​Shimano GE900H vs. Giro Chamber TR: Trail shoes go head-to-head

Japan versus the USA. This clash of cultures has already been played out in many areas: sushi or burgers? Manga or Marvel? Karaoke or country music? Shimano or SRAM? Or, in this case: Shimano versus Giro! Who makes the best MTB shoe for trail, enduro and gravity riding? We wanted to find out, so we pitted the GE900H against the Chamber TR.

​Conclusion and buying advice

The Giro Chamber TR is a very good trail and enduro boot. Its wide range of cleat adjustment, sturdy downhill sole and comfortable neoprene inner boot make it particularly appealing to gravity-oriented riders who want to position their cleats right at the back.
The Shimano GE900H However, it is the more well-rounded overall package. It offers a better fit for most riders, significantly greater protection, a more effective fastening system and power transfer that is at least as good. At the same time, it feels more versatile and comfortable on long rides. Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor

Giro Chamber TR: Information & Price

• Weight: 1022 grams (size 46)
• Sizes: 36 to 48; half sizes from 42.5 to 45.5
• Closure system: BOA Fit System with Li2 aluminium twist lock
• Special features: Giro Sensor Rubber outsole; microfibre upper with mesh ventilation; closed ankle collar to prevent dirt from getting in; 38 mm cleat adjustment range
• ​Pedal compatibility: SPD cleats
• Colours: Black, sage, white
• Price: 209.99 euros >> available here

​Shimano GE900H – Information & Price

• Weight: ​958 grams (46)
• Sizes: 38 to 48
• Closure system: BOA Li2 twist lock and Velcro strap
• Special features: Neoprene collar; reinforced toe box; upper partially perforated, waterproof
• Pedal compatibility: SPD cleats
• Colours: Black, White
• Price: 239.95 euros >> Available here at a reduced price

Round 1: Fit and adjustment

The Shimano GE900H enters the fray with an overall very successful fit. The spacious toe box allows freedom of movement and prevents pressure points, even on long rides. Combined with the generous padding, this results in a high level of comfort over long distances. The combination of the BOA Li2 fastening system and a Velcro strap also allows for a very precise fit to suit different foot shapes.

The Giro Chamber TR in the other corner, by contrast, is noticeably flatter. Cyclists with low or normal insteps will find it comfortable, but those with high insteps may quickly find it a bit tight. Although the single BOA fastener works precisely, it does not distribute the pressure as evenly as the Shimano system. Particularly in the forefoot area, the Chamber cannot be adjusted ideally in this way and loses out to its Japanese counterpart.

The advantage of Shimano

Shimano GE900H

• spacious toe box
• high level of comfort on long journeys
• Excellent adjustability thanks to the BOA system and Velcro fastenings

Giro Chamber TR

• comfortable neoprene inner boot
• good heel support
• relatively flat last – fewer adjustment options in the forefoot area

Round 2: Power transmission

Both models are built to last: anyone tackling significant elevation gains will be happy with either pair. The soles are clearly among the stiffer options in the trail running shoe sector.

Shimano has further stiffened the EVA midsole in the GE900H compared with its predecessor. The result is very direct power transfer combined with good pressure distribution. Even on long transfers, your feet hardly get tired at all.

The Giro Chamber TR is no slouch when it comes to stiffness either. The sole construction, taken from the downhill models, ensures an extremely stable feel on the pedals. Uphill, power is transferred efficiently to the pedals, whilst downhill the shoe provides a great sense of security.

The difference lies in the details: the Shimano feels slightly more balanced and combines high stiffness with comfort more effectively. That means the Shimano takes the second round as well.

A slight advantage for Shimano

Shimano GE900H

• very high efficiency
• excellent pressure distribution
• more comfortable on long rides

Giro Chamber TR

• extremely stable platform
• very secure footing

Round 3: Cleat position and pedal control

This is where the Chamber TR really comes into its own and can showcase its strengths. The cleat channel offers up to 38 millimetres of adjustment range and allows for a more rearward pedal position than many rival models. This ensures greater stability and control on the pedal, particularly on steep enduro and downhill trails.

Although the Shimano also features a long cleat channel, which ensures easy engagement, the adjustment range of the cleats is considerably shorter. This means that the GE900 HS cannot be adjusted quite as precisely to suit your individual needs.

Advantages of a current account

Giro Chamber TR

• enormous cleat adjustability
• a very stable foot position when riding downhill
• a clear advantage for gravity riders

Shimano GE900H

• Long cleat channel, but short cleat adjustment range
• easy entry and exit

Round 4: Protection and Stability

In tough off-road conditions, the GE900H demonstrates why it was primarily developed for enduro racers and bike park riders. The sturdy TPU toe cap provides reliable protection against contact with stones and roots, ensuring the tyre maintains its tread depth. Added to this is the high-cut neoprene cuff, which not only keeps out dirt but also protects the sensitive ankle area.

The Giro also features TPU reinforcements and a knitted ankle cuff, but overall it’s a much more conservative design. The toe cap is less robust and the cuff ends just below the ankle. This means Shimano has once again come out on top.

A clear advantage for Shimano

Shimano GE900H

• highly durable toe protection
• effective ankle protection
• effective protection against dirt

Giro Chamber TR

• suitable for trail use
• Neoprene waistband keeps stones out
• less effective toe protection – hardly any ankle protection

Round 5: Features and build quality

Although both shoes are of high quality and fitted with modern BOA Li2 fastenings, Shimano has supplemented the dial fastening with an additional Velcro fastening. This ensures even better adjustability and a secure fit. Added to this is the practical tear-off protection on the BOA dial.

The Giro opts for a slightly more minimalist design, featuring just a single BOA closure and a neoprene inner boot. It works well, but doesn’t quite match the fine-tuning offered by Shimano.

A point for Shimano.

Round 6: Ventilation and Climate Control

Things are heating up in the ring; the opponents are sweating buckets, just like Ali and Foreman in the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’. In this round, neither contender is holding back. Although the Giro features mesh inserts and, according to the manufacturer, is designed to provide better ventilation, in practice both models get noticeably warm on hot summer days. Neither the Chamber TR nor the GE900H are among the most breathable models in their category.

A draw

The minor weaknesses of the two opponents

Shimano GE900H

• a relatively broad structure in the area of the big toe joint
• may get stuck on some cranks when unclipping
• high price

Giro Chamber TR

• slim fit
• moderate protection for toes and ankles
• The BOA system does not secure the forefoot as effectively as it could
• greater weight
• Ventilation is only average, despite the mesh

Conclusion and buying advice

The final score is 5–2 on points in favour of the Japanese model. The Shimano GE900H therefore emerges as the clear winner of the head-to-head.

The Giro Chamber TR is a very good trail and enduro shoe. Its wide range of cleat adjustment, sturdy downhill sole and comfortable neoprene inner boot make it particularly appealing to gravity-oriented riders who want to position their cleats right at the back.

The Shimano GE900H However, it is the more well-rounded overall package. It offers a better fit for most riders, significantly greater protection, a more effective fastening system and power transfer that is at least as good. At the same time, it feels more versatile and comfortable on long rides.