Launched in late 2023, Shimano revised its lineup of flat pedal and SPD shoes, with some welcomed updates to the overall aesthetic across the board and sleek new adjustability features on select models. Flow covered all of the updates and dove into the details in the launch article, but had limited hours with our feet in the shoes at the time. After wearing the GE7 and GE9 shoes all summer long, we have walked away thoroughly impressed with the updates, despite a minor hiccup with sizing.
Updated Aesthetics for 2024
The launch GE range included some welcomed revisions to the aesthetics, shifting from the previous ‘RoboCop Star Wars Soccer Boot’ vibe and leaning more towards a laid-back casual style, similar to Crank Brothers Mallet‘s or Ride Concept shoes. The colour offerings have adopted earthy tones such as creams, greens and browns, which blend into the natural surroundings and don’t look out of place when covered in mud. Wearing the GE7’s and GE9’s feels more like wearing normal shoes and less like space-clogs, making those post-ride refreshments at the local watering hole a little more comfortable.
Lace-up vs BOA
Differences in the restraint mechanism between the GE7’s and GE9’s is fairly obvious, with the GE7’s opting for a standard lace-up system, while the GE9’s cop BOA L6 dial. This one is up to personal preference, the speed and adjustability of BOA’s is a game-changer, but there is something brilliant about a simple and robust lace-up shoe. Both feature a velcro strap across the top to keep your heel planted in the back of the shoe.
Underfoot Feel
The GE7’s and GE9’s are very similar when it comes to the sole, using the same Ultread GE rubber sole and only minor differences in the internal plate. The GE9’s use a carbon fiber Torbal 2.0 mid-sole, as opposed to a slightly flexier fiberglass Torbal 2.0 plate used on the GE7’s. On the trail, there is the slightest difference in stiffness between the two, with the GE9’s being slightly more responsive underfoot. On the flip side, with the GE7’s offering more flex that comes with a smidge more comfort whether you are riding, walking or just hanging out, striking a nice balance between on-bike performance and off-bike comfort. The GE7’s miss out on the stretchy ankle-gaiter, but do feature a high padded collar on the inside of the ankle for support and protection.
Once a size 42, Always a size 42?
Initially, Mick opted for his usual size 42, but found them a tad roomy above and around the toes, especially on demanding descents where he felt his feet shifting around. Downsizing to a 41 resolved this, offering a snugger fit and eliminating any need to clench toes for stability inside the shoe. Not a deal-breaker by any means, but a consideration if considering purchasing a pair without trying various sizes.
Flows Summer Wrap-up
From the iconic ‘moon-boot’ DX shoes to the ever-popular XC9s and ME7s, we’ve spent countless hours riding in Shimano footwear over the years, and they remain favourites amongst the Flow team. The new GE7’s and GE9’s are no exception and have improved in almost every aspect of their predecessors, resulting in some of the finest footwear currently available. We recommend trying on a few sizes prior to committing due to what appears to be some revisions in the last, but once that’s sorted you’ll be sure to have happy feet for many trails to come.
Which shoe is better? That depends on the use, and the minor $60 price difference doesn’t delineate a clear winner either. Racers will appreciate the efficiency that comes with the stiffness of the GE9’s, with only minor sacrifices in comfort. For the rest of us, the GE7’s offers almost identical on-bike performance and are a more comfortable shoe for general riding and walking.
