Shimano launches IC501 indoor cycling shoe with FUZE anti-bacterial technology

By Oscar Huckle

Published: Thursday, 18 August 2022 at 12:00 am

Shimano has launched the IC501 training shoe, an SPD-compatible cycling shoe designed specifically for indoor use.

The new shoe features Shimano’s new FUZE technology, an anti-bacterial treatment designed to help keep it more hygenic through multiple high-intensity training sessions.

A pair of IC501s retail for £119.99 / $135 / AU$219.95 – European pricing varies by territory.

The shoes are available now in three colourways: black, ‘Ice Grey’ and ‘Wine Red’. They come in women’s EU sizes 36-41 and men’s 42-48.

Enter FUZE technology…

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If the FUZE technology works as well as it sounds it will, it should be a winner.
Shimano

Shimano describes its new FUZE technology as “a permanent treatment that adheres to the IC501 upper material and zaps odour-causing bacteria, fungus and mildew”. It’s claimed to help the shoes last longer and keep your feet fresher.

The treatment is said to be eco-friendly, non-toxic and chemical-free.

Shimano also claims FUZE technology speeds up evaporation of any sweat build-up, enhancing ventilation, a welcome feature for indoor use.

IC501 indoor cycling shoe features

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The IC501 forgoes traditional stainless steel Boa laces.
Shimano

The upper features a breathable, elastic sock mesh, while the shoe has a Boa L6K closure system and wide instep strap.

The closure system uses Boa’s TX4 lace, made from a mix of Dyneema and polyester, rather than the more conventional stainless-steel coated laces.

The TX4 laces tend to have a much smoother action and should be more resistant to kinking, which can be a problem with their steel counterpart. Rapha recently used this lace on its Explore Powerweave shoe to great effect. We have contacted Shimano for confirmation this lace is being used.

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The grippy sole should also be comfortable to walk in.
Shimano

Shimano says the shoes can be walked in easily, too, and feature a grippy, full-length rubber outsole and a recessed cleat that sits flush with the sole.

The brand claims a 279g weight for a size 40.

We asked Shimano if it plans to release a 3-bolt cleat-compatible shoe and expand the FUZE technology across its indoor range, but the brand said it could not “comment on future product developments at this stage”.