New Shimano RX710 gravel shoe brings premium features to a mid-tier price point
Nearly a year ago, Shimano introduced the S-PHYRE RX910, the brand's first top-tier gravel-specific shoe. The new RX710 gravel shoe from Shimano brings many of the RX910's features – such as dual Boa closure dials, a carbon sole, lower stack height than Shimano's mountain bike shoes, and Shimano's pontoon cleat system – to a lower price point. While the S-PHYRE RX910 version is US$480 | €419.95 | £419.95, the new RX710 is US$300 | €255 | £270.
From the S-PHYRE version, Shimano includes their pontoon lug system, which has replaceable lugs surrounding the cleat. In most off-road shoe and pedal systems, the shoe lugs beside the cleats are what sit on the pedals and give you stability, while the cleat just holds you to the pedal. As those lugs wear with riding or especially walking use, rocking, or play, can develop between the shoe and pedal. This system not only allows replacement of those lugs, but also insets them closer to the cleat, keeping most walking wear on the other lugs.
Like most cycling shoe brands, Shimano has their own stiffness indicator scale, which seem to be arbitrary numbers to show value in more expensive shoes. The S-PHYRE RX910 ranks a 12/12 on Shimano's stiffness scale, while the RX710 gets a 9/12. Shimano claims that the 9/12 is plenty stiff to maintain high performance, and will increase comfort on longer gravel rides.
Sizing availability is a bit wider range on the RX710 than the flagship RX910. In standard width, the RX710 comes in EU 38-50 with half sizes 39.5-46.5; in wide, 38-48 with half sizes 39.5-46.5; and in narrow width, 36-44. There are three colors: Sand White, Black, and Navy.
