A Women's-Specific Off-Road Shoe With Race-Bred Precision

The Shimano XC3W (XC302W) in black sits one rung above the entry-level XC1W in Shimano's women's off-road shoe hierarchy, and the differences are felt the moment the rider clips in. A precision BOA dial replaces the upper Velcro straps, the midsole is noticeably stiffer underfoot, and the overall finish is more refined. The result is a women's shoe that punches well above its price point for cross-country racers, gravel adventurers and committed trail riders.

The classic black colourway offers a clean, understated look that pairs seamlessly with any kit, and the construction draws directly from technology developed across Shimano's higher-tier off-road footwear.

Women's-Specific Fit

The XC3W is built on a women's-specific last, with a narrower heel cup, lower instep volume and slimmer forefoot profile than the unisex XC3. The result is a more secure hold for riders who typically find standard off-road shoes too generous through the heel, reducing slippage on the pedal stroke and improving overall comfort over long miles on rough terrain.

Precision Fit With BOA L6 Dial

An L6 BOA dial sits at the top of the shoe and controls a steel lace that distributes tension evenly across the upper. The dial allows micro-adjustment on the move, in single-direction increments, and is paired with a single hook-and-loop strap across the forefoot for a balanced, secure hold. Releasing the dial fully opens the shoe for easy on and off at the trailhead.

This closure system delivers a more consistent, pressure-free fit than a multi-strap setup, particularly across longer rides where small irritations have time to develop into hot spots.

Stiffer Midsole for Direct Power Transfer

Underfoot, a glass fibre reinforced nylon midsole offers a noticeable step up in stiffness over the XC1W, giving more direct power transfer through the pedal stroke. The result is a more efficient ride on long gravel days, sustained climbs and cross-country race efforts, without sacrificing the all-day comfort that makes the Shimano off-road range so popular.

Rugged Grip and Walkability

A moulded, lugged rubber outsole wraps the underside of the shoe, providing dependable grip for hike-a-bike sections, technical descents on foot and walking around at the café or trailhead. The SPD cleat pocket sits flush with the sole, allowing for confident, quiet steps off the bike without the clattering associated with road shoes.

Breathable, Supportive Upper

The synthetic leather upper is reinforced through high-wear zones for durability and includes mesh panels to promote airflow, helping to keep feet cool and dry on warm-weather rides. A cup-sole construction wraps the foot for a snug, secure hold, while reinforced toe and heel areas add longevity in real-world off-road use.

Two-Bolt SPD Compatibility

The XC3W is compatible with two-bolt SPD-style cleats, making it an ideal match for the full range of Shimano off-road and touring pedals, as well as the wider ecosystem of two-bolt clipless systems used across mountain biking, gravel, indoor cycling and commuting.

Recommended Cleats

The XC3W is supplied without cleats, allowing the rider to pair the shoe with the cleat type that best suits their experience and riding style. Shimano offers two SPD cleat options, both of which are fully compatible with the XC3W:

• Shimano SM-SH51 (single release): the standard choice for cross-country, gravel, trail and general off-road use. Releases through outward heel rotation only, providing a positive, predictable engagement that holds firm under hard efforts.
• Shimano SM-SH56 (multi-release): releases through multiple directions, including upward pull, making clipping out easier and more forgiving. A popular choice for riders new to clipless pedals, commuters, and those who prefer a less committed engagement.

Riders new to clipless pedals often start with the SH56 to build confidence, then move to the SH51 once unclipping becomes second nature. The Fawkes Cycles team is happy to advise on the right choice based on the rider's experience and intended use.

Key Features

• Women's-specific last with narrower heel and lower instep volume
• L6 BOA dial closure paired with a forefoot hook-and-loop strap
• Synthetic leather upper with mesh ventilation panels
• Glass fibre reinforced nylon midsole, stiffer than the entry-level XC1W
• Lugged rubber outsole for grip and protection off the bike
• Compatible with two-bolt SPD-style cleats (SM-SH51 or SM-SH56)
• Cup-sole construction for a snug, supportive fit
• Reinforced toe and heel areas for durability on the trail
• Reflective heel detail for improved low-light visibility
• Classic black colourway with subtle Shimano branding

Ideal For

The Shimano XC3W (XC302W) suits women competing in cross-country racing, committed gravel and adventure riders, bikepackers, sportive riders moving up from entry-level footwear, indoor training on smart trainers, and trail riders who want the precision of a BOA dial and a stiffer midsole in a true women's-specific fit.

DELIVERY

Delivery to mainland UK addresses are free for orders over £40. Except when you choose delivery to a third party (Click and Collect) there is a charge of £5.95 to cover some of the additional cost the couriers charge for this service. If you choose to collect from Fawkes warehouse there is no shipping charge.

There will an additional charge for deliveries to Highlands and Islands. 

RETURNS TO FAWKES

Whether it’s a jersey that doesn’t fit, or the colour is not quite right, sometimes you’ll need to return items to us.

If an item is 'as new' and has not been used or fitted in any way, you can return it to us by post within 90 days of delivery for a refund. Please ensure that the goods are returned in their original packaging and are in an unused condition.

Please click HERE to print and then complete the returns form and include it inside your parcel.

If you wish you can use our Royal Mail Returns service please follow the instructions on the link below to return your parcel to us.

Royal Mail Returns Service

Please pack the item carefully to avoid damaged during shipping.

Customers need to pay the cost of return delivery unless the item is faulty and this will be deducted from your refund, currently £3.95.

If your have a large item e.g. Child seat, Bike, trailer etc. please contact our customer service team at Guy@fawkes-cycles.co.uk to arrange the best way to return your item, the cost will be deducted from your refund.

You will not receive a refund for the retail value of any free or promotional items you are sent, and you will be charged if they are not returned.

UNWANTED ITEMS

If you change your mind on your purchase, you have a full 90 days to return it for a refund. All Goods must be unused, in a saleable condition and in their original packaging with all labels still attached.

Please pack the item carefully to avoid damaged during shipping.

There are some exclusions to our 90 day returns policy, which are detailed below:

Nutritional products or those with a best before date must be returned within 28 days*

Any customised items such as wheel builds cannot be returned*

GPS systems such as sports watches or cycle computers can only be returned if unregistered*

For hygiene reasons, any intimate garments such as facemasks, underwear and swimsuits can only be returned if the items are faulty.

*Unless faulty

If you wish to return your item for a refund, please follow the returns procedure above.

We try our best to process all refunds within 14 working days. We'll refund your item via your original payment method.

You will not receive a refund for the retail value of any free items you are sent, and Fawkes may charge you for this item if you fail to return it

FAULTY ITEMS

If you feel that your purchase has developed a fault, then please contact us with photographs of the issue before returning any goods - we may be able to solve your problem without you incurring any further inconvenience.

If you find a fault with your item, send it back to us and we'll take a look at it as soon as we can. Items sent back to us will undergo an inspection and it may be necessary to send the item away to the manufacturer to confirm the fault. If we confirm a manufacturing fault, we'll happily replace or refund it.

Please pack the item carefully to avoid damaged during shipping. 

Faulty items should be returned within a reasonable time and in a clean and dry condition. PLEASE NOTE, WE WILL NOT PROCESS DIRTY ITEMS.

Please enclose all your details and a covering note explaining the fault and any other useful details.

We'll try to get back to you within 14 working days of receipt of your parcel, although during busy periods this may take slightly longer.

Your statutory rights are not affected.

We reserve the right to recharge return carriage on items where no fault is identified.

Customer Service Email: Guy@Fawkes-Cycles.co.uk

Please contact us for our Payment & Security policy.