Shimano RX600 Gravel Shoe
Off-Road optimized gravel cycling shoes for tackling your next adventure. The Shimano RX600 is their entry-level gravel shoe and has many of the same features of the higher end RX801.
The Shimano RX600 Gravel shoes, also come in an SH-RX600W version, which is the essentially the same shoe, but with a women’s specific fit. The women’s specific shoe is apparently more than just a color differences from the men’s shoe and is designed to provide a natural and comfortable fit.
Unboxing
Initial Thoughts
I really like the look of the Shimano RX600 gravel shoes. Personally, I think black is the best color for cycling shoes, so I am happy with the color choice. However, they are also available in a Green and Beige-Blue for Men’s and Gray-Purple, Black, and Sand Beige for Women’s.
The shoes seem to be well made. The sole is glued nicely, and there is no loose stitching. I would say the quality control is quite good for these shoes.
Moving on to the BOA lacing system, I don’t like that Shimano decided to use a single dial with the lace running through multiple guides. Though, there are two independent flaps (which Shimano calls surround wrapping upper pattern) which are supposed to allow for the upper portion of the shoe to wrap around the foot better. I have previously reviewed two Pearl Izumi shoes, one with a single dial and one with a dual dial and the dual dial gave a better fit.
Unfortunately, with the Shimano RX600 gravel shoe, the BOA dial used is a single directional dial, meaning that it will only twist clockwise to tighten. Loosening the shoe requires pulling up on the dial to loosen it, then pushing down to lock it before retightening the shoe. The RX801 comes with the nicer Li2 dial that has multidirectional adjustment.
The lace chosen for the shoes isn’t my favorite. The Pearl Izumi Expedition Pro shoes I reviewed had the textile lace which I like better. The internal cables are wrapped with a soft -feeling fabric and provide a better fit. However, with the plastic-coated laces on the RX600, they might slide through the guides a little easier.
Near the toe of the shoe, there is a single hook-and-loop strap. This strap allows to further refine the snugness of the shoe.
These are an entry-level shoe, and I can understand most of the differences between this shoe and the higher-end version, but going with the lower tier dial seems like a miss. I guess holding back on that feature is a way to push people toward getting the higher-end model.
Features
- 2-bolt cleat compatible
- TPU lugs
- Shimano Dynalast footbed
- BOA L6K dial
- Silvadur anti-odor technology
Shoe Materials/Fabric
The Shimano RX600 (RX6) gravel shoes feature a synthetic leather upper with micro-perforations for ventilation and a mesh insert for improved breathability and temperature regulation.
The sole includes a carbon-reinforced nylon midsole for stiffness and a rubber outsole with TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) lugs or a Michelin high-traction tread pattern for grip. Some models may also have a rubberized lining material in the heel cup for added durability.
BOA Lacing System
The Shimano RX600 Gravel Shoes use the L6K BOA dials with a single dial controlling two of the upper surrounds. The BOA system is lightweight and low-profile and allows for precise adjustment for the ultimate cycling shoe experience. However, these dials only offer a single-direction (tighten) adjustment but have Push-In engagement and Pull-Up for fast release.
The BOA lace slips through three guides before returning to the dial. With a single dial, these shoes don’t allow for much refinement along the foot compared to a shoe with two dials and a strap.
In previous reviews, I have stated that I’m not a huge fan of the BOA lacing system, but thinking back to the old-style ratchet system or even just Velcro strap shoes, BOA is much better. And I have yet to have a BOA lace or dial break on any of my shoes. BOA does allow for the very easy adjustment while riding too.
Sole Stiffness and Walkability
Shimano’s proprietary sole stiffness rating to help users choose the right balance of performance and comfort for their activities. Shimano calls it the Stiffness Index which ranges from 2 to 12, where 12 represents Unrivaled Road Race Performance, and 2–3 represents Gravity, Enduro and Trail Flat Shoe Performance.
Thus, all other shoes fall somewhere in between. Levels 10 – 12 are the stiffest soles. Levels 5–9 provide a balance of stiffness and a stable pedaling platform but allow for more comfort off the bike.
The Shimano RX600 has a Stiffness Index of 8. Without access to Shimano’s testing protocol or stiffness value ranges, you have to trust their ratings. More important than stiffness is overall comfort, and apparently, online cycling communities debate whether shoe stiffness is critical for performance.
Ideally, you won’t be walking long distances in these shoes. Although the soles are stiff and the lugs provide decent grip, walking is slightly awkward because the foot can’t naturally bend. The soles do have some curvature, and recessed cleats make walking easier, much more so than with road shoes.
Gravel/off-road riding often requires walking, so if walkability is an important consideration, the Shimano RX600 Gravel Shoes might be a more comfortable than the stiffer RX801 shoes.
