Time RXT Shoe

Time RXT shoes are a sound choice for anyone seeking good quality race/training shoes without cruising into overdraft. Vegans and strict vegetarians will welcome the faux hide and the soles offer sufficient rigidity for most generic road duties. Rubberised heels are also a nice touch, eliminating the undignified clubman's hobble when negotiating the kitchen tiles, decking and other notoriously tricky surfaces. On the flip side, an abundance of mesh panels and air scoops cannot compete on the same terms as natural fibres when it comes to climate/odour control and overshoes are a must for anything more intense than a passing shower.

Prized from the box, there's a solid feel to the supple padded uppers with old school perforations dotted around at strategic points. Acres of Scotchlite permeate everything from the heel to the Velcro closures, which is a real boon whether training in the depths of December or extending summer playtimes on the best bike. Sizing is just the right side of snug and our size 44 samples hugged my feet like Cinderella's proverbial slipper while the generously padded tongue and roomy toe-box improve comfort over longer distances, especially with the closures pulled tight. Don't overdo it through, or you'll hamper circulation since the material doesn't stretch with use.

Thermoformed footbeds are clever marketing speak for nylon materials subjected to intense heat during production, thus moulding to the rider's feet over time. Marketing blurb aside, ours seemed to work and being machine washable is another bonus. Similarly, Polyamide outer soles sound exotic but are little more than reinforced nylon drilled to accommodate standard road cleats. Ours have been perfectly accommodating toward Look (ARC & Keo) and Shimano SPDR patterns. All this leads to a slight weight penalty over sportier models but is quickly forgotten hammering along the flat at 110rpm or climbing like a mountain goat on the fixer. Five hours' continuous riding failed to induce painful hotspots and fetid feet weren't an issue. However the mesh absorbs and retains moisture come sudden, torrential downpours. Drying times vary but a thorough soaking required eight hours drying at room temperature.

Verdict

Good budget road shoes for aspiring racers and everyday riding.