MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY
MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY
Designing a midsole that also connects to the leather upper helps keep riders’ feet closer to the sole.
This minimizes stack height, improves fit, and keeps the foot securely in place while pedaling.
It also reduces power loss and prevents fault-induced failure.
SEAMLESS MIDSOLE STRUCTURE
Conventional Structure Seamless Midsole Structure Lasting board Lower stack
height Insole
LOWER STACK HEIGHT STABILIZES PEDALING STROKES AND MAXIMIZES EFFICIENCY.
ROAD
SHIMANO engineers and researchers discovered reducing stack height, the distance between the sole and pedal axis, stabilizes pedaling strokes and increases power transmission efficiency. A lower stack height is especially important when applying high levels of downward force on the pedals.
Our mid to high-end RC shoes and TR501 Triathlon shoes now share the same S-PHYRE seamless midsole structure first introduced in our pro-level RC9 series shoes.
Midsole Structure
1.ADJUST
TIGHTNESS 2.MIDSOLE LIFTS UP 2. 3.FOOT MAINTAINS CLOSE
CONTACT WITH MIDSOLE
On-road shoes: Stack height
Shoes | Sole thickness (mm) |
Midsole Structure | |
---|---|---|---|
Sole bottom to Upper inside |
|||
SPD-SL | RC903S | 4.9 | X |
RC903 | 4.9 | X | |
RC902T | 4.9 | X | |
RC702 | 5.5 | X | |
RC502 | 6.5 | X | |
RC300 | 6.5 | X | |
RC100 | 10.0 | ||
TR901 | 6.6 | ||
TR501 | 6.5 | X |
MTB
MTB shoes with a lower stack height also benefit from improved pedaling efficiency and bike control.
All of our MTB racing shoes have an original midsole structure that provides more stable and efficient pedaling to riders of all levels.
Midsole Structure
Off-road shoes: Stack height
Shoes | Sole thickness (mm) |
Midsole Structure | |
---|---|---|---|
Sole bottom to Upper inside |
|||
SPD | XC902 | 4.7 | X |
XC702 | 5.9 | X | |
XC502 | 5.9 | X | |
XC300 | 5.9 | X | |
XC100 | 5.9 | X | |
RX801 | 9.1 | ||
RX600 | 9.5 | ||
MW702 | 6.9 | X |
ROAD RACING MIDSOLE
Our RC702 competitive road racing shoes feature a newly optimized midsole structure that further enhances stability and comfort. It has a flattened area under the ball of the foot that more comfortably and efficiently transfers pedaling power. Small, strategically-placed ventilation and drainage ducts keep feet drier for more comfortable performance, rain or shine.
COOLER, DRYER FEET
TRI-FLOW VENTINGVenting in front of the cleat mount funnels air
through the midsole's open structures to keep
feet drier throughout your ride.RAPID DRYING
WATER DRAINAGE PORTSDrainage ports in both the front and rear of the
shoe eliminate uncomfortable sloshing and help
feet dry faster.MORE STABLE PEDALING
PEDALING POWER PADThe flat forefoot point of contact distributes
pedaling force more equally for stable pedaling
and acceleration.
TRAIL RIDING MIDSOLE

ORIGINAL MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY FOR AGGRESSIVE GRAVITY RIDING CONTROL
TORBAL 2.0 does for cycling shoes what suspension forks did for frames. It sets a new standard for rider control by changing how the shoe reacts when leaning out on tight, sharp turns. SHIMANO R&D analyzed the micro-movements of the midsole to develop an original structure that provides targeted rigidity and flexibility in different zones. By maintaining stiffness in the center while allowing flexibility on the sides, TORBAL 2.0 supports pedaling efficiency and increases stability and control while navigating breakneck corners at high speeds.

GRAVITY ENDURO (GE)
TORBAL 2.0 for Gravity Enduro (GE) shoes has specially placed slits on the outer edges of the midsole that enhance pedal hold stability without
sacrificing pedaling rigidity. This special structure works together with the layered spongy, layered EVA foam beneath the midsole, allowing the shoe to flex and absorb roll movements on either side of the shoe for greater cushioning and control.

GRAVITY FLAT (GF)
TORBAL 2.0 for Gravity Flat (GF) shoes has specially placed slits on the outer edge of the shank plate for a more secure pedal grip while leaning out through sharp corners at high speeds. Working in tandem with the spongy, layered EVA foam, these special structures allow the outer edge of the sole to flex and absorb roll movements for greater stability and bike control performance.