When it comes to mountain bike shoes and pedals, few brands offer a range that’s quite as comprehensive as Shimano. The Japanese company set the standard for clip-in pedals back in 1990 with its SPD system, and has since etched out a reputation for building high quality footwear for both flat and clip-in pedal users. From the ‘moon-boot’ DX shoes, through to the latest XC9s and ME7s, we’ve spent countless hours riding in Shimano kicks over the years, many of those having become firm favourites amongst the Flow team.
Shimano recently overhauled its gravity shoe lineup for 2024, and we’ve got our feet into some of the latest models just in time for the summer riding season. Here we’ll be taking a look at the SPD models (the GE9, GE7 and GE5), as well as the flat pedal option (the GF6).
Shimano GE9 SPD Mountain Bike Shoes
- Price: $329 AUD
- Sizes: EU 40-48
The Shimano GE9 is the top-of-the-range gravity SPD shoe that’s designed for trail, enduro and downhill riding. Replacing the outgoing AM9 shoe, the GE9 is designed to match up with platform-style pedals like the Saint SPD, Time Speciale and Crank Brothers Mallet.
As with the entire Shimano GE shoe range, the GE9 features a grippy Ultread rubber sole with chunky lugs at the toe and heel for traction when hike-a-biking. There’s an extra-long cleat channel to aid pedal entry, and it also allows you to more easily rest your foot on the pedal when unclipped. Inside is a carbon-reinforced Torbal 2.0 midsole that’s designed to provide a stiff interface around the cleat area, but with sufficient flexibility around the outer edges to help when you’re cutting shapes on the descents.
The synthetic leather upper incorporates a reinforced toe cap, a stretchy ankle gaiter, and a big Velcro strap. The GE9 is also the only model to feature a BOA dial, which features a discreet plastic shield to help protect it from snagging rocks and roots on the trail. Having broken off BOA dials in the past, we reckon that’s a really nice detail.
Shimano GE7 SPD Mountain Bike Shoes
- Price: $269.95 AD
- Sizes: EU 40-48
Replacing the old AM7 shoes, the Shimano GE7 is the next model down in the range. It skips the BOA dial in favour of a simpler lace-up design, which helps to bring the price down by $60 over the more expensive GE9 shoe.
Otherwise the GE7 shares many of the same features. It gets the same Ultread rubber outsole and extra-long cleat channel that’s built around the latest Torbal 2.0 design. They’re not quite as stiff due to the use of a fibreglass-reinforced midsole, so racers looking for maximum power transfer should steer themselves towards the GE9 shoe.
However, trail builders, shuttle riders and backcountry explorers will likely prefer the added flex and comfort of the GE7, and we have to admit that we quite like the more casual look with its lace-up design and skate-style upper. They do miss out on the stretchy ankle gaiters, but the padded collar is raised on the inside to offer useful protection against crank arms.
Shimano GE5 SPD Mountain Bike Shoes
- Price: $189.95 AUD
- Sizes: EU 37-43 (Womens), EU 38-46 (Unisex)
The Shimano GE5 is the cheapest option in the SPD gravity shoe range. It’s also the only model that’s offered in a female-specific option, which features a narrower and lower volume fit that’s available in sizes right down to an EU 37.
Whereas the uppers on the GE7 and GE9 shoes are constructed with synthetic leather, the GE5 features lightweight fabric panels that offer a more casual fit. Combined with the Velcro strap and laces, there’s good flexibility when it comes to dialling them in around your feet.
Otherwise the GE5 benefits from the same new features found on its pricier siblings. This includes the Torbal 2.0 midsole, the Ultread rubber outsole, and EVA foam inserts that help to cushion your feet against impacts and on-trail vibration.
Shimano GF6 Flat Pedal Shoes
- Price: $249.95 AUD
- Sizes: EU 40-48
For the flat pedal riders out there, you’ll be wanting to take a look at the latest Shimano GF shoe range. There are three models; the GF8GTX (a winter-specific flat pedal shoe), the GF6 and GF4.
Here we have the GF6, which is a premium flat pedal shoe that replaces the old GR9 model. The updates are admittedly fairly minor, with the GF6 carrying over the same Ultread rubber outsole and a conventional lace-up design. Shimano has ditched the stretchy ankle gaiters however, with the GF6 now getting an asymmetric raised ankle collar. The mesh side panels are also gone in favour of perforated synthetic leather that should offer improved durability.
