Under extreme stress and, of course, always in full use: the sole of a mountain bike shoe is the functional element that is crucial for the connection between biker and bike. It can make a decisive contribution to better bike control and more comfort on and off the bike. Shimano aims to improve this performance with its new generation of soles for mountain bike shoes. The new sole technology is called Shimano Ultread. The combination of a robust rubber compound and clever tread patterns is designed to provide more safety and comfort on the trail.
Shimano Gravity Enduro Series (GE)
With the Gravity Enduro models, the Japanese company is presenting a completely new series of SPD-compatible shoes designed to optimise control on the mountain bike in technical terrain and improve grip on slippery walking sections.
GE900: the top model in the Gravity Enduro line for SPD clipless pedals
The GE900 is Shimano's benchmark among high-end gravity shoes and features a so-called Torbal 2.0 midsole. This is designed to provide improved freedom of movement in the heel area and high flexibility in the forefoot area. According to the manufacturer, the result is improved comfort and control on the bike. A full-length, carbon-reinforced EVA midsole reduces weight and improves pedalling efficiency. With a Boa L6 coil and Velcro fastening, the GE900 offers a precise closure system.
A neoprene shaft at the ankle prevents the ingress of dirt, while the robust, quick-drying synthetic leather upper with mesh inserts is designed to withstand even the roughest terrain and keep your feet well ventilated. The outsole, optimised for rugged off-road use, offers improved grip on slippery walking passages and features a moulded pedal channel that ensures a stable shoe-pedal connection, even if you are not firmly clipped into the pedal on technical terrain. The GE900 is Shimano's flagship SPD-compatible gravity shoe. According to the manufacturer, it is designed for aggressive enduro and downhill use, including racing.
The facts about the Shimano GE900
- Upper material made from hard-wearing imitation leather
- Integrated neoprene cuff
- Boa and Velcro fastener
- Carbon reinforced Torbal 2.0 midsole
- Ultread GE outsole
- Extended SPD pedal channel
- Volume trail lasts
- Colours: Black, Olive
- Weight: 423 g (size 42)
- RRP: 209.95 euros
- Sizes: 38-48
- Available in stores from the end of October
GE700: the performance enduro shoe for maximum trail fun
Whether racing or recreational fun on the trail, the GE700 Enduro shoe is designed to help mountain bikers confidently tackle technical terrain, according to Shimano. Like the GE900, this shoe is also equipped with Shimano's Torbal 2.0 midsole, which offers the foot the necessary flexibility in the heel area to gain more control and comfort when riding in technical terrain. The Ultread GE outsole is designed to optimise grip, while the pronounced pedal channel ensures a better connection between shoe and bike. The GE700 has a lace fastening system with reinforced guides and a Velcro fastener for a better hold on the foot.
The facts about the Shimano GE700
- Raised and padded ankle shaft
- Lace and Velcro fastening
- Colours: Black, Light Grey
- Weight: 417 g (size 42)
- RRP: 169,95 Euro
- Sizes: 38-48
- Available in stores from the end of October
GE500 and GE500W (women): the most affordable enduro model
The GE500 is available in men's and women's versions. Like the more expensive GE900 and GE700 models, the GE500 is also equipped with Shimano's Torbal midsole for improved heel movement. This should help especially on technically demanding trail sections. You also benefit from the Ultread GE outsole for top grip on slippery terrain. The breathable upper material ensures good moisture regulation and is still robust. Layered EVA foam is designed to optimally absorb shocks. The lacing system with Velcro fastening should ensure a comfortable fit.
The facts about the Shimano GE500 and GE500W
- Torbal 2.0 midsole
- Raised and padded ankle shaft
- Men: Black, Light Green, Sand Beige
- Ladies: Black, Denime
- Weight: 399 g (size 42) / Women's weight: 375 g (size 40)
- RRP: 119,95 Euro
- Sizes: Men 38-48; Women 36-44
- Available in stores from the end of October
Shimano Gravity Flat Series (GF)
In addition to the Gravity Enduro shoe series, the component and accessory specialists from Japan also presented the brand new Gravity Flat (GF for short) shoes. The new range is designed to offer secure grip and stability and thus provide more confidence on the bike, even on technically demanding trails.
GF600: Flat pedal shoe with grippy rubber compound
Shimano's GF600 aims to offer total control in technical, rough terrain. The synthetic leather upper dries quickly yet is robust and offers good protection. The mesh insert, on the other hand, ensures good ventilation. The new Ultread GF outsole is crucial. The special rubber compound provides cushioning, while the wide, hexagonal profile is designed to ensure a secure grip and stability on the pedals so that you can tackle even the most demanding trails with confidence.
The GF600 is equipped with a hard-wearing, padded synthetic leather upper and an asymmetrically raised, padded shaft. The upper material is designed to mould particularly well to the foot, with plenty of volume in the toe area and at the heel to improve walking comfort and cushioning.
The facts about the Shimano GF600
- Laces with reinforced guides and lace holder
- Durable, padded upper material made from imitation leather
- Breathable perforations
- Torbal 2.0 midsole
- Ultread GF outsole
- Volume trail bar
- Colours: Black, Brown
- Weight: 397 g (size 42)
- RRP: 159,95 Euro
- Sizes: 38-48
- Available in stores from the end of August
GF800 GTX: robust flat pedal shoe for bad weather
There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong equipment. With the GF800 GTX, Shimano wants to play its part in ensuring that bikers are well-equipped for the muddy weather. Wet, cold days are exactly the kind of weather for which the GF800 GTX was created. Like the GF600, the shoe features the new Ultread GF rubber compound developed by Shimano, which is optimised for low temperatures and is designed to improve the shoe-pedal connection with maximum pin grip for more confidence and control on technical trails.
The most expensive shoe in Shimano's Gravity range features a Boa L6 closure system that allows easy operation with winter gloves, while the integrated sock-like upper with waterproof Gore-Tex lining keeps feet dry.
The facts about the Shimano GF800 GTX
- Waterproof Gore-Tex membrane
- Mid-high ankle shaft with stretch Gore-Tex lining
- Ultread GF low-temperature outsole
- Torbal 2.0 torsion plate
- Colours: Black, Khaki
- Weight: 390 g (size 42)
- RRP: 209.95 euros
- Sizes: 38-48
- Available in stores from the end of August
GF400 and GF400W (ladies): Entry-level model for flat-pedal riders
The stylish GF400 and GF400W would also work well as everyday sneakers. However, Shimano's entry-level model is not primarily designed for this. Thanks to Ultread sole technology, bike control on the trail should be particularly good. The pedalling feel should be improved without creating pressure points. Thanks to the EVA midsole, cushioning and comfort are increased when walking. The hard-wearing and breathable upper material with an asymmetrically raised, padded shaft should ensure that your feet stay cool and dry for a long time.
The facts about the Shimano GF400 and GF400W
- Ultread GF outsole
- Half-length EVA cushioning
- Upper made from highly breathable fabric
- Men's colours: Black, Olive, Dark Blue
- Women's colours: Asphalt Grey, Red Clay
- Weight: 371 g (size 42)
- Women's weight: 343 g (size 40)
- RRP: 109,95 Euro
- Sizes: Men 38-48, Women 36-43
- Available in stores from the end of August
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
