User submitted reviews
Review by Kurt
The shoes hug the feet well without creating pressure points. I ordered a size 47, which is what I select for Sidi, and I think the Shimano sizing is a little more aggressive. My toes very slightly touch the end, which is actually correct sizing for cycling shoes, but the Sidis give me a few more millimeters. If you wear heavy socks for the winter, consider sizing up.
Speaking of winter, the shoes don't work well in cool weather unless you at least use toe covers. However, that is a plus for warm weather.
The Boa adjustment is far better than Sidi's. Yes, unlike Fizik's, it's unidirectional, only allowing for tightening, but when do you ever micro-loosen a strap? Pop the button, and it fully releases.
The construction is really good, and I especially like the thin rubber on the bottom that prevents gouging and scuffing of the sole.
Review by Desert Rat
When I was younger, I always used SIDI shoes but after having ankle issues Their arches were to high for my feet. I switched to Shimano some years ago and have been very pleased. The fit for my 10.5 feet is perfect in a Shimano size 46 in in road and mtb shoes. The SH-XC702 are the most comfortable I have ever worn. The price from BTD, when on sale, cannot be beat.
Review by Skaughtto
I started off with a pair of SH-XC300 shoes that I really enjoyed, but the single BOA wasn't keeping them secure in all the right places for my feet. The double BOA on the XC7 shoes is an improvement. It's nicer being able to adjust the tension in two different locations. So far I've used them entirely indoors (they look so fancy) but they have been worth the upgrade. My feet feel better during longer (2-3 hour) and repeated rides. If I could back off the tension without completely releasing it, that would be worthy of 5-stars.
Review by Anonymous
Decided to move up in quality for my gravel riding. Just a couple of rides so far but fit is good, easy to walk in and love the double BOAs.
Review by Timbo
Shimano's XC702 shoe fits like a glove. Very short break in period. Not too heavy, and very stiff for a middle level shoe. My second pair and like the upgrades of the outer shell, inner heal cup and sole. Good enough to go for long mtb rides and XC races.
Review by RacerX
Good stiff shoe. Use it for gravel riding. Am a 10.5 with a narrow foot. 45 worked well with a little room for a heavier winter sock. The adjustment mechanism could be better. My Fiziks allow me to micro adjust open and close. These do only will adjust tighten. To loosen you have to unlock and tighten again. Also prefer dial to be attached to side of shoe rather than the flap(top dial).still a good shoe for the amount I paid on sale.
Review by DeHaart
The SH-XC702 MTB shoe is a solid product. Amazing fit and comfort while having a secure feeling with the BOA retention system. I feel extremely confident when shredding the trails when wearing these shoes. Get stoked and get yourself these shoes!
Review by Mike G
Fits to size. Dry fast. No extra material on the bottom to interfere with clipping in
Review by Bike 4two
Witched to mountain bike pedals on my road bike, to be able to walk around off the bike. The carbon fiber sole section improves power transfer. The tightening system is new to me but is very secure and a lot easier than strings or Velcro. I usually wear a 42 but ordered a 43 which seems fit nicely. Would recommend this shoes for the more serious riders.
Review by Dave
I wish they had the dial that tightens and untightens but for the price (and I got them on sale) they are a nice shoe. Fit for me is the same size as my other shoes and they fit pretty good.
Review by FLrider
Stiff and agile enough for almost all riders, fits well adjust well, bought 2 since its hard finding stuff that works.
Review by Colin
This is a great MTB shoe for pedaling efficiency. Being the wide version, it has nice space in the toe box. They look great and are easy to clean with a wipe down with a wet cloth. The lugs provide good grip when you need to huff it a bit. If there is anything to complain about maybe they aren't the most breathable, and the toe box vents a rather paltry. Otherwise, great shoe!
Review by Rmaynian
Was hoping it would be as amazing and identical to the road equivalent RC7 but it is not. The RC7 fits like a $500 road shoe. Amazing! The XC7 is not the glove-like upper that I had hoped for. Still, an excellent shoe with superior cleat-alignment reference marks.