For the first time in more than two decades, Shimano has given its road pedal lineup a complete redesign. The Japanese component giant has introduced the SPD-SLR system, a fresh pedal-and-cleat platform that replaces the long-serving SPD-SL design. According to Shimano, the new setup delivers a lighter overall package, a reduced pedal-and-cleat stack height, smoother engagement, and additional side-to-side adjustment.
The pedals will be offered at two tiers: Dura-Ace and Ultegra. Alongside them, Shimano is rolling out red, blue, and yellow cleats that mirror the float options of the existing range. However, riders should note that these new cleats will not work with older SPD-SL pedals.
To complement the hardware, Shimano has also refreshed its footwear line with the S-Phyre RC9 and RC8 models. While the new SPD-SLR pedals remain compatible with the brand’s current SPD-SL road shoes, Shimano insists that pairing them with the new shoes unlocks the system’s full performance potential.
A grey cleat has also been added to the range. It is designed to fit most non-Shimano SPD-SL shoes and provides the same float as the yellow option, though it does not benefit from the reduced stack height of the other new cleats.
Shimano claims the SPD-SLR system trims 2.3mm from the combined pedal and cleat stack height. Engagement is said to be easier thanks to a broader catch zone on the cleat and a shallower entry angle of 10.5 degrees, compared with 15.5 degrees on SPD-SL. The lower stack is said to boost foot stability while enhancing power transfer and bike control.
Beyond the pedal redesign, the cleats themselves have a new profile. They are lighter because they attach directly to the shoe sole without the washers required by SPD-SL. Shimano reports that cleat plus hardware weight has dropped from 71g to 55g. Extra alignment markings have been added to simplify positioning.
Float figures remain unchanged from SPD-SL: 6 degrees for yellow, 2 degrees for blue, and zero for red. The new cleats do, however, allow more lateral movement, making it simpler to fine-tune stance width. They are also compatible with cleat spacers.
As with the previous generation, the Dura-Ace PD-R9300 pedals place their inner bearing beside the pedal’s top surface, while the Ultegra PD-R8200 pedals position it beneath the platform. This design difference gives the Ultegra a slightly higher stack above the pedal axis at 13.3mm and, according to Shimano, reduces pedal stiffness by 11%. The more advanced bearings in the Dura-Ace version are claimed to cut rotational resistance by 53% compared with the Ultegra pedals.
Both models use injection-moulded carbon composite bodies with steel contact surfaces to minimise wear, just like the outgoing SPD-SL pedals. Shimano lists the Dura-Ace set at 227g and the Ultegra set just one gram heavier. As before, riders can choose between two spindle lengths, including a version that is 4mm longer.
Matching footwear
Shimano has updated its shoes alongside the pedals and cleats. The new SH-RC901 S-Phyre is said to be lighter than its predecessor and offers more cleat adjustment range. It features a new Dynalast 2.0 fit that is claimed to lessen foot fatigue.
A carbon fibre heel cup adds stability, while the redesigned upper, secured by two Boa Li2 dials, is said to hug the foot more closely, improving fit, stability, and pedalling efficiency. Ventilation has also been increased.
The more affordable SH-RC810 carries over many of these features, including the two Boa Li2 dials and Dynalast 2.0 fit. Shimano highlights its hollow-channel carbon sole, which promotes airflow and helps water drain away during wet rides.
Low-stack alternatives on the market
Shimano is not the only brand to have stuck with a familiar pedal design for years. Recently, a couple of new systems have shaken up what has long been one of cycling’s least innovative areas. Here are three low-stack options.
Wahoo Speedplay
Among mainstream brands, Wahoo Speedplay delivers the lowest stack height at 8.5mm for shoes with four-bolt drilling. Three-bolt shoes, however, need an adapter plate between shoe and cleat, pushing stack height up to 11mm.
Shimano has not published a stack height for SPD-SLR, but using the old Dura-Ace figure of 14.6mm and the claimed 2.3mm reduction, the result would be roughly 12.3mm — still higher than Speedplay even with its adapter.
Ekoi PW8
Ekoi’s PW8 system features a much larger shoe contact area than its rivals, and each pedal weighs just 105g because there are no moving parts — only a replaceable rear tongue that interfaces with the shoe’s cleat.
The system demands a dedicated Ekoi shoe with built-in anchor points. The cleats come in front and rear sections that bolt to these, producing an 8mm stack height.
In testing, the large platform’s stability and easy clip-in/clip-out won over reviewer Warren. He was less impressed by the Ekoi PW8 C12 shoes, or at least their high price. They are comfortable and fit well, but their weight is not class-leading for the cost.
Cheaper options are now available from Ekoi, and as is typical for the brand, all PW8-compatible shoes are heavily discounted on its website.
Q36.5/SRM
Q36.5 partnered with German power meter specialist SRM to create the X-Power Direct pedal system (without a power meter), which it says cuts stack height by more than 6mm versus mainstream systems. No exact figure is given, but it likely beats Shimano’s new SPD-SLR.
Like Ekoi’s design, X-Power Direct pedals only work with specific shoes — in this case Q36.5’s Unique Pro 4.0. The system is even pricier than Ekoi’s, with the SRM pedals costing £500 and the shoes another £500.
Why does lower stack height matter?
Q36.5 analysed the effects of stack height and identified three main benefits.
First, the foot sits closer to the centre of pedal rotation, which the brand says enlarges the effective force transmission area. As with Shimano, it claims this improves foot stability and power transfer. It also argues that a lower stack reduces shear forces through the shoe’s sole.
Second, the rider’s centre of gravity drops, allowing a more aerodynamic position — though only by a few millimetres.
Third, Q36.5 notes that the trend toward shorter cranks requires a higher saddle, which raises the centre of gravity. A lower stack height counteracts this.
The company concludes that the farther the foot is from the centre of force generation, the more shear forces occur, causing greater power loss. The ideal, it states, would be a zero-stack or even -5mm pedal system.
These differences are minute, though, and we are not convinced they make a meaningful difference for most riders. What’s more, a major pedal brand has told us its own studies do not confirm that small stack height reductions produce a material gain in pedalling efficiency.
