Review: Shimano XC702 Cross Country Shoe
In our exploration of the perfect shoe to complement our gravel bike, we took feedback from many in the cycling world about the best shoe to complete the versatile platform. In trustworthy style, many of our riding compatriots tempered the purchases. We settled on the Shimano XC702 for various reasons. The extensive list of demands for this shoe meant a serious test once we mounted the hardware.
There were big plans atop the gravel bike, meaning the shoes also fronted a burden. The bike was less gravel than it was versatile - think a little bit of road, a little bit of gravel, a little bit of cyclocross, and a little bit of single track. The shoe selection was just as strenuous as the bike finalization, but keeping with the style, the shoes could not be overdone.
Our ride mates intercepted plans for top end off road shoes. Top end full carbon soles on off road bikes would be uncomfortable when off the bike in cyclocross settings. Meanwhile skimping on entry level shoes would conclude frustrations with a majority of the cycling experience - pedaling. The Shimano XC702 shoes were the happy medium.
Consider the sticking point of a carbon sole to provide stiffness. The Shimano XC702 features a carbon-reinforced midsole to provide power transfer. With cleats mounted directed to the carbon midsole, pedal efficiency is optimized without compromising comfort both on and off the bike. The Ultread rubber sole allows a soft area to rest the foot while attempting to clip in or out of SPD pedals. This comes in handy for each cyclocross lap for planks and stairs. Plus, the chunky spikes allow traction in all terrain. Should the weather turn especially nasty, the XC702s accommodate screw in spikes to help with run ups.
Moving further up the shoe to the upper, Shimano features two BOA dials for micro adjustments. The synthetic mesh allows for decent airflow, which we discovered on numerous cold weather outings. Numerous ridekicks have related that Shimano shoes are on the narrower side, but we found a comfortable fit within the size range. These are shoes worth trying on with a critical eye before purchasing.
The Shimano XC702 cross country shoes have performed admirably in the settings we expected: the group rides have the added gift of comfort, the gravel rides have been supple, and the traction along with ease of reentry has been outstanding on cyclocross races and single track paths. Instead of an extremely stiff sole, the carbon midsole provides strength where necessary and flexion when called upon.
One area that does occasionally provide frustration are slight pinch points along the top of the shoe, where the upper BOA is tasked with tightness. Often it feels as if the strap is slightly out of place, causing the retention system to dig in. Because the BOAs are one direction, the rider must undo the dial, click it back and place, and start the process over. This is a bit tedious for the likelihood of overtightening the BOA prior to the ride start.
There was much apprehension when putting the Shimano XC702 shoes into service considering how many demands were put on them. The likelihood of the shoes not meeting those needs were quite high, yet the XC702s checked all the boxes. The continuance of using the bike alongside the Shimano shoes mean long comfortable rides will always be in the future. Equipment that feeds the outing spirit is a well deserved purchase.
