SHIMANO S-PHYRE RC902 vs. SPECIALIZED S-WORKS ARES SHOES (PROS AND CONS) *WEIGHTS*

[@astrayagrarian]

I’ve got those Shimano RC902 in white and I can honestly say they are some of the best shoes on the market, and I’ve ridden several pairs from different brands over the years.

[@GCPerformance18]

very nice!! they look very pro

[@drsus0]

The 902s have something no other shoe has and why i love them. The lacing option on the toe box. You can re route the boa through the optional Channels on lower lacing routing to make the toe box skinnier for narrower foot riders, making specially good on this shoe since they made the toe box bigger than the 901s. Plus I like the clean look, the s-works look like an 80’s graphics nightmare. If you look at the lower boa area you’ll notice the weird extra inner section on that loop that seems to serve no purpose…thats where you re route the boa and closes up that area even more.

[@GCPerformance18]

they are really nice

[@samuel8590]

Wow. I'm shocked you find comfort on longer rides with these shoes and your wide feet. Your feet look just like my feet. I tried all these shoes with zero luck. They caused me all sorts of issues. I finally found Bont and went with the vapor S model in a Wide version. Heaven. Molded those bad boys. No more issues with my feet. Took me over a year to find the right fitting shoes.

[@GCPerformance18]

honestly I came from a hockey back round and played since I was 3 so I was use to fitting my wide feet into things that didnt fit btu I got use to it, and just found out what socks would work for me

[@AMWChannel]

@samuel aggre with u. If you are wide feet. Bont the best choice. I also enjoy this shoes after molded

[@gerard45gh]

I've just bought Shimano Rc902 had my first ride today they're very firm fitting but they are nice and stiff really well vented way better than the Lake cx237 I've been riding although they're to big for me got them second hand they're very hot ventilation is poor. So far so good 👍Just an update anyone wanting some fantastic shoe's these are them they're the best shoe's I've owned had Sworks, Sidi, Lakes best for me by far the way they rap around your foot is fantastic and the Boa is really precise ..

[@alexmalone1642]

I love Shimano

[@qibble455]

#105Army

[@GCPerformance18]

they are a nice shoe for sure, what group you run on your bike, sram???

[@notkray8468]

As a Football (soccer) player I like how the Ares looks.They look like mecurials

[@GCPerformance18]

yea these shoes do look like a soccer shoe also the new basketball shoes coming out

[@TJS71]

I purchased the 902's last fall. Beautiful shoes but they caused a lot of pain on the right side near my pinky toe. I now use S-works S7 and the Ares. I love both.

[@GCPerformance18]

yea I noticed the shimano were really tight on those sides of the feet where as spesh isnt as harsh for me

[@volvofh800]

Ultraboost is not dead!😁 I dont know which one are better, but for me, those shimanos are one of the most beautiful shoes on the market. Peace

[@GCPerformance18]

hahahha ultraboost for life, but yea both shoes are lookers I want to try out the shimanos

[@xaviertirado7516]

i rather go with performance the s-works are more attractive to me everywhere i go people tell me the shimano is nice but we all in it for the performance

[@hjshoon5244]

I’ve the sphyre 902 size EU42 wide and it’s definitely not 900+ grams per shoe.. But thanks for the video as I am looking at the Ares but unfortunately the local specialized store is all sold out for most sizes and it has been quite long that they haven’t restock yet. Guess the pandemic is still having a severe impact to the supply chain

[@GCPerformance18]

I will oduble check tomorrow, I have to take look

[@neilgoulsbra7103]

I have the Red/Black Ares to go with the Red Black S-Works SL7. They look cool

[@GCPerformance18]

dammmm that is the perfect match, I am jealous of you my friend that red and black tarmac was one fo the nicest colors

[@KenSmith-bv4si]

900 grams equals almost two pounds. So each shoe weights in at 2lbs each or 4lbs a pair? I'm a retired boilermaker and my work boot weighted less then them white bricks Shimano calls shoes.

[@GCPerformance18]

hahahhaha I am very soprry after all the comments I went to go look back and realized that my scale was in ounces hahahha and i didnt even think twice

[@nicholi1246]

The Ares looks like the Lebron soldier 11 and I just can’t unsee it lol. This probably won’t relate to anyone else but aesthetically I’m not a fan

[@GCPerformance18]

I love the look of them but for sure I mean I can see how alot of people do not like them

[@f1fanatic710]

I like the Shimano for its clean looks but the specialize looks more comfortable. Your reviews are great informative you have a style of your own presentation.

