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On test: Shimano SH-R220 shoes, October 30, 2008
Custom Fit on a budget
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The Shimano SH-R300 road shoes are the company's best-fitting to date with their 360 degree heat-moldable Custom Fit upper but the US$349.99 price tag may put them out of reach for many consumers. Cyclingnews technical editor James Huang dons a pair of SH-R220s instead and finds there is much to like about being second-best.
Heat-moldable technology has brought the once-exclusive realm of custom fitted shoes down to the masses and while Shimano wasn't the first to introduce it (Lake, we believe you deserve the honors), it has perfected the process like no other. If properly done with the dedicated oven and vacuum pump, the shoes are literally wrapped around your foot like shrink wrap and unlike full-custom models, there is no lengthy waiting period.
The R220 upper shares a similar buckle-plus-offset two strap layout and 'cat's tongue' heel cup lining as its more premium stablemate but to lower costs, Shimano reserves the heat moldable material only around the heel where it arguably matters most. Likewise, the full-length carbon sole plate shares the R300's basic hollow construction and toe vent but does without the fancy Nanotec composite content, the additional vent in the midfoot and the extra-tall wrap around the bottom of the heel.
Total weight for our sz43.5 test pair is 688g, complete with insoles, putting them roughly on par with the R300s we reviewed back in June .
Warm and toasty
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The R220s actually fit quite well straight out of the box with the same refined shape and substantial feel that we've come to expect from Shimano. Though the mesh-and-synthetic upper isn't nearly as supple as ones from Sidi - or even Specialized - the single buckle and offset forefoot Velcro straps provide an excellent overall hold with no pressure points up top to speak of. The main strap isn't adjustable in length but Shimano nicely compensates with a two-position buckle mount.
The custom molding process then takes the heel hold one step further from 'excellent to 'superb' and combines with the surprisingly effective heel lining (provided you're wearing socks, that is) to ensure that the back of your foot stays put. Add in the stiff carbon sole plate (and the trendy white color) and it should come as no surprise that many sponsored pros actually choose the R220 over the R300.
As there is no heat moldable material ahead of the ankle, the R220 is also better ventilated - even without the extra midsole vent - thanks to a more generous helping of mesh.
The molding process only affects the back of the shoe, though, so the forefoot fit as it comes out of the box is how it remains forever more. This should admittedly create no issues for most and Shimano offers the R220 in a roomier 'E' width for those that need a little more breathing room.
Unfortunately, if you have bunions or any other minor shape abnormalities (Giant's Adam Craig is among the notables), the non-stretch areas around the edges of the toe box will simply create too much pressure to be comfortable for more just than a couple of hours. Those folks will need to step up to the R300 but will be duly rewarded with a level of comfort unlikely to be replicated by most of the competition.
The custom-molded insole also provides a marked improvement in comfort over the stock - and rather flat - fit and Shimano includes extra bits in case you want a little more arch support or a little metatarsal 'button' to spread out your toes. Even so, we sometimes found ourselves wishing for a little more arch support built into the outsole on longer rides.
Comfy kicks (for most)
The Shimano R220 shoes are notably heavier than its ultralight competition (by as much as 100g per shoe or more) but as long as the factory forefoot fit works out for you, the payback is more support and a better fit for a broader range of wearers.
At US$249 per pair, they also represent a solid value for a custom-fit product and provide the usual fit, finish and quality typical of Shimano footwear.
Price: US$249.99
Weight: 688g/pair (sz43.5, with insoles)
Available sizes: 36, 37-46.5 in half, 47, 48 (SH-R220); 40-46.5 in half,
47, 48 (SH-R220E)
Pros: Custom heel fit at a reasonable price, stiff carbon sole, pressure
point-free strap layout, good ventilation, optional E-width, usual Shimano levels
of fit, finish and quality
Cons: Notably heavier than some of its competition, non-customizable
forefoot won't work for some, could possibly use more built-in support around
arch
Cyclingnews rating: 
More information: www.shimano.com
Photography
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com
- The Shimano SH-R220 road shoes offer many of the features of the top-end R300 model but at a much lower price.
- Heat-moldable materials in the heel make for a solid hold once they're fit to the user.
- The R220 doesn't use Custom Fit materials ahead of the ankle but the upside is that Shimano includes more mesh for improved airflow.
- The hollow carbon outsole offers no perceivable yield under power.
- Offset forefoot straps deliver a snug fit free of pressure points up top.
- The ventilated tongue also includes a soft cut-out to prevent tendon irritation.
- The R220 also includes a Custom-Fit insole with optional inserts for additional arch support or to help spread your toes.
