Review: With Shimano GE900 HS performance lives in the details

Shimano’s new “Hot Seat” version of the GE900 looks a lot like the standard GE900. Other than the bold, white colour, of course (it also comes in black). But some key details elevate the the GE900 HS above the shoe it builds off of.

While the name hints at race-focused performance, after six months on the GE9 HS, we think it has benefits far beyond the confines of race tape. For the right rider, it could be a new high-water mark in Shimano’s gravity shoe line.

Shimano GE9HS: What’s new?

There are a host of small changes to the GE9HS that separate it from the GE9. This starts with stiffer construction (the midsole is now an 8 on Shimano’s scale, where the GE9 is a 7), to provide more control and efficiency on the bike. The EVA on the mid-sole is also 25 per cent stiffer. But stiffness is just the start.

One small detail is the move to Boa Li2 Type F dials, with a small plastic shield to protect them from ripping off. This adds two-way micro-adjustments to fit over the standard Boa L6 dial on the GE9. The synthetic leather outsole has less padding than the GE9, giving a closer fit and more precise feel to the shoe.

In general, the GE9HS looks more polished than the GE9. That’s down to a few details, like the removal of the Torbal 2.0 midsole. Shimano uses “Force Control” midsole in its place on the GE9HS. Hidden lace guides for the Boa laces add to the look. As does moving the neoprene cuff to the outside of the ankle cuff instead of attaching on the inside of the shoe like on the GE9. Shimano keeps GE9 HS shoe construction one colour throughout the shoe, whether that’s black or the very race-day white splatter, adding to the clean look.

Fit changes slightly from the GE9, with an ever-so-slightly narrower toe box and a slightly different shape moving from the toes to the middle part of the foot.

Riding the GE9HS: More efficient and supportive, every day

I’ve been riding the GE9HS for a good six months at this point. I sit between a 46 and 47, and Shimano was kind enough to send out both to compare fit. Both sizes have been in rotation, along with a pair of GE9 for comparison.

While there isn’t a huge change in stiffness to the midsole, it is noticeable. I think the change to the rest of the shoes construction contributes as much to the different feel of the GE9HS compared to the standard GE9. Having less padding on the HS gives it a more snug and more direct feel that the GE9. That made it, I think, easier to crank the dials…