Where once riding off road was done in your beat up trainers, came MTB shoes. Where once an all-purpose MTB shoe was the answer to all trails, came specific XC and more technical shoes. And now, where once XC shoes were the answer to gravel, a new gravel-specific shoe comes from Shimano.
To save weight the RX8 sheds certain features that come with MTB XC shoes, whilst keeping the abrasion-resistant TPU lugs, heel stabilizer and the super stiff carbon composite sole from Shimano’s high-end XC9 shoes for the best balance of gravel pedaling performance and off-the-bike capability.
To match the versatility and variability of gravel racing, the RX8’s upper provides the perfect balance of holding power and all day comfort, adjustable with a Boa IP1 dual micro adjustment dial. And it’s more than just the rider’s foot feeling that’s accommodated with all day comfort, Silvadur stay-fresh technology is used in the insole material to keep the shoe smelling fresh ride after ride.
The RX8 tips the scales at 265g (size 42) skimming 60-65g off the weight of Shimano’s XC9 and XC7 cross country race shoes. The weight saving is primarily achieved with a smaller heel cup, no spike mounts and one less Boa IP1 dial, replaced instead by a Velcro strap.
The RX8 is available in silver or black and comes in EU sizes 38-50 including wide fitting sizes. A women’s specific version is available in navy blue. The RX8 is best matched with the Shimano SPD M9100 or M8100 pedals.
Source: Shimano Europe
