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MTB shoe reviewShimano GE900H – a contender for the top spot in enduro and gravity

Stefan Frey

 · 21.10.2025

Shimano has revamped its top-of-the-range MTB shoe for enduro and gravity riders. The ‘H’ in ‘Hot-Seat’ is aimed at all ambitious racers with their sights set on the podium
Photo: Stefan Frey

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​Gravity cyclists take note: Shimano has revamped its top-of-the-range GE900 shoe for enduro and gravity riding and given it the designation ‘H’ – standing for ‘Hot Seat’. Thanks to a firmer EVA foam, the area around the pedal in particular is said to be significantly stiffer. The HS version also protects the toes with a wide TPU strip. A gaiter effectively prevents dirt from getting in at the ankles. We’ve already had the chance to test this high-end gravity shoe extensively.
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Shimano is expanding its range in the gravity segment with the new GE900H MTB shoe, which has been specially designed for enduro and downhill riding. The ‘H’ stands for ‘Hot-Seat’. The shoe is therefore clearly aimed at ambitious male and female mountain bikers. At the heart of the design is the exceptionally stiff sole, with Shimano claiming a 25 per cent improvement in EVA hardness in the midsole area. This stiffness is intended to ensure optimum power transfer whilst also relieving pressure on the feet by preventing localised pressure points.

The new Shimano GE900H is designed primarily to appeal to enduro and gravity racers. Stiff, robust and yet comfortable – does the concept work?Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe new Shimano GE900H is designed primarily to appeal to enduro and gravity racers. Stiff, robust and yet comfortable – does the concept work?

A well-thought-out design for maximum protection

The Shimano GE900H features numerous details that make it ideal for tough off-road use. Particularly noteworthy is the discreetly integrated neoprene collar, which extends just above the ankle. It effectively prevents dirt kicked up from the ground from getting into the shoe and also offers some protection against splashes. However, this feature reaches its limits with deeper puddles – the shoe is not designed to be waterproof.

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The neoprene cuff prevents dirt from getting into the shoe, whilst also protecting the delicate ankles.Photo: Stefan FreyThe neoprene cuff prevents dirt from getting into the shoe, whilst also protecting the delicate ankles.

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Another plus point is the generously sized toe box, which not only ensures ample freedom of movement but also, thanks to its sturdy TPU construction, offers reliable protection against impacts from stones or roots. The upper of the shoe is partially perforated, yet still provides good protection against splashing water.

The toe cap is particularly robust; stones and roots won’t do much damage here.Photo: Stefan FreyThe toe cap is particularly robust; stones and roots won’t do much damage here.

Optimised for platform pedals with a large contact surface

Unlike traditional MTB shoes with heavily treaded soles and screw-in studs, the GE900H takes a different approach. It is specifically designed for use with clipless pedals featuring an extended platform. Accordingly, the sole features a generously sized contact area, ensuring maximum contact with the pedal. The cleat channel has been made particularly long and wide to allow for easy entry, even on technical terrain.

A long pedal channel makes it easier to clip in when you’re struggling. The sole underneath has been noticeably stiffened compared with the previous model.Photo: Stefan FreyA long pedal channel makes it easier to clip in when you’re struggling. The sole underneath has been noticeably stiffened compared with the previous model.

The Ultread-GE rubber on the sole offers excellent grip, which is an advantage not only on the pedals but also when walking. Particularly in the toe and heel areas, the deeper tread pattern ensures sufficient grip and traction when you need to push your bike on steep terrain.

Secure fit thanks to the BOA fastening and Velcro straps

The Shimano GE900H ensures a secure and even fit on the foot thanks to a combination of a Velcro strap and a ‘BOA Li2’ dial fastening. In practice, this solution proves to be extremely functional, as it allows the shoe to be adjusted easily and straightforwardly, prevents pressure points and also enables adjustments whilst riding. The BOA closure allows for fine-tuning of the fit and features a handy little tear-off tab.

It doesn’t get much better than this. The combination of the Boa system and Velcro makes it really easy to adjust, even whilst riding. The Boa fastening has a tear-off protection feature.Photo: Stefan FreyIt doesn’t get much better than this. The combination of the Boa system and Velcro makes it really easy to adjust, even whilst riding. The Boa fastening has a tear-off protection feature.
​The GE900H offers excellent fit and power transfer. However, the shoe is very wide at the big toe joint, so you quickly bump into the crank when unclipping. Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor
Stefan Frey, BIKE test editorPhoto: Georg GrieshaberStefan Frey, BIKE test editor

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​A minor flaw in the detail

Off-road, the GE900H – which is quite stiff – allows you to transfer power effectively to the pedals. The stiff sole supports your feet and helps prevent them from tiring as quickly. What’s more, the slightly thicker padding provides plenty of comfort. The GE900H is a boot you’ll be happy to wear all day on your enduro ride, even if it does tend to get a bit sweaty on warm days.

Although we had no problems at all clipping into the pedals, one detail did stand out as a negative. The shoe is relatively wide around the big toe joint. If the crank is in the wrong position, the shoe gets caught on the crank arm when you try to unclip. To get round this problem, you have to adjust the cleat as far to the side as possible, which, conversely, can have a negative effect on the position of your foot on the pedal.

If it’s not quite good enough for the podium, it probably wasn’t down to the GE900H. Apart from a few minor details, it’s an enduro boot that comes highly recommended.Photo: Stefan FreyIf it’s not quite good enough for the podium, it probably wasn’t down to the GE900H. Apart from a few minor details, it’s an enduro boot that comes highly recommended.

Shimano GE900H – Information & Price

  • Weight: ​958 grams (46)
  • Sizes: 38 to 48
  • ​Scope of application: Enduro/Downhill
  • Closure system: BOA Li2 twist lock and Velcro strap
  • Sole: 25% stiffer EVA midsole
  • Upper: Partially perforated, waterproof
  • Special features: Neoprene collar, reinforced toe box
  • Pedal compatibility: SPD cleats
  • Colours: Black, White
  • Price: 239.95 euros >> Available here at a reduced price
The Shimano GE900HS comes highly recommended for enduro and gravity ridersPhoto: BIKEThe Shimano GE900HS comes highly recommended for enduro and gravity riders

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Stefan Frey

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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