Shimano Goes Enduro w/ New Trail Shoes & Hydration Packs

Jumping on a bandwagon a bit quicker than normal, Shimano has just added three new enduro shoes and a similarly enabled pack to their gear line.

The shoes use a new flex concept called TORBAL, for Torsional Balance. The idea creates an outsole that mixes a stable forefoot with a center section that allows the body of the foot to flex and twist in a natural motion, helping the rider maneuver themselves and the bike more aggressively. The stable front end keeps the foot securely planted to the pedal for efficient power transfer. The rest of the outer and upper are armored to protect the heel and toe from impacts, while the insoles get thicker, dual density padding for extra shock absorption. Underneath it all is a grippy rubber tread pattern for off-bike scrambles.

Step past the break for details and pricing, plus the new Unzen 4 Enduro pack…

The SH-M200 is the top of the line Shimano Enduro shoe and is relatively lightweight for such a full featured kick.

Features include:

• Asymmetrical collar for ankle protection
• Reinforced low profile armor for increased protection and durability
• Low-profile, micro-adjust buckle and speed-lacing closure system for perfect fit for a wide range of foot shapes
• Shimano Volume + last for a more accommodating toe box
• Expanded SPD cleat adjustment range
• High traction rubber on the outer edge lugs and high durability rubber heel and pedal contact arch area
• Available in Black (SH-M200L)
• Weight: 381g per shoe, size 40
• Availability expected Fall 2014
• $180.00

Shimano’s SH-M163 keeps most of the features but lets down its defenses a bit to save grams.

• Tough, synthetic leather upper with low-profile armor
• Cross-X Strap optimized for relieving tension on top of the foot
• Super low-profile, micro-adjust buckle securely holds foot
• Single density, extra-cushion insole conforms to foot and provides shock absorbing protection
• Shimano Volume+ last for a more accommodating toe box
• Expanded SPD cleat adjustment range
• Glass fiber composite polyamide mid sole for power transfer
• High durability rubber outsole
• Available in Black (SH-M163L)
• Weight: 364g per shoe, size 40
• Availability expected Fall 2014
• $150.00

The SH-M089 drops all the armor, but is the lightest and least expensive of the three. It keeps the TORBAL design and has an expanded cleat adjustment range and more durable rubber outsole.

• Tough, stretch-resistant synthetic leather and mesh upper
• Cross-X Strap optimized for relieving tension on top of the foot
• Super low-profile, micro-adjust buckle securely holds foot
• Shimano Volume+ last for a more accommodating toe box
• Expanded SPD cleat adjustment range
• Glass fiber composite polyamide mid sole for power transfer
• Available in Black (SH-M089L)
• Weight: 346g per shoe, size 40
• Availability expected Fall 2014
• $120.00

Sorry, it’s not a fanny pack, but it’s still enduro, bro. Where some of Shimano’s other packs might carry more stuff inside them, the Unzen 4 Enduro carries a boatload on the outside. Things like a full face helmet, goggles, body armor, a water bottle and jacket all have a home strapped to the exterior. There’s even a hook for your blinky light. You know, so the other enduro riders will see you.

Inside, there’s organization for a tool, pump and 4L of basic storage plus a hydration reservoir with a compression cord to keep it centered and reduce sloshing.

An easy access side pocket keeps other essentials handy and a fleece lined pocket for your shades. Like their other ACCU3D packs, it gets the X-Harness to wrap it securely around your body with plenty of fit adjustment.

Claimed weight is 605g without reservoir. It’ll be offered in Black/Yellow (Limited Edition Available Aug 2014) and Black/Lightning Blue (stock color available January 2015). Retail is $90.

Bike.Shimano.com