Heel Cup
The RX600 features a reinforced heel cup designed to provide a secure and stable fit. It is constructed with a synthetic leather lining and, in some cases, a rubberized or textured interior material to enhance grip and prevent heel slip during pedaling or walking. The heel cup is moderately rigid, offering good support without being overly constrictive, which helps maintain ankle stability on uneven terrain.
The heel cup holds the foot firmly in place, even during aggressive pedaling or when dismounting for short walks. The design avoids excessive padding, keeping the shoe lightweight but still comfortable for long rides.
Toe Box
The toe box of the Shimano RX600 Gravel Shoes is moderately wide, striking a balance between a performance-oriented fit and all-day comfort. It is constructed from synthetic leather with micro-perforations and a mesh insert, which provide ventilation and a bit of stretch. Compared to Shimano’s narrower road cycling shoes (like the RC series), the RX600 offers a slightly roomier toe box, making it better suited for gravel riders who may need space for thicker socks or prefer a less constrained fit for mixed-terrain adventures.
The toe box is accommodating, even for me with slightly wide feet, but for riders with very wide feet, the wide version (RX600 Wide) will be more appropriate. The toe box also has a protective reinforcement at the front, which adds durability and some protection against rocks or debris when walking on gravel or trails.
Shoe Sizing
The Shimano RX600 Gravel Shoes come in sizes 40 – 50 increasing in increments of 1 (US 7 to 14) and for women’s 36 – 44 (US 5 to 11). The RX600 also comes in a Wide version in sizes 40 – 46 (US 7 to 11) (only available in black).
For Shimano wide shoes, typically they are designed with a 9-10 mm circumference around the ball of the foot. Also, increasing the shoe size a half size larger can help if getting slightly large toe box.
Cleat Compatibility
The Shimano RX600 Gravel shoes use a typical 2-bolt style mounting system. The sole is slotted to allow for plenty of forward and rear adjustment. There are also two different mounting locations to offer everyone plenty of cleat positions to find the perfect bike fit.
Shoe Care
Here is a nice little blog from Shimano on How to Clean Shoes the Right Way.
Final Thoughts
After multiple rides and many hours with the Shimano RX600 Gravel Shoes, both off-road and on the trainer, and in the wet and dry conditions, I am comfortable with writing my final thoughts. My initials thoughts were formed before testing the product to avoid biasing my perspective. No bones about it, these are mediocre at best, and overpriced at $190 USD.
I think they would be a decent buy if found on sale for $150 USD or less. Shimano missed the mark with these and left a large gap (in terms of price) between the RX600 and the RX801.
Starting out with shoe fit, the toe box is a bit snug. The outside of the shoe slopes inwards and presses against the outside of my foot. Initially, they were tighter on my feet but as I wore them more, they felt a bit better. I think a half size larger would have improved the fit of the shoe.
On the overall shoe stiffness, they aren’t stiff. The stiffness of soles is a hotly debated topic online over how necessary or beneficial stiff shoes are, but I prefer a stiff shoe. During the pedal stroke it is easy to feel the shoe flexing. While walking, it is even more noticeable.
Given that these shoes are designed for adventures, maybe the compliance in the shoes is a good thing, but if so, I think the stiffness rating assigned to these shoes is inaccurate. They are not as stiff as described above.
However, the shoes aren’t all bad. The soles of the shoes are nice and provide good grip while walking. Besides the snugness in the toe box the shoes are comfortable.
Regarding the BOA lacing, I retract my earlier criticism. These dials are nice (even though they aren’t multi-directional), and the laces feed through the guides very nicely. The single dial tightens the shoe quickly and easily.
I like how these shoes don’t have a traditional tongue (which can often shift sideways). I think the tongueless design allows for a better fit and for the laces to slide more easily.
Lastly, the padding around the back part of the ankle is well-shaped and not too bulky. I think Pearl Izumi shoes tend to make the cushioning there too bulky.
Would I recommend these?
The Shimano RX600 Gravel Shoes cater to a specific audience. Riders with wide feet may find the toe box restrictive and should consider the RX600W variant. Those seeking a rigid shoe for competitive gravel racing will notice excessive flex, and at $190 USD, the shoes are not the best value at full price.
Nevertheless, for gravel enthusiasts who can purchase them on sale for $150 USD or less, the RX600 offers compelling features. Sizing up a half size from Shimano’s chart is advisable for optimal comfort. With excellent traction, a refined BOA lacing system, and a tongueless design that enhances fit, these shoes are a practical choice for recreational gravel riders prioritizing adventure over performance, though they don’t match the refinement of the RX801.
Author Conflicts
I purchased the Shimano RX600 Gravel Shoes with my own money. I did not receive any compensation from Shimano to review this product. Shimano was not involved with the information in this article. This product was reviewed on my own accord to provide readers information about this product in the hopes they can make an informed decision in purchasing (or not) this product.
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