Just whether the extreme breathability of these shoes counts as a good or a bad thing will, of course, depend on when and where you are riding. There are multiple sizes available and men's and women's fit options as well as wider fit versions, but colors are limited to just two in each range, white or Shimano blue (as pictured) for the men's and white or navy blue for women's. Shimano's highly impressive race-orientated RC7 shoes have had a significant redesign for 2019, gaining dials and losing Velcro completely. They're still a very comfortable, secure and well-vented option (with a great fit), but while the carbon soles are stiff and vibe-free, they could be stiffer still without sacrificing comfort. Overall I am impressed by the RC5s. They don't have the stiffest soles but I've found them more than good enough for most rides, and the fact that you get some premium level features at a mid-market price adds appeal. As does the fact they also look great. Verdict

If you live somewhere where the weather is invariably cold and wet, it’s worth considering whether those sorts of shoes are really the right choice, or if you’d be better off with something more robust. Do cycling shoes make a difference? The relatively mild conditions will have contributed to that, but most of the water that entered the shoe also flowed out through the vents in the bottom and didn’t slosh about inside for too long. Most cycling shoes can be wiped down with a damp cloth, but don't try anything more aggressive to clean them unless the maker's care instructions advise this. I’m not sure I could feel any great difference on the road, but these were certainly comfortable. Part of that may be down to the sole – it’s pretty stiff, but not incredibly so.

Shimano RC3 bottom line

Whether your ambitions are to boost your fitness to ride faster for fun or you’re aiming to drop your rivals as you race for wins, the RC5 Road Shoes offer all the performance you could need, but without emptying your bank account. Heel support and heel lift are often an issue with this type of winter boot though, so make sure that the fit is good if you go this route. Also consider swapping to winter boots and pedals for two bolt cleats for their better walkability in the wet or when it's icy - you're less likely to take a spill on a tile floor at the coffee stop. Do brands make cycling shoes to fit wider feet? At this price point there is some stiff competition in the form of the Shimano RC3 shoes and the Specialized Torch (see below), but the carbon sole, light weight and overall looks make the dhb Dorica shoes hard to beat and a perfect cycling shoe for anyone no matter the size of their budget.

Such characteristics are fine for the majority of road riding, though, and while racers, or those with competitive aspirations, might prefer a stiffer sole, the evidence suggests cycling shoe stiffness doesn’t directly influence power output anyway. Cycling shoes can also vary wildly in fit (we’ve got a guide to wide cycling shoes) and intended use. It would be easy to throw lots of money at the problem and end up with a set of shoes that don’t suit your unique foot shape or riding style.To reduce the price, one of the BOA dials has been swapped out for a Velcro strap and the dials are the L6 model which only ratchets tighter, unlike the IP1 dials on the S-Phyre which allow you to loosen the tension in 1mm increments.

The Shimano RC5s are a bit of a faff to get on and tensioned correctly, but once done it's absolutely worthwhile. They're well made, good looking, very secure and comfortable for long, hot rides, while offering good stiffness for hard efforts. The mid-range price is a big bonus. Oh, and did I mention that blue? Verdict A highly ventilated pair of cycling shoes or shoes with woven uppers will keep your feet cooler in hot conditions, but won't be so good if it's cold and damp. Another unusual feature is the sliding cleat plate that has three settings, and which provides about a centimetre of fore-and-aft adjustability. Here’s where the Shimano RC5 shoes shine. The Nylon/carbon sole carries a stiffness rating of 8 (out of 10), which translates into a surprisingly adept sprinting and climbing experience. If you're sure you do have wide feet, and not a need for an insole, then read on. Do I need custom insoles in my cycling shoes?An optimised toe spring section using Shimano’s ‘Dynalast’, is said to put less pressure on the plantar by allowing the foot to follow a more natural range of movement. Think too about the closure system. Boa dials are efficient but expensive and single dials may not distribute pressure as evenly as dual dial systems. Ratchets and Velcro are cheaper and can be as efficient. Laces look smart and save weight, but you can't adjust them while riding. Shoe sizing is pretty consistent across brands, particularly when compared to other pieces of cycling clothing – but just because your old and worn-out size 46 shoes were comfortable, it doesn't necessarily mean you can jump straight into a different brand in the same size. As their 10/12 stiffness rating implies, the carbon soles are pretty rigid. However, they do not behave like slate tiles underfoot.