The sponsored off-road racing crowd sure likes Shimano's SH-XC9 shoes. On the starting grid, you'll notice the brightly colored high-viz yellow and electric blue ones on the sport's best riders. The black ones aren't as noticeable but we're sure there are plenty of those out there too. These shoes exude style and quality and that's apparent as soon as you pull them from the box that these shoes are designed for performance. Shimano launched its S-Phyre concept as part of its top-of-the-line road and mountain shoes and the two share some similar construction features. The XC9's are designed for off-road racing at the highest level and if you have a wider foot and value maximum power transmission, superb fit, and excellent comfort have a look at the SH-XC9 Bicycle Shoe - Wide - Men's. Shimano constructs the XC9 with a one-piece upper using Teijin synthetic microfiber leather that helps keep water out, while the large and numerous perforations allow your feet to breathe. Dialing in the fit comes courtesy from the dual Boa IP1 dials offering independent and micro-adjustable tension and instant release. Shimano believes that the fit is so refined and adjustable, that it didn't bestow the XC9 - Wides with the Custom Fit heat and vacuum system we have known and loved on its high-end shoes over the past decade or so. We agree that the new Boa retention system and the soft upper creates such a near-custom fit that we're not sure if a better or more comfortable fit is achievable. At the rear of the shoe, Shimano uses a rounded external heel cup that caps the carbon sole and continues up the back of the heel. This design supports the heel preventing any possibility of twisting and rolling, stabilizing the foot for more efficiency. Inside the shoe at the heel cup, a cat's tongue like gripping fabric further bolsters the foothold, providing a solid foundation for the feet without having to resort to excessive tension on the uppers. Shimano employs the French rubber wizards...