Take a look at Shimano sponsored off-road racer's feet and there's a good chance you'll see Shimano's SH-XC9 shoes. It's easy to pick out the electric green or bright blue ones out of a crowd and they look just as cool as they perform. Shimano launched its S-Phyre concept as part of its top-of-the-line road and mountain shoes and clothing, as a no-holds barred offering of the finest cycling accessories available. 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 we urge you to have a look at the SH-XC9 S-PHYRE Cycling Shoe - Wide.Shimano constructs the XC9 with a one-piece upper using Teijin synthetic microfiber leather that helps keep water out, and its increased number of perforations allow your feet to breathe easier and fit better. Dialing in the fit comes courtesy from the dual Boa IP1 dials offering independent and micro-adjustable tension and an 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 at Michelin to create a rubber compound for the lugs and the surrounding cleat mounting area. The rubber provides excell...