so that when cinching up tight enough to wear, a small crease forms below the Boa cable connecting points (shown in picture). I don't like signs of over-tightening on a shoe but am resigned to this. The velcro strap seems redundant. It can't really loosen off any further than the position it is in when the shoes are unboxed, and it's hard to imagine anyone seriously wanting to cinch the toe box any tighter than it already is. An additional boa would make getting the right tension across the foot arch much easier.
Not much grip in the heel, but enough to keep the foot in place (mores o than the Giro Code).
Each shoe weighs 305g on my espresso scale (manufacturer claims c.260g for size 42). The Giro Codes (which feel like a much bulkier shoe) weigh 396g with SPD cleat attached. Cleats weight about 20g each, so the claims for the RX8 being some sort of all-conqueringly light option seem a bit exaggerated.
Generally pleased with the fit and appearance of the shoes; slightly concerned about the width in the toebox, but I tend to ride my cross/gravel bike for maximum 2.5 hours and I don't think there will be a major issue, the feeling is not 'tight', just the sense that the side of the shoe is present!
I will update when I have ridden in them.
by CornwallJon
2 Comments
Used to have the RX8
I have wide feet but still bought it. The toe box is indeed a bit narrow. Had hot spots but since it feels like a road shoe it was good enough for me. The upper fabric is pretty good at shedding dirt
Shimano being an ASIAN company doesn’t make shoes for Asian shaped feet – their Wide is barely wide enough. Not sure what happened between 2017 and 2019 when they decided to fit like DMT shoes
I had the RX8. Good looking shoe but I really didn’t like them at all. They need a second boa lace and as you mentioned – the Velcro strap is pretty pointless. Switched to S works Recon lace and like them much better.