[@GCPerformance18]

Thank you so much!!! that really made my day :) and yes I agree totally I bought the shimano jsut because of the looks but I will always go specialized lol

[@fefo107]

There's a wide fitting option for those shimano shoes too

[@GCPerformance18]

yea I think I mentioned that

[@georgefarrowgreen01]

The Stiffness index of the different shoes cannot be compared. Shimano has 12 as their max, Spesh has 15 as the max. They cannot be compared theyre 2 different companies!!! Varus wedge is only needed for like 1-3% of the worldwide population so its stupid to incorporate it into a shoe. Plz stop with the marketing crap! Weight for shoes makes a big difference also, it's rotating weight that's always accelerating throughout the pedal stroke

[@GCPerformance18]

lol I know thats why when I said that about the stiffness I was like, yea cant really compare it, butt he varous wedge helps out alot I am telling you, Ive done countless fits and i have seen increase in comfort

[@johnhio1843]

Surprised you can fit the Shimano with a wide foot. Only tried the entry level RC5, but it wasnt wide enough. The Specialized seems to have more room - and I ended up buying the torch 1.0 for cheap.

[@GCPerformance18]

they are narrow for sure and I can feel rubbing but I am use to the pain having this wide foot my whole life lol

[@TheAnimejosh]

that scale is waaaaay off, I own the S-phyre 901 version and my dad has the Ares, they definitely are not 900+ grams a shoe.

[@GCPerformance18]

I mean that one weighed very close to the specialized shoe too, its not way off

[@TheAnimejosh]

@@GCPerformance18 @GC Performance I mean, I just weighed both them on my scales they both weigh just 280+ grams for the Ares(size 43)with cleats on, & 300+ grams for the S-phyre 901(size 44) also with cleats on. Just saying your scale is probably off or something? I mean 900+ grams for a shoe definely seems off right? I just don't want people might get confused on the actual weight of the shoes, that's all. Great videos btw, been watching since less than a thousand subs I think👍

[@manueldeubler1127]

I agree, this seems off. +900 g for a single shoe is suspicious. First thing I would try is placing the scale on a hard and level surface. The cushion of the seat is definitely not the place for a scale.

[@monaxReplay]

@@GCPerformance18 weighing stuff on a soft surface will make it inaccurate... both times were inaccurate but consistent haha

[@cricanwa]

@@GCPerformance18 yes it was off. There is no way that they weigh almost a Kilogramm.

[@craigferguson5976]

Secret to getting Ares on easily = shoe horn. Try it GC! No more time lapse.

[@GCPerformance18]

lol I was thinking about that for sure, I jsut dont have one on hand but Iam sure it makes it so easy

[@Pablo_Coach]

Can You tell me something about Ares durability? Especially that sock liner

[@basegironahelitrans3185]

I have sold my sworks ares. Bad design outside lateral. Hurts to much. I tried to install my coves in all positions and the pain persisted. Shimano wide always. Don't thinking about😉

[@GCPerformance18]

thats okay sometimes some shoes just dont work for people, I have heard that about sidis and also specialized, its all about finding otu what works for your body, have u tried the sworks 7 wide shoe?

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Awesome video bro!!

[@GCPerformance18]

Glad you liked it, and good shit on your channel, I give you guys allk the credit in the world doing the vlog style cycling, you kill it on there..... people are subscribing because they enjoy your style :)

[@ytpadyt]

Let them do the work, 300 W+

[@GCPerformance18]

lmao

[@spartanbike2260]

another great video. is it possible for you to measure the length/width of the shimano vs the sworks. cheers

[@GCPerformance18]

possibly let me get on it

[@JamyRyals]

Those Sphyre are nice looking, I always wonder how they stay clean

[@frankpeter9145]

I always wear lyrca overshoe covers.

[@GCPerformance18]

they are a microphiber material that doesnt absorb sweat or dirt as much which will also cause them not to discolor as fast

[@per_young]

Should’ve tried the shimano in wide fit. They’d be perfect for the bunion.

[@GCPerformance18]

I dont mind them I will break them in, I use to play hockey for many years and use to skates being too small, they will be fine once ridden a couple times, I know this sport is about pain no matter what

[@cadaver1ne635]

Been looking months for the white rc902 . Had the red on in the shop and they feel really comfy compared tot my rp901

[@GCPerformance18]

no way I want the red ones so bad!!!

