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MTB shoe testShimano GE900HS - contender for the hot seat in Enduro and Gravity

Stefan Frey

 · 21.10.2025

Shimano has revised its top MTB shoe for enduro and gravity bikers. The "HS" for Hot Seat is aimed at all ambitious racers who are aiming for the podium
Photo: Stefan Frey

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Attention gravity bikers: Shimano has revised its top-of-the-range GE900 shoe for enduro and gravity and given it the abbreviation HS - for Hot Seat. Thanks to a firmer EVA foam, the area around the pedal in particular should be significantly stiffer. The HS version also protects the toes with a wide TPU strip. A gaiter effectively prevents dirt from penetrating the ankles. We have already been able to test the high-end Gravity shoe extensively.
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Shimano is expanding its range in the gravity segment with the new GE900HS MTB shoe, which was specially designed for enduro and downhill use. The designation "HS" stands for "Hot Seat". The shoe is therefore clearly aimed at ambitious mountain bikers. At the centre of the design is the particularly stiff sole, with Shimano claiming a 25 percent improvement in EVA hardness in the midsole area. This stiffness is intended to ensure optimum power transmission and at the same time relieve pressure on the feet by avoiding pressure points.

The new Shimano GE900 HS is primarily aimed at enduro and gravity racers. Stiff, robust and yet comfortable - does the concept work?Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe new Shimano GE900 HS is primarily aimed at enduro and gravity racers. Stiff, robust and yet comfortable - does the concept work?

Sophisticated design for maximum protection

The Shimano GE900HS offers numerous details that predestine it for tough off-road use. The inconspicuously integrated neoprene collar, which reaches just above the ankle, is particularly noteworthy. It effectively prevents swirling dirt from entering the shoe and also offers a certain degree of protection against splashing water. However, this function reaches its limits in deeper puddles - the shoe is not designed to be waterproof.

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The neoprene cuff prevents dirt from getting into the shoe, but also protects the sensitive ankles.Photo: Stefan FreyThe neoprene cuff prevents dirt from getting into the shoe, but also protects the sensitive ankles.

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

The toe cap is particularly robust, stones and roots don't do much damage here.Photo: Stefan FreyThe toe cap is particularly robust, stones and roots don't do much damage here.

Optimised for platform pedals with a large contact surface

In contrast to classic MTB shoes with heavily profiled soles and screw studs, the GE900HS is based on a different concept. It is specially designed for use with clipless pedals with an extended platform. Accordingly, the sole has a generously dimensioned contact surface that ensures maximum contact with the pedal. The cleat channel has been kept particularly long and wide for easy entry, even in technical terrain.

A long pedal channel helps when clipping in in tricky situations. The sole underneath has been noticeably stiffened compared to its predecessor.Photo: Stefan FreyA long pedal channel helps when clipping in in tricky situations. The sole underneath has been noticeably stiffened compared to its predecessor.

The Ultread GE rubber on the sole offers excellent grip, which is not only an advantage on the pedals, but also when walking. Especially in the toe and heel areas, a deeper profile ensures sufficient grip and traction when you have to push the bike on steep terrain.

Secure hold thanks to BOA fastener and Velcro strap

The Shimano GE900HS uses a combination of a Velcro strap and a "BOA Li2" twist lock to ensure a firm and even fit on the foot. This solution proves to be extremely functional in practice, as the shoe is easy and uncomplicated to adjust, avoids pressure points and also allows adjustment while riding. The BOA fastener allows fine adjustment of the fit and has a practical small tear-off guard.

It could hardly be better. The combination of Boa and Velcro is easy to adjust, even while riding. The Boa fastener has a tear-off protection.Photo: Stefan FreyIt could hardly be better. The combination of Boa and Velcro is easy to adjust, even while riding. The Boa fastener has a tear-off protection.
The fit and power transmission of the GE900HS are excellent. However, the shoe is very wide at the big toe joint. This means you quickly bump into the crank when unclicking. Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor
Stefan Frey, BIKE test editorPhoto: Georg GrieshaberStefan Frey, BIKE test editor

>> For trail, tour and enduro: Test MTB shoes - 6 current models for trail bikers & enduro riders

Small weakness in detail

In off-road terrain, the stiff GE900HS is a good way to get the power to the pedals. The stiff sole supports the feet and reduces fatigue. In addition, the slightly thicker padding provides a lot of comfort. The GE900HS is a shoe that you'll be happy to wear all day on your enduro tour, even if it does get a little sweaty on warm days.

Even though we had no problems clicking into the pedals, we did notice one negative detail. The shoe is relatively wide in the area of 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 avoid this problem, you have to adjust the cleat as far to the side as possible, which in turn can have a negative effect on the foot position on the pedal.

If it wasn't enough for the podium, it probably wasn't the GE900 HS' fault. Apart from a few tiny details, it is an absolutely recommendable enduro shoe.Photo: Stefan FreyIf it wasn't enough for the podium, it probably wasn't the GE900 HS' fault. Apart from a few tiny details, it is an absolutely recommendable enduro shoe.

Shimano GE900HS - Info & Price

  • Weight: 958 grammes (46)
  • Sizes: 38 to 48
  • Field of applicationEnduro/Downhill
  • Locking systemBOA Li2 twist lock and Velcro strap
  • Sole25% harder EVA midsole
  • Upper materialPartly perforated, waterproof
  • Special featuresNeoprene collar, reinforced toe box
  • Pedal compatibilitySPD cleats
  • Colours: Black, White
  • Price: 219,95 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
The Shimano GE900HS is a real recommendation for enduro and gravity bikersPhoto: BIKEThe Shimano GE900HS is a real recommendation for enduro and gravity bikers

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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