GRAVEL
ROAD
Shimano expands its gravel range with the SH-RX710, a new shoe designed for riders who want a true performance base without necessarily stepping up to the very high-end S-PHYRE.
The idea is pretty clear: take part of the DNA of the Shimano S-PHYRE RX910 we tested, but in a slightly more versatile, less exclusive version that is likely better suited to most gravel uses.
🚀 In short:
New Shimano gravel shoe inspired by the S-PHYRE RX910.
Carbon-reinforced sole with a stiffness index of 9/12.
Pontoon system, dual BOA L6Z and DYNALAST 2.0 platform.
The RX710 gets a carbon-reinforced sole with a stiffness index of 9 out of 12. That is already serious for a gravel shoe, especially if you are aiming for fast rides, gravel fondos or sustained training.
Shimano is not trying to make a hiking shoe disguised as a sporty model. The platform remains performance oriented, with a low stack-height construction meant to bring the foot closer to the pedal and improve the feeling of connection to the bike.
The difference with the RX910 is right there: the S-PHYRE pushes the slider to a 12/12 stiffness, more radical, more directly aimed at competition. The RX710 seems to keep a margin of comfort and forgiveness for long days, mixed terrain and less structured rides.
The SH-RX710 incorporates the Pontoon Cleat System, already seen on Shimano’s high-end gravel models. The idea is to widen and stabilize the support area around the SPD cleat.
In gravel, the shoe-pedal interface must not only transmit power: it also has to remain stable when the terrain gets rough, when you kick again on a choppy track or when you have to put a foot down.
Here Shimano claims a compromise between secure engagement on the pedal and more confident walking off the bike. A sole that is too road-oriented quickly becomes a pain as soon as you have to walk, but a shoe that is too soft ends up lacking snap.
The closure relies on two BOA L6Z dials with micro-adjustment. This choice clearly puts the RX710 on a serious footing: better foot hold, finer adjustment depending on effort, and the ability to tweak quickly while riding.
The upper is light synthetic leather, with a classic but relevant goal: combine breathability, comfort and durability. Shimano also mentions its DYNALAST 2.0 platform, designed to suit more foot shapes.
Shimano shoes often have a distinct fit identity, and the availability in multiple widths can make a real difference for cyclists who struggle to find a high-performing gravel shoe without pressure points.
The SH-RX710 is quoted at 315 g in size 43. While not ultra light on paper, it sits in a coherent zone for a performance gravel shoe with dual BOA, a carbon-reinforced sole and lugs usable off the bike.
Shimano lists three colors: Navy, Black and Sand White. The size range is broad, with standard sizes from 38 to 50, half sizes from 39.5 to 46.5, as well as Wide and Narrow versions depending on markets.
The announced retail price is 254,95 €. It is not an affordable shoe in the strict sense. But in a performance gravel range, the positioning remains clear: below the RX910, with a still very solid spec sheet.
This RX710 arrives in a pretty clear context: gravel keeps segmenting. On one side, adventure, travel and bikepacking remain strong. On the other, gravel racing is taking up a lot of space, as we saw again in our analysis of gravel trends at ProDays 2026.
Shoes are following this evolution. Riders want efficiency, support, an effective SPD interface, but without necessarily accepting the constraints of a 100% race model.
That is probably where the RX710 can find its place: a shoe to ride fast, for a long time, on varied terrain, without slipping into the exclusivity of a S-PHYRE.
The SH-RX710 looks like a very coherent product in the Shimano line. It carries over the RX910’s key points – performance sole, Pontoon system, dual BOA, gravel race logic – while dialing back the level of pure strictness a bit.
It is not a shoe we would call cheap. At over 250 €, it remains at a firm price point. But the balance seems broader: amateur competition, fast rides, long distances, sporty gravel, even mixed use with some walking.
The real question will be about feel: heel hold, comfort over several hours, sole behavior on rough terrain, walk quality and upper durability. Without field testing this RX710, we cannot yet take a stance on these criteria.
But on paper, Shimano is not trying to reinvent the gravel shoe. The brand is mainly refining an already solid formula, with a more accessible and more versatile proposition than its S-PHYRE model.
| Riding style | Versatile gravel |
|---|---|
| Year | 2026 |
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