[@cadaver1ne635]

@@GCPerformance18 i want the white ones , the only rc902 we have in Belgium left is the red ones. Maybe next month new stock incoming

[@BulletJS]

Switched to the Shimano SPhyre with a Spec BG insole and love it!

[@GCPerformance18]

I cant wait to ride them I am dying to try them out

[@BTcycle]

I ordered the Shimano wide version.

[@GCPerformance18]

very nice!!! good chocie and I hope they work out for you

[@LowEndRider]

Have you tried Bont vapor shoes yet? They are incredibly comfortable and perfect for wide feet.

[@GCPerformance18]

I have neevr tried bont but I dont knwo

[@odiesdad01]

I've ridden nothing but Sidi for 20+ years. I wonder how these compare.

[@GCPerformance18]

I do not like sidi but its all preference and i have customers who live and die by them and dont like any other shoes..... its hard to change to something when somethign works so good for you

[@odiesdad01]

@@GCPerformance18 I rode a French brand (can't remember their name but they were known for a wide toe box) for a few years. They were comfy, but the velcro closures wore out. I'm on my 4th pair of Sidi's . They've always felt comfy as possible. Specialized may feel better, but I'm leery to spend the money to try something different when I know the Sidi's work well for me.

[@livibam]

Got both of these.. I prefer the Shimano. I can’t get along with the Ares. Don’t support my foot at all.

[@jorgitogaitan]

I’ve got the shimano wide as I got the same kind of feet issues you got and they are sooooooo comfortable. Def wide makes a difference

[@GCPerformance18]

yea everyone recomended the shimano wide for me, the stock feel narrow for me

[@jorgitogaitan]

@@GCPerformance18 go do you like the Ares compared to the 902? I was thinking of the vent for summer and trainer workouts but I like that heel push back in the ares as you mentioned on other videos too.

[@cmarnold78]

@@GCPerformance18 Soooooooo narrow made my foot hurt within a couple of minutes on while a sadly contemplated they felt too narrow before having to box them up and send them back... no wides available :(

[@awesomexistence]

S-WORKS ARES have reversible cleat nuts to give the for-aft adjustment range of the Shimano in a lighter cleat nut design. Would have been nice to show this feature. I purchased the ARES for this feature and the added to box room to relieve a nueroma problem.

[@adamoweb]

lol. ❤️ for the half way accent attempt.

[@GCPerformance18]

hahahah I promise you it will come

[@mohamadjamil3164]

Did you manage to try the Shimano shoes? How did it compare to the the ares?

[@GCPerformance18]

shimano is more narrow for me

[@GCPerformance18]

Shimano or specialized?!?

[@alexmalone1642]

Shimano all time

[@dom7215]

I Start a Long Time ago with Shimano But since 2016 i Ride only Specialized shoes ! Road5 then Road 6 and then the Road 7. Love the Sworks Road 7.

[@yonglingng5640]

Being a wide-footed rider, I only have three Specialized shoe options: Torch 2.0 (my current shoe), S-Works 7 and S-Works EXOS, all in black (the only colour for wide-fit units) only. So between these two, I must take the RC902, but I'd take this one anyway even if my feet aren't wide. XD (I've tried it once, feels pretty nice and really stiff)

[@bjornbaron5940]

Nice shoes, but I'm content with my old Adidas racing shoes and my newer Sidis, fit my feet perfectly well.

[@GCPerformance18]

damn old addidas sound sick

[@bjornbaron5940]

@@GCPerformance18 about 20 years old with speed lacing

[@Ryem3]

How’s the difference in the tongue? The specialized tongue is really high. I’ve been bothered by a tongue that is too high as I rotate my ankle. Something that would wear on you in time

[@GCPerformance18]

the toungue is very comfrotbale

[@BulletJS]

4:30 going to hold you to that!

[@GCPerformance18]

lmao I cant wait man it is coming

[@arthurreyes2632]

There are a lot of good fitting shoes out there. The Ares are butt ugly. Shimano 902 are one of the best looking shoes right now.

[@GCPerformance18]

im in love with the ares but I have to agree that the shimano shoes are really nice looking too

[@ralphimself]

So if I'm a 43.5 in s-works, would I need a 44 Shimano?

