Shimano has been on quite a roll with new products lately, but it has been nearly two years since the brand completely redesigned its lineup of gravity-oriented shoes. At the time, it seemed like a relatively complete range of new models, catering to clip-in and flat pedal riders across the more aggressive side of the riding spectrum. As it turns out, Shimano wasn’t quite finished building out the shoe lineup, with today’s addition of several new GE (clip-in) and GR (flat) shoes that fill in the gaps between the existing models.
New GE900 Clip-in Shoes
For those who prefer a mechanical connection to their pedals, Shimano has three new models of GE900 shoes. GE stands for “Gravity Enduro” and refers to cleat-compatible gravity shoes in Shimano’s range of off-road footwear. The GE900HS (hot seat) is aimed squarely at gravity racers, the GE900W offers a women’s-specific design, and the GE900GTX provides all-weather protection for nasty conditions. Let’s check ‘em out.
Shimano GE900HS
HS stands for “Hot Seat,” and this shoe is specifically designed for top-level enduro and downhill racers, “or anyone pushing limits on the trail.” While it looks very similar to the existing GE900, the HS reportedly has a new upper construction combined with a BOA Li2 dial and upper velcro strap to lock in the feet. That’s combined with Shimano’s new Force Control carbon-reinforced nylon midsole for pedaling efficiency, “with a 25% increase in EVA midsole hardness for enhanced torsional stiffness and stability.”
GE900HS Highlights
- SPD-Compatible Gravity Shoe for Top Downhill Racers: The GE900HS is the optimal choice for downhill and enduro racing where even 0.1 seconds can make the difference.
- Stiffness and Stability: New Force Control midsole construction with carbon-reinforced nylon is stiffer than standard GE900, delivering a more stable pedaling platform.
- ULTREAD GE: Enduro-optimized outsole provides enhanced grip on slick hike-a-bike sections, and its extended SPD landing strip enables smooth and fast pedal engagement.
- Micro-Adjustable BOA® Fit System: Slimmed-down BOA Li2 dial with shield features dual micro-adjustability, and it utilizes textile lace guides that are hidden between the upper and tongue.
- Armored Design: Ankle collar keeps trail debris out, while the robust, quick-drying synthetic leather upper with perforations stands up to the roughest terrain and helps keep you cool.
GE900HS Specs
- Weight: 436 grams (size 43)
- Color: White and Black
- Stiffness: 8
- Standard Sizes: 38-48
- MSRP: $275 USD, €219.95
Shimano GE900W
The new GE900W is essentially the same as the existing (and Editor’s Choice Award-Winning) GE900, but with a women’s-specific fit and a smaller size range. In theory, the GE900W should fit the average female foot better than the unisex model, plus they come in a different sole/upper color combo that sets them apart.
GE900W Specs
- Weight: 438 grams (size 43)
- Color: Midnight Denim
- Stiffness: 7
- Women’s Sizes: 36-44
- MSRP: $250 USD, €219.95
Shimano GE900GTX
For those riders who venture out when the weather is cold, wet, or both, the new GE900GTX aims to provide weather protection without sacrificing efficiency and control. It looks a lot like other GE900 models, but the uppers are lined with a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane along with a tall elastic ankle cuff to keep mud and moisture from entering. It looks a lot like the flat pedal GF800GTX, but with the addition of a cleat-compatible sole and an upper velcro strap.
GE900GTX Specs
- Weight: 464 grams (size 43)
- Color: Black and Oak Brown
- Stiffness: 7
- Standard Sizes: 38-48
- MSRP: $300 USD, €239.95
New GF800 Flat Pedal Shoes
For those who prefer the support and feel of riding with flat pedals, Shimano has new top-tier flat pedal shoes with the GF800 and GF800W. With a Force Control reinforced shank to prevent arch bend and TORBAL 2.0 midsoles to allow lateral flex, these shoes aim to provide a higher level of efficiency and control than the brand’s existing flat shoe models. The synthetic leather uppers have a stretch ankle gaiter to keep debris out and are secured with a BOA closure for easy on/off and tension adjustments.
GF800 and GF800W Specs
- Weight: 396 grams (size 43)
- Color: Black/Amber, White
- Women’s Color: Black/Amber
- Stiffness: 4
- Standard Sizes: 38-48
- Women’s Sizes: 36-44
- MSRP: $200 USD, €219.95
Shimano Gravity Shoes Availability
All of Shimano’s new gravity shoes officially launched today, and we expect them to be available very soon. Some models and sizes are already in stock, although the majority of them appear to be arriving in late July and August. Check out the Shimano website to find out more about the different models or to find a dealer near you.
