Shimano S-Phyre TR903 review: the range topper gets even better for triathlon

The Shimano S-Phyre TR903 is the component and cycling gear giant’s flagship triathlon bike shoe, superseding a long-standing favourite of mine, the TR901. 

Products with the S-Phyre label are part of Shimano’s premium range of shoes, apparel and eyewear, and the TR903 is the brand’s first triathlon shoe to carry it. 

If the price didn’t give it away, this is a shoe made for multisporters who demand the best out of their equipment, so I was keen to see if Shimano had turned things up a notch compared to its previous top-end shoe. 

Lots of triathlon features

Said to be built for ultimate speed and efficiency in short course racing, yet also “a top pick for any triathlete and any distance triathlon” (they would say that, I suppose), the TR903 has a strap and dial combination on top, a sizeable heel tab. This means there’s no fumbling around to put our shoes on in T1 or remove them at T2, and a stiffness rating of 10 out of 12 on Shimano’s own stiffness scale. 

There’s a detailed guide for setting up cleats precisely [NB, markings on the sole aren’t always accurate or symmetrical. Consider using a cleat alignment tool instead.] something I always appreciate.

Shimano has added heel and toe bumpers – all nice practical touches that make the big-ticket purchase go further. 

Both the sole and liner are nice and soft for comfortable sockless riding. I actually think the TR901s were marginally more comfortable inside and therefore better suited for long-course. But we’re talking small differences here. 

During my transition test, I was impressed with how wide I could open the shoe to make slipping my foot in easy; yet the strap fastens down really securely. 

A road-shoe feel

The very strong and sticky Velcro means no flapping strap catching on your cranks. Plus the BOA Li2 dial with micro-adjustment provides a road bike shoe-like secure fit. 

The tough and sizeable heel tab is really easy to grab. The fit of the shoe is roomy enough for wider feet. The high-but-not-ridiculous levels of stiffness will be agreeable for triathletes of all levels. 

Shimano has added a heel stabiliser to cradle the foot for optimal power transfer, and it does indeed feel like no effort is wasted. 

There’s plenty of ventilation across the shoe for hot days, and to help the shoes dry quicker. There are also drainage ports on the sole to deal with water after your swim leg. 

I think Shimano has possibly undersold the TR903 as being designed for sprint and standard distance tri, because its versatility would make it a fine shoe for longer distance races or road riding in the warmer months. 

The tension and foot security you can achieve with the strap and dial combination is pretty much indistinguishable from a high-end road shoe, the ventilation and comfort are very good, and they’re built to last.

Shimano S-Phyre TR903 spec

Price	$385/£299.99
Sizing	EU38-48 unisex
Sole	Carbon
Weight	8.8oz/250g (size 42, claimed)
Features	BOA Li2 dial, T1-Quick strap, heel stabiliser, large heel loop
Colours	Gunmetal grey, blue

---