[@GCPerformance18]

for me this was the case, but I would double check

[@DEXVD]

Are the boas on both 2-way? For some reason had the impression that the boas on the S-Works XC shoe were only tightening and popup up to quick release or maybe loosen and tighten but don't have the pop up quick release like my Fiziks. Not sure if they are shoes you carry but would like to see a comparison between the Fizik Infinito X1 and Northwave Ghost Pro XC shoes. Happy with my Infinitos but would try something else but most of the XC alternatives like the S-phyre and S-works don't look as durable or protective for riding in the rocky environment I do which wrecks pedals, cranks and shoes.

[@GCPerformance18]

the boas pop up on both shoes, I do not sell fizik so I have no access to seeing those shoes....

[@mazerickd]

The sworks recons have tightening both with really nice metal dials. I use them for gravel and love the fact my dials haven't broken yet

[@guspachio4977]

Hey GC….curious, how’s the width of the toe box of both shoes, wide or narrow? The specialized looks wider, rounded or more roomy….thanks!

[@danielmoorhouse6506]

Shimano do a wide version. S phyre are the best shoes I've ever had.

[@GCPerformance18]

yuuea the spesh do have a bigger toe box and I can feel the difference I do not have the exact dimensions but by feel I have more wiggle room in the spesh

[@ashtonderojas821]

What type of mtb shoes and pedals would you recommend for recreational road cycling?

[@Fixin-To]

SPD on a non carbon sole. Will be good for walking around in. Make sure you have some form of std sole on the bottom not a sparse XC affair.

[@GCPerformance18]

the specialized recon 2.0 would be a nice option they have a 1 boa system very easy to use and also a very comfy shoe

[@87togabito]

I personally use the torch 3.0. Hard to beat as a very very comfortable and effortless mtb shoe, which I use for my Tarmac SL7 on long rides too lol

[@CyclespeedTours]

Not 950g per shoe, it's a quarter of that, what are you doing?!

[@GCPerformance18]

lmao

[@annukun7318]

you must have narrow feet. RC9's still no toebox room high cadence training creates pressure. i will try the ARES out they llok cool...by the way im lake shoe owner the best. TRY lake very comfy and room

[@GCPerformance18]

I have really wide feet to be hojnesty

[@annukun7318]

@@GCPerformance18 than your feet must be in pain buddy!!! comfort is key!

[@yechielchli6769]

Is the ares soles wider then the rc9? I have rc9 and i have low volume flat wide feet I absolutely stretch them out (rc9) over a season and now its loose fitting for me definitely want to try the ares if it has a slightly wider toe box and sole through out i think it will be perfect!

[@NomadFilmmaker305]

Waiting for the video where you will tell people why all cycling people shave their legs and how to shave it properly )))))))

[@GCPerformance18]

hahahahhaahahahhaha its all for the looks

[@kohli12]

mate, 900+g for one shoe is impossible... they must be in the 300g range per shoe!!!

[@GCPerformance18]

lmfao yes I realized this and then checked and come to realize that my scale was in ounces not grams I am sorry

[@EvilestGem]

Thing is, I have the Shimano S-Phyre and I love them, I love how they look (and ofc how stiff they are) but I do like the Ares but my only problem is that I don't know how high the shoe and sock comes up around the ankle because it looks quite high which is putting me off but I can't seem to tell because there are so few videos of people wearing them so I've been trying to find a good video that shows them on a side profile so I can get a better idea because I like a nice neat clean low cut shoe like the Shimano. Having owned the Ares what are your thoughts? Thanks.

[@marianoandrespucheta6202]

Hi I'm here because I'm a sworks footwear user, all my specialized shoes are 44,5 (Ares, Sworks 7 Lace and Sworks 7 Vent) and after a crash I'm thinking about a Shimano S-Phyre 903 PWR shoes but i can't get clear about the sizing. It's the sizing the same? Should I get the 44,5 Shimano Shoes? Thanks anyone here!

[@jegerm6752]

I have the rc902 wide. They’re much longer than my giro imperial even though the giro is actually 0.5cm bigger. The heel cup is huge. I personally love them. Very comfortable shoes and they’re good looking too.

[@GCPerformance18]

I wish i could try a wide on in person I thnk it would be ncie

[@markj.a351]

I think your scales are way off. My big ass hiking boots are only 550g each. These shoes should be around 250g each, no?

[@GCPerformance18]

lmfao I have to check it out Idk i just went with it

[@markj.a351]

@@GCPerformance18 convert the grams to freedom units and you'll find 2 shoes at 900g+ each are heavier than a wheelset.

