Van Rysel Road Cycling Shoes RCR review

The Van Rysel Road Cycling Shoes RCR aren’t cheap at £179.99, but you can expect to pay much more for the best road cycling shoes from other brands. 

Van Rysel Road Cycling Shoes RCR design

The shoes have a classic appearance with subtle branding, and were “developed with and chosen by pros” according to Van Rysel (my understanding is that some but not all Decathlon AG2R riders have used them in the pro cycling peloton) the RCR shoes have all the features you’d expect to see on high-end road shoes: full carbon soles, two dials to achieve the perfect fit and plenty of ventilation. 

Van Rysel says the reinforced mesh upper is flexible yet solid, designed to eliminate pressure points, and textile straps are used instead of plastic to further improve comfort. 

Weighing 315g per shoe on my scales without cleats (size 45), they’re not the lightest, but not  particularly heavy either.  

Van Rysel Road Cycling Shoes RCR sizing and fit

Attaching my cleats, I noticed the key on the bottom to aid with setting up was almost completely obscured by a Shimano SPD-SL cleat, so I’d ideally have liked some more markings. There is some fore-aft adjustment though, so the vast majority should eventually find an ideal cleat position.  

Putting them on I noticed the shape was somewhat longer and narrower than other shoes I had on test of the same size. 

Van Rysel says it has widened the forefoot by 3mm compared to previous generations and I found they were just about right for me, if not slightly tighter around the outside of my foot compared to some other high-end shoes from the likes of Lake and Sidi.  

On the road, I felt completely  comfortable and the slightly narrow fit didn’t create pressure points. The dials, branded Habu but essentially the same as the BOA Li2 system, are very easy to tighten up and wind back, and can be tightened or loosened on the fly with ease if you need to readjust. 

Van Rysel Road Cycling Shoes RCR comfort and sole

The upper isn’t the most luxurious-feeling material I’ve ever put on my feet, but  it’s more than comfortable enough for hours in the saddle.  

Van Rysel says the “extremely rigid” sole is rated 12/12 on its stiffness scale for maximum power transfer. There  are vents at the midfoot and toe to keep  some air flowing through in hot  conditions. 

The sole is indeed very stiff, ideal for climbing and sprinting, and the venting will be appreciated on summer  rides. 

I liked the insole too, finding this super comfy on the bed of my foot.  

Van Rysel Road Cycling Shoes RCR bottom line

Overall, Van Rysel’s performance road shoes have most of the features you’d find on much more expensive pairs, with few compromises. I’d like a more useful scale on the sole for dialling in the fit of my cleats, the narrower fit won’t be for everyone.

If you want a pair of cycling shoes specially for tri racing, check out our guide to the best triathlon bike shoes.

Van Rysel Road Cycling Shoes RCR specs

Price	£179.99 (US pricing N/A)
Weight	315g (EU 45)
Sole	Ventilated carbon sole
Features	Two Habu dials
Sizing	EU 36 to 47

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