Shimano RX8 vs RX6, and RC9 vs RC7 Shoes

Here is a brief comparison of a few different Shimano cycling shoes. For gravel usage, there is the top grade RX8, versus the cheaper RX6. As for road cycling, there is the top grade RC9 (S-Phyre) and RC7. I happened to see all these models in the shop, so I decided to do a shoe comparison based on what I saw.

I really like the RX8 gravel shoes, as they use the SPD system instead of SPD-SL, which makes it much easier to walk in. Also, they have the sleek look of road shoes, without the bulk and weight of MTB SPD shoes. In fact, I like the RX8 gravel shoes so much that I have many pairs of it (and counting)!

RX8 in Silver Camo colour

RX8 in Cactus Berry colour

RX8 in Bronze colour

Shimano introduced a few new models of gravel shoes earlier this year. The improved RX801 (previously RX800, also called RX8), as well as the new mid grade RX600 (or RX6) version.

Both are RX6 gravel shoes in different colour. SRP is SGD 199.

New RX8 shoes, with a SRP of SGD 279.

Top of the shoe looks very similar, except for the Boa dial which looks different.

RX8 shoe on the left has a full carbon sole, compared to the nylon sole on the RX6.

RX8 shoe on the right. Many differences here in terms of manufacturing method and design, but functionality should be exactly the same. RX6 has slightly bigger lugs for more stability.

RX8 shoe on the right has smaller lugs at the rear under the heel, which saves some weight but also loses some stability.

The RX6 shoe seems like a really good deal, as you get practically all of the features of the RX8 but at nearly 30% cheaper. If I hadn't already bought so many RX8 shoes, I would choose a new RX8 or RX6 gravel shoe based on the colour choices.

At the same shop, I also saw the new road shoes from the RC9 and RC7 series. I think the latest RC9 series is RC903, while the latest RC7 version is RC702. 

RC903 SPD-SL road shoe with dual Boa dials.

RC7 SPD-SL road shoe also with dual Boa dials.

RC9 has an upper that wraps all the way to the bottom, and this helps to save weight at the expense of durability.

Basically, anything that is not critical to the shoe's function has been removed or minimized.

RC7 on the right has a more conventional structure, with a sole that stretches from the front to the rear.

Different heel vent design and heel pad size. Note that there is no middle sole on the RC9 (left side) at all, so if you walk on any uneven ground, the shoe will be destroyed quickly.

The structural differences between the RC9 and RC7 shoes are much bigger than between the RX8 and RX6. In this case the RC9 is a competition-specific shoe that completely removes anything not necessary to the required function. Without the centre part of the sole, the RC9 shoe is only designed for cycling, and should not be used for walking any significant distance at all.