Shimano Releases New Shoe Lineup
Shimano's shoe lineup has always featured a wide spectrum of price points and features, with solid durability and performance making them a very good option for those looking for a pair. I've personally been a big fan of the ME7 enduro shoe for years, as it strikes a solid balance of durability, stiffness, and comfort in an easily-adjusted package.
Sadly, a few old models are being phased out to welcome the new additions to the lineup, but hopefully the new shoes are up to the standards of their predecessors. The GE series replaces both the ME7 and AM9, and the GF6 replaces the GR9. Incomprehensible naming schemes aside, it does seem they're trying to clean up the lineup.
There are 3 new SPD-cleat options, and 3 new flat pedal options; see below for a breakdown of the whole new lineup.
GE900
Available in Olive or Black.
Features the same ankle gaiter as the ME7, now has a Boa closure.
GE900
$225 USD / €219.95 // Size 38-48 // 423g
 | Shimano’s benchmark, high-end gravity shoe, the GE900 features a TORBAL 2.0 midsole that allows the heel section to move torsionally, maintaining full range of motion for improved comfort, fluidity, and on-bike control. A full-length EVA midsole reinforced with carbon reduces weight and enhances pedalling efficiency. Featuring a BOA Fit System with shield and instep strap, the GE900 deliver quick and precise closure and superior foot hold for aggressive pedalling over rough terrain. A neoprene ankle collar keeps trail debris out, while the robust, quick-drying synthetic leather upper with mesh window stands up to the roughest terrain and helps keep you cool. An enduro-optimized ULTREAD GE outsole delivers enhanced grip on slippery hike-a-bike sections and has a molded pedal channel that provides a stable shoe-to-pedal connection even when riding unclipped on technical terrain. Shimano’s flagship high-end SPD-compatible gravity shoe, the GE900 is the ideal choice for aggressive enduro and downhill racing and riding. |
GE700
Available in Light Grey or Black.
Padded ankle collar and lace closure.
GE700
$180 USD / €179.95 // Size 38-48 // 417g
| Whether racing or just out for a pedal with the crew, the GE700 enduro shoe lets you confidently tackle technical terrain. Like the GE900, these shoes features Shimano’s TORBAL 2.0 midsole so the heel section can easily twist to provide more control and comfort while riding over technical terrain. The ULTREAD GE outsole enhances grip on slick trails and has a molded pedal channel for a superior connection between shoe and bike. The GE7 utilizes a lace closure system with reinforced guides as well as an instep strap for enhanced foot hold. |
GE500
Available in Light Green, Sand Beige, Denim, Black.
Men's and Women's colors and sizing.
GE500 & GE500W
$140 USD / €119.95 // Size 38-48 (M), 36-44 (W) // 375g
| Confidently tackle technical terrain with the trail ready GE500 gravity shoe. Featuring the same TORBAL 2.0 midsole as the GE900 and GE700 shoes, these performance trail shoes offer enhanced heel movement for on-bike control and comfort. They also utilize Shimano ULTREAD GE outsole, new for this performance shoe level, so you get the same impressive grip but paired with a more casual, breathable fabric upper. The midfoot SPD placement improves stability and bike control while layered half-length EVA foam absorbs impacts on and off the bike. Finally, the skate-style laces and massive instep strap optimize fit and comfort, no matter what trials you ride. |
GF600
Available in Black, Brown.
Padded ankle cuff and lace closure.
GF600
$160 USD / €169.95 // Size 38-48 // 397g
| Shimano’s benchmark flat pedal shoe delivers total control in technical, rugged terrain. The synthetic leather upper dries quickly and protects you from the elements, while the mesh panel vents air to keep you cool on long rides. The new ULTREAD GF outsole utilizes a slow rebound rubber compound and wide profile hexagonal tread pattern for secure pin engagement and multi-direction stability, letting you confidently tackle challenging trails. Constructed with a heavy duty cushioned synthetic leather upper, asymmetrically raised padded ankle collar, and sidewall sole, the GF6 protects against rock strikes and other trail impacts. The trail tuned upper is tighter around the ball of foot for enhanced bike control and pedaling efficiency and has increased volume at the toe box and heel for improved walking comfort and shock absorption. Featuring the unique TORBAL 2.0 torsional plate structure the GF6 allows the heel section to move torsionally, maintaining full range of motion for improved rider comfort, fluidity, and on-bike control. |
GF400
Available in Black, Olive, Dark Blue, Asphalt Grey, and Red Clay.
Men's and Women's colors and sizing.
GF400 & GF400W
$120 USD / €114.95 // Size 33-48 (M), 36-44 (W) // 343g
| The new GF4 and GF4W are affordable trail-ready flat pedal shoes that now feature Shimano ULTREAD sole technology for exceptional grip. The shoe also delivers a more flexible sole for confidence-enhancing pedal feel without pain or hot spots. New half-length EVA midsole increases cushioning and comfort during hike-a-bike sections, while durable and breathable fabric upper with asymmetrically raised padded ankle collar helps keep you cool and protects against rock strikes and other trail impacts. The GF4 is offered in an expansive size range, new for the gravity lineup, ranging from size 33 up to size 48 to fit more rider foot shapes and sizes. |
GF800GTX
Available in Black, Khaki.
GORE-TEX waterproofing, sock-like upper.
