DMT SH10 Shoes

DMT SH10 Shoes; style, comfort and performance.

Cycling shoes are the unsung heroes of every ride. They’re the bridge between you and your bike. 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. During the test, I’ve put them through their paces on everything from long endurance rides to punchy hill climbs.

First Impressions: Aesthetics and Build Quality

Let’s start with the obvious: these shoes look stunning. The white-and-black colourway is minimalist yet bold, offering a modern aesthetic that screams premium. Whether lining up at a race or heading out on a training ride – which is where I used them the most – the SH10s are sure to turn heads. While I’m not super-fussy when it comes to looks, I do like the look of theses shoes. The clean white upper contrasts beautifully with the black accents. This gives them a timeless appeal that pairs well with any cycling kit.

While I’m not fussy about looks, I am when it comes to build quality. Fortunately the craftmanship of the DMT SH10 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). 

However these shoes aren’t just about looks, they’re built to perform; remember they’re not the flagship of DMT’s range. 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. This method creates 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 mould perfectly to your feet without compromising structure.

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 feet 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 dialling 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 do 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. 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, 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 SH10 are an excellent choice for cyclists who prioritise 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 

DMT SH10; Final Thoughts 

The DMT SH10 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!

Take a look at the DMT SH10.