Shimano XC7 SPD shoes

Not long ago we tested the Shimano RC7 road shoe and found it to be excellent. Now we've got hold of the XC7 mountain bike shoe at the same level, and you'll never guess what: this one is excellent too. It's roadie-looking enough for the tarmac with enough versatility for the dirt too; cyclo-cross, gravel riding and mountain biking are all within its remit. As such, it's almost one shoe to rule them all. You can pretty much do anything with these.

At first glance you might be forgiven for thinking the XC7s are a road shoe: with a Boa closure and an unfussy, shiny upper they have a pretty racy look. Unlike the RC7s, which have a very stiff full-carbon sole, the XC7s have a carbon-reinforced midsole that's a bit more forgiving. That means if you're off the bike jumping the hurdles in a cyclo-cross race or pushing up an off-road climb that's defeated you, there's enough flex to make walking feel pretty normal.

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There's a full Michelin rubber outsole, too, to aid off-bike grip, and you can fit two studs at the front for extra grip. The SPD cleat is recessed enough into the sole that you get plenty of purchase from the rubber on cafe floors, although the XC7s are still a bit click-clacky.

These shoes are really, really comfortable. Shimano has recently changed the last it uses to make its shoes, and whatever it's done has worked: the XC7s have proved to be fantastic from the off. Shimano used to offer custom fit at this level, but I haven't missed it: the synthetic leather outer is just right out of the box.

I completed the 200km Dirty Reiver gravel ride in these (10 hours' riding time) and a 300km ride to the coast and back (over 12 hours in the saddle) and foot comfort was never an issue. With the more flexible sole and the smaller contact area of the SPD system over road cleats there was always the possibility of pressure hotspots, but I never had any problems with these shoes and for the time off the bike they're much more practical than full-fat road shoes.

In hot weather the large mesh vent at the front does a good job of keeping your feet ventilated; when it's wet or cold you'll want to fit a neoprene toe cover as cold air and water get in very easily there. Foot retention is good, with the Boa SP1 wire system easy to adjust, and Shimano uses a cat's tongue fabric on the heel cup to prevent ankle lift.

Most of the time these XC7s are indistinguishable from a mid-range road shoe. At 796g the pair (size 48) they weigh about 200g more than the RC7s we had in the same size, but they're hardly heavy, and functionally you only notice the extra flex when you're really going after it. At the same time they're easier to walk in, look good, and can be worn for your off-road pursuits too.

When SPD shoes are this good, there's a decent argument for just wearing them all the time. Get yourself some single-sided road SPDs like Shimano's A520 for your road bike, and double-sided ones for your 'crosser, or commute bike, or mountain bike, or gravel bike, or whatever. Okay, if you're racing you'll probably want something a bit stiffer (and lighter), but for most types of riding these are just the ticket: well made, comfortable and versatile.

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Shimano shoes have always sized up a bit small, and these are no exception. I have size 47 feet and a 48 in these is just right. If you can't try them on before you buy, it's best to size up.

Verdict

Fantastic do-anything SPD shoes that'll handle sportives to mountain bike races and everything in between