DMT SH10 Cycling Shoes Review: Style, Comfort, and Performance in a Sleek Package Cycling
Shoes are the unsung heroes of every ride. They’re the bridge between your power and your bike’s performance, and choosing the right pair can make or break your experience on the road. Enter the DMT SH10 shoes, a sleek, high-performance offering from the Italian brand DMT. With their innovative 3D-knit construction, striking white-and-black design, and promise of superior comfort, these shoes caught my eye immediately. Over the past few months, I’ve put them through their paces on everything from long endurance rides to punchy hill climbs. Here’s my in-depth, 1,000-word review of how they performed.
First Impressions: Aesthetics and Build Quality
Let’s start with the obvious: these shoes look stunning. The white-and-black colorway is minimalist yet bold, offering a modern aesthetic that screams premium. Whether you’re lining up at a race or heading out on a dedicated training which is the lion part where used theses shoes, the SH10s are sure to turn heads. I am not necessarily into visual appearance , but I am fond of the design. The clean white upper contrasts beautifully with the black accents, giving them a timeless appeal that pairs well with any cycling kit. But these shoes aren’t just about looks— they’re built to perform, despite not being the flagship of DMT. DMT had convinced me to test this iteration in a “blind manner” if you will. So, I went on with the test procedure, without biases, in an idealistic assumption, that this model is the highest echelon of DMT.
The 3D-knit upper is the standout feature here. Unlike traditional cycling shoes that rely on synthetic leather or stiff materials, DMT has embraced knit technology to create a shoe that feels more like a second skin than a rigid shell. The knit material is soft yet supportive, with just enough stretch to mold perfectly to your feet without compromising structure. I am very sensitive as far as The craftsmanship is impeccable. Every seam, every detail feels deliberate and high quality. Even after weeks of testing in various conditions, the shoes still look as good as new—though I’ll admit that keeping white shoes clean requires some effort (more on that later).
Fit and Comfort: A Sock-Like Experience
As someone who stands 177 cm tall and weighs 49 kg, I have relatively wide and super long feet, which made me curious about how these shoes would fit. Italian cycling brands are notorious for their slim profiles, and DMT is no exception. The SH10s fit snugly—almost like slipping into a pair of high-performance socks. The 3D-knit upper plays a huge role in this sock-like feel. It wraps around your foot seamlessly, eliminating pressure points and hotspots that are all too common with stiffer cycling shoes. The absence of traditional seams enhances comfort further; there’s nothing to rub or dig into your skin during long rides. The BOA® Fit System adds another layer of customization to the fit. With two micro-adjustable dials, you can fine-tune the tension across different parts of your foot. I found this particularly useful for dialing in a secure fit around my midfoot while keeping things slightly looser near my toes for added comfort. However, it’s worth noting that if you have wide feet, you might find these shoes a bit too restrictive. The knit material doesn’t offer much lateral give, so riders with broader feet may experience some pinching during extended rides.
Performance on the Road: Power Transfer and Stability
Comfort is great, but cycling shoes ultimately need to deliver when it comes to performance—and the SH10s do not disappoint. The carbon sole is incredibly stiff, ensuring efficient power transfer with every pedal stroke. Whether I was grinding up steep climbs or sprinting out of corners, I never felt like any energy was being wasted. The stiffness of the sole also provides excellent stability; even during out-of-the-saddle efforts, my feet felt locked in place with no unwanted flex. That said, I did notice some minor heel slippage during particularly intense efforts. While the heel cup provides decent support overall, it could benefit from more aggressive shaping or padding to improve retention during sprints and climbs. One area where these shoes truly shine is ventilation. Thanks to the breathable knit upper, my feet stayed cool even on hot summer days when temperatures soared above 30°C (86°F). This makes them an excellent choice for warm-weather riding or high intensity efforts where overheating can be an issue.
Long Rides: Endurance Comfort
To test their comfort over long distances, I took the SH10s on several endurance rides ranging from 80 km to 150 km (50–93 miles). After hours in the saddle, my feet still felt fresh—a testament to how well these shoes balance performance and comfort. The knit upper adapts to your foot’s natural swelling over time without feeling restrictive or causing discomfort. This is a game-changer for long rides where traditional stiff uppers can start to feel unforgiving after several hours. However, as mentioned earlier, riders with wider feet may not have the same experience. If you’re someone who struggles with finding comfortable cycling shoes due to foot width, I’d recommend trying these on before committing.
Weather Resistance: Hot Days vs Rainy Rides
While these shoes excel in warm weather thanks to their ventilation and breathability, they’re less suited for cooler conditions or wet weather. On rides where temperatures dipped below 13°C (55°F), my feet felt noticeably chilly due to the open-knit design. If you’re planning to use these as your year-round cycling shoes, you’ll likely need overshoes or thicker socks for colder months. In light rain showers, the SH10s performed surprisingly well. While they aren’t waterproof by any means (and don’t claim to be), they dried quickly after getting wet—a big plus if you’re caught in an unexpected downpour mid-ride.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Let’s talk about one of the challenges of owning white cycling shoes: keeping them clean! After several rides on dusty roads and through occasional puddles, the pristine white upper started showing signs of wear. Thankfully, cleaning them was relatively straightforward. A damp cloth and some mild soap were enough to restore their original shine. If you’re someone who values aesthetics as much as performance (and let’s be honest—who doesn’t?), be prepared to invest a bit of time into maintaining these beauties.
Verdict: Who Are These Shoes For?
The DMT SH10s are an excellent choice for cyclists who prioritize comfort, breathability, and style—especially in warmer climates or during summer riding seasons. Their innovative 3D-knit construction sets them apart from traditional cycling shoes by offering a sock-like fit that eliminates pressure points while maintaining top-tier performance. However, they may not be ideal for riders with wide feet or those looking for an all-weather shoe that can handle cold or wet conditions without additional accessories.
Pros:
- Sleek and stylish design
- Sock-like comfort thanks to 3D-knit upper
- Excellent breathability for warm-weather riding
- Stiff carbon sole ensures efficient power transfer
- Lightweight construction
Cons:
- Narrow fit may not suit riders with wide feet
- Heel retention could be improved
- Not ideal for cold or wet weather without overshoes
- Requires regular cleaning to maintain appearance
Final Thoughts
The DMT SH10s are undeniably a premium investment—but one that delivers on its promises. Again, these shoes are in the second row regarding model hierarchy. If you’re looking for a lightweight, breathable shoe that combines next-to cutting edge technology with Italian flair, these might just be your perfect match. For me personally? They’ve earned a permanent spot in my rotation—at least until winter rolls around!