GF800GTX
$220 USD / €219.95 // Size 33-48 // 390g
| Don’t let the elements keep you inside. Shimano’s GF800GTX flat pedal trail shoe is designed for wet and cold days in the saddle. The shoe features Shimano ULTREAD GF rubber compound that is optimized for low temperatures, enhancing the shoe-pedal connection with maximum pin grip for increased confidence and control on technical trails. The all-new GF800 GTX features BOA® Fit System L6 dial with shield allows for easy operation with winter gloves, while integrated sock-style upper equipped with waterproof GORE-TEX liner keeps elements at bay. The low temperature-specific ULTREAD GF rubber compound delivers optimal performance in cool and cold weather, enhancing pin engagement and the shoe-to-pedal connection. |
We'll have a few pairs of the new shoes in for long-term review, so stay tuned for thoughts on the updates and new features.
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Member since Dec 25, 2016
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The Pearl Izumi ones were so bad I returned them after one ride. Haven't tried any others due to the expense.
They probably assume you wouldn't know how to use them
If you break a shoe lace you can easily tie it together again and get through your ride. But breaking a cable really sucks! And replacing them was no easy task having very finnicky little holes to fish them through. They do, however, offer free replacement cables.
I’ve been riding Pearl Izumi mids with boa for the past few years, just ordered my third pair, great shoe.
I love my Tallac flats. They came in a boa 10/10 would reccomend.
There is a brand called Aryse that makes ankle braces that work really well for things like DH. It's called the iFast. Daughter has one she wears for basketball.
Not as restrictive as most of the stuff on offer. Really good at limiting roll.
I used 510 freeriders for years, but I found it off putting that I couldn't adjust my feet on the pedals, to the point I've had to abort a run on several occasions as my foot not being in the correct position was too off putting.
I also got annoyed at spending good money on 510's only for the soles to split right across from one side to the other. I found they would do this within 6 - 9 months of use, mainly riding about 3 hours once a week.
Also the soles rubber would have punctures in the them after a few rides from the pedal pins.
I purchased a pair of Ride Concepts Hellions last September and was blown away by them.
Out of the box you can tell they are much better made than the 510's and the materials are of a much better quality.
The grip on the pins I feel is slightly less than the 510's, but in a positive way in that I can adjust my foot.
There is more than enough grip on the pins, and I've never slipped a pedal.
The sole is still in perfect condition with not one puncture mark, and the overall condition is faultless.
I'll never buy another pair of 510's, in my opinion they are poorly made, over hyped, and over priced rubbish.
I have been told that I am the hardest on shoes that they have seen (just the sole section, the uppers are still pristine) but they still don't take up my offer to be a product test rider for them.
I replaced them with Pearl Izumi X-Alp Elevate shoes and they are even better (and the soles last), probably the best guide shoe I have found, but of course Pearl Izumi have discontinued them for some reason.
All the new lace-up models have eyelets so that's something, but they've dropped the ankle gaiter (and the velcro strap in some models).
Bring back the original AM7. Quality construction, simple lace-up and velcro strap closure, ankle gaiter, and good toe protection are all we need.
I just picked up the AM9's for $50 on Sierra.com. Same shoe just without the laces and I'm finding just as comfy as the AM7s.
My son wears AM9's and on his second set in three years. The cleat mount cracked on both shoes after the second year... racing and air happy teenage boys are very hard on bikes and riding gear
I even Gorilla Tape the holes on the top of the toe box for race weekends and it helps a ton.
The GE9 replacement not having that mud flap is a bit disappointing. And I definitely don't trust a BOA on DH race runs and frantic tracks.
Now, where do I buy them?
I was a huge fan of the me7's, went through two pairs and have now swapped over to the crank bros mallet speedlace. Both great shoes and I still grab the me7's on a pedal heavy day with out a ton of hike a bike or sending.
Don't get me wrong... the speedlaces are definitely not perfect either. I know the plastic ratchet's aren't cool any more, but I do miss the days of when I was a jerry and my shoes had 3 separate plastic ratcheting straps and I could fine tune the shoe tension at toe box, mid and ankle... granted I did kill a few of those buckles over the years as well.
@Lemmyschild I didn't think about contacting boa for a replacement. I've had 3 pairs of shoes with boa's over the years, one is still going strong but they are fiddly to adjust to not get hot spots. the other two did eventually die due to the boa's just getting to beat up.
I've had some of the laces fray or kink over the years, but no faster than a speed lace or shoe lace would fail...and usually because I neglected to clean the shoes for 6 months at a time. IME velcro wears out the fastest, and rachets always wear out on the ONE notch I need to use.
As for ease of adjustment, I suppose that's relative. The BOA dials have much better resolution than a rachet, but you can't adjust one lace at a time like shoe laces. I'd like to see dual BOA on the GE900s so I can keep my toes looser while keeping my heel secure, but then that would be a $250 shoe.
You wouldn't be the first person to ride a bike wearing birkenstocks though.
Can someone help me understand how mtb shoes with clipless capability, like the GE900's above for example, are better for mountain biking than, say, a XC shoe like Shimano's XC7, or a Giro Sector? Is it more about being able to walk or hike-a-bike in the shoe? Or not liking the ballet-slipper look? Or impact protection? It would seem that the power transfer function would be basically the same.
It's why 'platform' clip pedals exist; to bridge the gap between clipped in and unclipped for a moment.
Leatt shoes are like $30-40 right now, gonna give them a shot.
My 5.10s have always and continue to fall apart
my ONEAL Pinner Pros are a cheap feeling shoe but are going STRONG
Long live teva links
just buy some cheap elasticated speed laces from Amazon
absolutely brilliant improvement to Shimano GR7s, now if the new compound is grippier it will be a win!
the transverse grips on the toes & heel are a bonus walking in mud too
im sad to see the loss of the ankle sock though