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Shimano Road and Tri Shoes (R215, R150, TR-02)

Tuesday, 10th January 2006

Shimano are best known for their ever increasing range of bicycle components and their innovation is second to none.

What is less known is their wide range of shoes; we have three pairs on test, the range topping RH-215, the RH-125 and the Tri specific TR-02.

All three shoes share the same sole unit, however, each has very different

The sole unit is full carbon and shaped to increase rigidity and reduce sole thickness at the all important cleat area.  This is the first time that Shimano have opted for only a 3-Hole (Look) drilling and, as such, you will need adaptor plates for the older SPD-R and Speedplay cleats.  The sole features two rubber contact points for walking that are bonded into the sole and are non-replicable.  With the TR-02 there is also a large, single vent in the toe area to assist with cooling, and drying.

Other than the colour and straps the RH-215 and RH-125 are very similar.  Both feature a moulded plastic heal cup, ample padding and a solid toe bumper which in turn gives a strong roomy toe box.  Both the heal cup and toe bumper feature additional vents.

The rest of the upper is a combination of a mesh fabric and supportive Lorica sections to wrap the foot and hold it securely.  On both the RH-215 and the RH-125 there is a loose tongue to relieve pressure on the top of the foot.

With the straps, both shoes offer three wide straps, the RH-215 has a ratchet and a coating in the straps to stop them stretching.  This is where the two road shoes really differ in performance, but not as you might imagine.  The RH-125, we feel, is actually a better shoe. 

The first thing to note is that the sole is very, very stiff and, as such, a supple upper is required to accommodate the foots natural curves and shape.  The RH-125 straps allow a greater variation in adjustment and the straps themselves are more supple to allow this. 

With the RH-215, the coating on the strap does not allow such a degree of adjustment, however, the ratchet closure does provide a very secure fit if your feet are the right shape!  Our tester has found that the combination of heal cup and ratchet is such that she cannot get them as tight as she would like for all out efforts.  She has found that the stiffness of the sole is very good and is to be commended.

The only other point to note is that the straps are very short which allows the wrap around nature of the upper to come over the top of the foot more and minimise any pinching that may occur.

The TR-02 follows the same theme, although with just the 1 strap it is the best of the 3 shoes on test.  A well thought out shoe for the triathlete, with a strong secure strap and a large heel loop as is now standard on most Tri-specific shoes.

The strap has a notch to keep it open when on the bike, although when riding on the top of the shoe they do have a tendency to close up as the Velcro sticks to itself a little.  Ventilation is massive on these shoes and the large mesh area over the toes combined with the large hole in the sole does a great job of pulling air over the foot.  Great on hot days.

Overall all 3 shoes are well thought out, the best being the TR-02, an increase in performance over its predecessor, with the RH-215 coming in 3rd due to the inflexibility of the straps.  The shoes provide a good addition to those that are loyal to the Shimano brand; however, as with all shoes, make sure they fit to get the benefit of the excellent carbon sole unit.

By Staff at TriSportNews 10 January 2006