Shimano SH-WR84 Shoes

Racers, look no further than Shimano’s aesthetically unassuming WR84 shoes. They may not be the flashiest set of kicks but with a stiff carbon sole and supple, foot-hugging upper, they’re our go-to choice for everyday riding and racing.

The shoes are exceptionally comfortable with women’s-specific fit and supple upper that wraps around the foot. They have a narrow toe box and slim fit, ideal for low volume feet: Look elsewhere if you prefer shoes with relaxed, roomy fits.

Shimano’s Dynalast shoe last and dual density insole help position your foot for an efficient and smooth pedal upstroke. The added support is nice when going for a sprint for pedaling hard out of a corner. Our feet stayed glued in our shoes for total control and power transfer.

The carbon sole provides impressive stiffness. We couldn’t feel any flex or movement during our hardest sprints. The shoes are surprisingly comfortable on long rides too. We’ve finished multiple 100-mile days in these shoes without suffering hot spots or aching feet like other race shoes we’ve tested.

While a ratchet buckle and Velcro closure system provides a secure and comfortable fit, the ratchet’s doesn’t offer the same micro-adjustments of a Boa. So if you’re finicky about shoe fit, constantly changing and tightening them throughout a ride, go for shoes with a Boa. However, the ratchet is easy to use on the fly, much better than laces, and makes for quick access in and out of the shoes. The buckle also adjusts up and down on the shoe so you can change where the strap crosses and applies pressure to the top of your foot.