Shimano steps up with new GE and GF shoe lines

Shimano has completely redesigned its gravity line of mountain bike shoes, clipless and flat. The new lines range from race-ready to trail casual and even a very all-weather flat pedal option.

Shimano GE series

The Gravity  Enduro series starts with the race-ready GE900, which Shimano says is good for enduro or downhill. It uses a combination of a BOA Fit system and a thick instep strap to keep your foot securely in place through rough trails and hard efforts. A neoprene ankle collar keeps trail debris out of the shoe, while a quick-drying synthetic leather upper keeps water out.

The entire GE line runs Shimano’s Ultread GE outsole, designed for grip on and off of the bike, and a TORBAL 2.0 midsole for improved range of motion while clipped in. Shimano says the midsole allows the heel section of the show to move torsionally. The GE900 adds a full-length carbon-reinforced EVA midsole for pedaling efficiency at a light weight.

For a less racey and more casual look, the GE700, 700W, 500 and 500W all use a combination of laces and a wide instep strap for a secure and comfortable fit. A raised and padded ankle collar keeps you protected from scuffing against the cranks. Without the neoprene ankle collar or the EVA midsole, these four shoes actually weight a hair less than the top-end GE900.

Shimano GF600 Photo: Sterling Lorence

Ultread GF soles. Photo: Sterling Lorence

A little flex for off the bike movement. Photo: Sterling Lorence

Shimano GF series

For flat-pedal aficionados, the GF series uses a separate Ultread GF outsole designed to grip pedal pins and provide traction off the bike. Cushioned synthetic leather uppers on the GF600 or a more breathable fabric on the GF400 give riders some choice in where they want their shoes to perform best.

The GF 600 uses the new Torbal 2.0 torsional plate structure while the 400 uses a half-length EVA midsole for comfort on hike-a-bikes. Both models use laces instead of any kind of straps, while the 600 adds a lace keeper to keep everything in place. An asymmetrically raised and padded ankle collar and a sidewall sole add more protection against rock strokes and rubbing.

Photo: Sterling Lorence

For riding in any weather. Photo: Sterling Lorence

Like, really wet weather. Photo: Sterling Lorence

GF800 GTX All-weather warrior

The GF800 GTX  is a totally different beast. Designed to keep you comfortable through the wettest and coldest days, it mixes Ultread GF rubber that is optimized for…