[@nestoraguirre3715]

rc902 vs sworks 7?

[@Caradepotooo]

Were the S-Works Ares available in wide fit in USA?

[@GCPerformance18]

Not that I know of

[@ianstephenson650]

I need the Shimano rc902 size 45, please hook me up. I can't find it anywhere

[@GCPerformance18]

Send me an email [e-mail]

[@markrskinner]

2:24 that's the heel, not the sole.

[@GCPerformance18]

yea I am an idiot sometimes

[@awakenedbahamut2574]

No way are those shoes almost a kg heavy.

[@GCPerformance18]

lmao I realized what it was, it was in ounces

[@awakenedbahamut2574]

@@GCPerformance18 955 oz is over 27 kg though.

[@angepatgropro]

at you wanting to try the British accent haha :-)

[@GCPerformance18]

hahahaha thanks It will come soon

[@Thatonesillykitty]

For shoes i go for shimano...

[@GCPerformance18]

very nice have u ever tried specialized?

[@lballen84]

I have both shoes. For me the Shimanos feel better. They are more forgiving with feet swelling, plus due to the wide size, my toes aren't uncomfortable. I ridden up to 12 hours in a day in the Shimanos and had no problems. In the specialized, my feet are locked in but for my feet they are uncomfortable. It's too tight on the top of my feet, even after loosening the dials. They just feel odd. I don't know if it's because I used the Shimanos for a few months longer than specialized. If I would have kept my receipt and shoe box, I would have returned the specialized. I don't have really wide feet, just a little wider than most.

[@hankschrader2353]

Do you have a high volume forefoot ? Shimano usually doesn't make real wide shoes, but rather use more material on the upper. The last is the same width I think

[@lballen84]

@@hankschrader2353 I have high arches... My next step is to change the inserts.

[@lballen84]

@@hankschrader2353 Maybe, I over tighten the dials and react after swelling. I know I definitely have to add some padding inside for my arches. I definitely don't feel the support as in the Shimanos.

[@GCPerformance18]

yea thast why I recomend alot of people with a taller foot to shimano because that is the biggest complaint I hear from spesh, they dont accommodate the top of the foot

[@vincesorrentino7871]

Shimano"s feel like your wearing a Slipper . Perfect for me

[@GCPerformance18]

very nice and I am excited to try them out

[@guerreroymendoza]

'it feels like when you just shaved your chest' - sorry?

[@GCPerformance18]

hahahhahah

[@AshKetchhum]

The Ares look like clown shoes.

[@GCPerformance18]

hahahha I really like them

[@Reaper006]

What is the difference between the Ares, S works 7, and Vent? I am looking to upgrade from my basic Bontrager Circuit shoes. My friend also recommended the Fizik INFINITO R1. I am trying out figure out what is best before I go and spend 400 on a pair of shoes.

[@GCPerformance18]

I have done a whole cideo hold up, kzbin.info/www/bejne/poO4eZ-klq9lla8

[@chrispictures1]

You have the weight totally wrong,, your saying they way 2 pound per shoes …its wrong. You,d be better off with wellies.

[@GCPerformance18]

lmaoooo it was in grams lol

[@stevenschiff808]

I like shoes, and i'm a guy!

[@GCPerformance18]

hahahaha same

[@qibble455]

The red ones look awesome but f**k me I hate white riding shoes.

[@runeisaksen6781]

900 grams pr shoe. A bit on the heavy side. :-D

[@GCPerformance18]

hahahah

[@waluta]

@@GCPerformance18 they weight 250g per shoe (size42). So is this scale ok?

[@darrylleck6792]

should of done the British accent .

[@GCPerformance18]

Bottle of water!!!

[@turner02]

Shimano is 100x better than the pos specialized

[@GCPerformance18]

I meannnn thats al preference for sure, but those specialized shoes are amazing, you might have had a bad experience but I am telling you that now they are really nice

[@pentexg1315]

Hahaha there's no way 1 of those shoes is close to 1kg lol both together would be 400grams??

[@GCPerformance18]

lol I am very sorry I went backed and looked and for some reaosn my scale was inn ounces hahahah I am such and idiot and I didnt even quesiton it

[@MH-eu5bt]

900+g? 😂 You mean 90+g is it? 900g is almost 1 kg

[@GCPerformance18]

lmfao It was prob a point or something

[@JFomo]

lol 900 grams , hahaha

[@GCPerformance18]

hahahha I know it was ounces I am sorry