Shimano SH-RT82 Road Touring Shoe

I got my first walkable SPD shoes in '93 for touring, Shimano model A100, I think. All white w 2 velcro straps. They served me well, and I still use them on occasion (wo socks). I wanted one size bigger shoe w the ratchet buckle, smooth sole (no MTB lugsspikesscrews), black color, and these RT82's fit the bill. They are top quality and have great looks too (imho). I currently ride a road bike (and also my trusty touring) but do not race. The sole is very stiff, so I don't get hot spots, and don't see how one could w this shoe. The ratcheting buckle is good for getting an extremely tight instep fit (much more than w velcro straps) wo having high pressure pinching (like w shoelaces). They're nice for making an adjustment while rolling, too. Both the metal buckle mechanism and it's plastic tongue look to be replaceable. I take a size 9 sneaker, and these 43's fit me perfectly. The toe is rounded, not pointy, and the shoe's insert is molded for each individual shoe size (43 is printed on mine - at the heel for easy size I.D.). They weigh 770 gr. per pair w the cleats installed (cleatsscrews sold seperately - nut plates included w shoes). Walking in them is safe and comfortable (as opposed to road shoes), although you don't want to walk a mile in any stiff platform sole shoes. And there's the cleat grinding noise on concrete or gravel that comes w all walkable clipless shoes. I've only got 400 mi. on these so far, so I don't know how long they'll last, but I'm guessing over 10 yrs. if kept to on-road use only (using my original A100 shoes as an indicator). There's a bunch of reflective material on the topinsidefront, but little on the backheel. I've been out in 38 F for 1-12 hrs, and my toes got cold, but they were OK in 42 for extended periods w thin wool socks (ymmv). I have not ridden in the rain w these shoes (yet), but your feet will get wet thru the breathable fabric on top. I can't say how hot they'll get either, as I've only ridden up to 68 thus far.

I wanted a shoe that was lighter and stiffer than the mountain shoes I was commuting in, but I still needed to be able to walk off-bike - think recessed cleats. Tried on a pair of RT82's and I was hooked. They're quick to put on and take off, an important feature for commuting. The ratchet mechanism insures I can get a snug and secure fit. The rubber strips on the sole & heel provide adequate cushion & traction for portages on stairs or brief trips into a store. And the styling - mostly black - doesn't scream out for attention. I sometimes think they're a little long (47, when my 'dress shoe' size is 10.5), but I tried the next size down and decided I needed the toe room. I'm not a racer. I'm just a year-round, old-guy commuter who likes to make some longer rides (35-100 miles). I've got no hard data, but I know these are stiffer than my old MTB shoes, and I believe they help my pedaling efficiency. I think these will serve me well for my first STP this summer.

These shoes fit extremely well and are comfortable to walk in too. A great value for the money.

I recently bought this SH-RT82 shoe to replace my MTB shoe that I have been using with the SPD pedal on my road bike (CAAD10.1). I wanted something that looks like a road shoe that you can actually walk normally in for the occasional pit stops at the bakery/deli to refuel after a long ride. The MTB shoe I wore before were heavy and chunky looking with oversized lugged sole which I did not need because I only ride on paved road not trails.

I am 5'7 and normally wear a size 8.5 wide and this model's size 42 fit me perfectly in both width and length. The shoe is very well made with synthetic materials and no obvious quality defects. The sole is very supportive and stiff. I wore this shoe very shortly after I bought it on a 100k ride with four cat 4 climbs and I had no issue with hot foot or discomfort during the ride even though the shoe is not even broken in. The ratcheting strap on the top makes it very easy to adjust the fit while on the bike. The ratcheting straps also hold very firm and does not come loose even after several hours of hard riding, unlike my old MTB shoe which only has Velcro straps. The shoe came with the nut plates to mount your cleats but does not come with the SPD cleats themselves so you will have to buy them separately.

Overall, I am very happy with this purchase and bought another extra pair to keep in reserve in case Shimano decides to discontinue this model.