Shimano’s recent launch of their new range of cross country shoes saw the release of the XC-703 and XC-703 Women’s models – premium offerings that sit just below their flagship S-Phyre XC-903 offerings. At $369.95, the XC-703 range slices over $100 off Shimano’s S-Phyre model, while retaining many of the key features of the S-Phyre range.
Initial Thoughts
With a stiffness index of 9, the Shimano XC703 remains an extremely stiff offering for those who benefit from a snappy, fast shoe – namely dedicated cross country, gravel and marathon racers or those who toe the metaphorical line chasing Strava segments.
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A carbon-reinforced base and low stack height means that the Shimano XC703 shoes aren’t optimised for walking trails – though they do feature Ultread XC rubber sole and lug pattern for the occasional race bottleneck that forces a mandatory dismount.
Like the S-Phyre range, the Shimano XC703 range features dual offset BOA dials, with TPU mesh ventilation across the forefoot. The BOA closest to the ankle tightens the strap across the upper foot, while the lower BOA allows you to make on the fly adjustments to the width of the toe box – perfect for those who tend to find themselves tightening or loosening their shoe depending on the day. I use this feature often in hot temperatures, when loosening the forefoot of the shoe can reduce hot spots as a result of swelling on huge days in the saddle.
The high-density upper of the Shimano XC703 shoes integrates with the midsole, wrapping the foot comfortably without any pressure points. Best of all, the shoes are offered in a huge size range from 38–50 EU, with the Shimano XC703W available in sizes 36–44 EU.
Shimano XC703 on the trail
There’s nothing that can make or break your ride more than a pair of shoes – if they’re ill-fitting you’ll know about it, fast. With a fairly broad Australian foot with a very narrow heel, I took the Shimano XC703 and XC703 Women’s shoe for a range of test rides across multiple conditions: technical singletrack, long fireroad drags and everything in between.
The level 9 stiffness sole allowed instant power transfer, while the anatomical upper and molding of the lower portion of the shoe meant that the shoes never felt uncomfortably stiff.
With minimalistic tread, these shoes will help in the case of scrambling up some wet, muddy singletrack – but they’re not the shoes for undertaking extensive trail hiking. Feeling European? You can affix some toe spikes to the toes of the shoe – something that isn’t often required in Australia but could be a good option if you’re intending on using these for cyclocross.
The best part about testing these shoes is that they simply existed without thinking about them – a rare feat for my rare feet. There were no pressure points and the roomy toe box allowed plenty of room for toe spread.
Why pick a women’s shoe?
I tested both the Shimano XC703 and women’s specific XC703W for this review and I have to say – they’re nearly identical. Very subtle differences could be discerned after a few rides, namely that the XC703W featured slightly less volume upper while the heel cup was marginally narrower.
While also being offered in only black, the XC703W shoes do feature an extremely subtle and understated geometric triangular pattern that gives them a bit of a sheen and sets them apart from the XC703 model.
As someone with a broad, low-volume forefoot and very narrow heel, I would likely select the women’s model over the men’s if I had the choice, however the differences are very small, so if you’re considering both it’s worth trying both before purchasing. For those with feet smaller than 38EU, the XC703W is your only option.
Our Take on the Shimano XC703
Both the XC703 and XC703W offer premium performance for the discerning cross country or trail rider. At $369.95 they’re not an entry level option, but their carbon-reinforced midsole, low stack height, double BOA closure system and comfortable foot-wrapping upper offers a range of top-tier features for a significant price drop from Shimano’s S-Phyre offerings.
Key details of Shimano XC703
- Model: XC703 and XC703W
- Weight: 304g (actual, half pair 41)
- Color: Black
- Sizes: 38-50
- Half Sizes: 41.5-46.5
- Wide Sizes: 40-48
- Women’s Sizes: 36-44
- RRP: $369.95
- Website: ride.shimano.com
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Stiff
- Double BOA for adjustability
Cons:
- Available in black only
