Author: Philip Rees

Year after year, Shimano provides a great bang-for-your-buck with its shoe lineup, and this year’s SH-XC30 Shoes are no exception. For under $100, you might even say that it’s one of the best examples of that trademark Shimano value. And given the XC30’s durability, refined fit, and surprising power transfer. Pair it with reliable SPD pedals, and you have a budget-saving package for taming singletrack and tarmac alike. Shimano offers one of the widest ranges of shoe lasts (or shapes) in the industry. So to clarify, the SH-XC30 uses the Volume Performance last, making it wider in the toe-box and across the ball of the foot. This gives it a fit that emphasizes comfort and stability, while still allowing room for custom orthotics. The three Velcro straps provide ample security for your foot, and their offset positioning prevents unnatural pinching and pressure. Another advantage of an all-Velcro system, as opposed to a system incorporating a ratcheting buckle, is the modest weight savings. As admitted gram counters, we’d feel remiss not to point that out. The XC30 Shoes have a fiberglass-reinforced, polyamide sole that’s stiff, but still flexes enough for comfortable walking when you need to hike over hellish terrain or to stop into the local coffee shop. The upper is constructed of tough, stretch-resistant synthetic leather, and mesh inserts throughout provide plenty of breathability for hot summer rides. The Shimano SH-XC30 Shoes are available in the color Black and in 17 whole sizes from 36. 0 to 52. 0.