Shimano RX710 Clipless Shoes: Comfort Meets Performance, But Price Raises Questions

Shimano's latest offering, the RX710 clipless gravel shoes, marks a significant advancement in cycling footwear with its innovative Dynalast 2.0 fit system. These shoes promise an improved fit for a broader spectrum of riders, delivering exceptional comfort and a well-balanced blend of sole stiffness and walkability. While they stand out as a robust all-around choice for gravel enthusiasts, their premium price tag of £270 places them in direct competition with top-tier models from rival brands. This positioning might make them a difficult proposition for those prioritizing value, despite their technical merits and enhanced rider experience.

Shimano RX710 Gravel Shoes: A Deep Dive into Design and Performance

On Friday, November 13, 2026, Shimano unveiled its RX710 gravel race shoes, featuring the groundbreaking Dynalast 2.0 fit system. This new design addresses a long-standing need for more accommodating footwear in the cycling community, particularly for riders seeking increased forefoot comfort. The RX710, priced at £270, is engineered for gravel racing and combines a carbon-reinforced sole with a unique pontoon cleat system, aiming to enhance pedal stability. The most notable innovation, however, is the Dynalast 2.0, which provides additional volume around the forefoot, allowing toes to splay more naturally without compromising midfoot and heel support. This system is now being integrated into other Shimano road shoe lines, indicating a broader shift in their design philosophy.

The Dynalast 2.0 is available in Narrow, Standard, and Wide fits, though availability may vary by region. The Standard fit boasts a 4% increase in volume and 3mm more width compared to its predecessor, while the Wide fit offers a substantial 7% more volume and 6mm more width. This expanded sizing aims to resolve common fit issues, such as the need to size up for width, which often results in overly long shoes. Beyond the fit, the RX710 incorporates features from Shimano's flagship S-Phyre RX910, including the pontoon cleat system. This system increases the contact area between the shoe and pedal, improving stability and maintaining contact even when cleat positions are adjusted. It is optimized for Shimano's XTR PD-M9200 and Deore XT PD-M8100 pedals but is compatible with other SPD pedals.

The outsole of the RX710 features a minimal tread pattern, distinguishing it from traditional XC mountain bike shoes. This design is ideal for gravel riding but less suited for muddy or technical terrain, as it lacks provisions for toe studs. The shoes utilize two BOA L6Z dials for closure, offering incremental tightening but requiring a full release to loosen, unlike the more advanced Li2 dials found on higher-end models. With a Shimano stiffness rating of 9 out of 12, the RX710 provides a balance of power transfer and flexibility, making it comfortable for long rides without feeling overly stiff. Available in sand white, black, and navy, the RX710 offers an extensive size range, rivaling specialist brands like Lake.

During testing, the Dynalast 2.0's wider fit was immediately apparent, allowing some riders to size down for a more precise fit. The pontoon cleat system, when paired with Shimano XTR pedals, delivered a noticeably more connected feel, reducing unwanted movement. However, clipping in required a firmer push, which might be a minor inconvenience for mountain biking or cyclocross. While the insole is basic, the overall comfort for extended rides was excellent. Despite the sand white color being prone to dirt, the shoes proved relatively easy to clean. The main drawback remains the price; at £270, the absence of micro-adjust BOA Li2 dials, a more basic insole, and a less rigid sole compared to similarly priced competitors raises questions about its overall value proposition.

The introduction of the Dynalast 2.0 fit system in the Shimano RX710 shoes represents a commendable step forward for Shimano, promising enhanced comfort and a better fit for a wider array of cyclists. This innovation, coupled with the effective pontoon cleat system, makes the RX710 a strong contender for gravel riders seeking a blend of performance and comfort. However, the pricing strategy for these second-tier shoes, which lack some premium features found in similarly priced alternatives, invites a critical evaluation of their value. While the RX710 delivers on its promise of an improved riding experience, potential buyers might weigh the benefits of its superior fit against the availability of lighter, stiffer, and more feature-rich options at a comparable cost. This highlights a broader industry trend where innovation in fit and specialized features must be carefully balanced with competitive pricing to capture a discerning market.