New Gravity MTB shoes from Shimano

Shimano is rolling out three new shoes today: the GE900HS, a stiffer, tweaked version of their top-of-the-line Gravity Enduro clipless shoe, the GE9. Second is a women's version of that GE9. Third, a GE900GTX, a Gore-Tex-equipped version of the GE9. And fourth, for you flat eart-...er, flat pedal riders, there's now the GF800, a top of the range Gravity Flat pedal shoe. All come with Shimano's Ultread rubber, which they tune for different shoes and purposes.

Shimano GE900HS (Hot Seat)

Shimano's new GE900HS (HS stands for Hot Seat) is an evolution of the existing SH-GE900. The existing GE9 is Shimano's benchmark, high-end gravity shoe. 
The new GE9HS uses a new New Force Control midsole that Shimano claims makes this new Hot Seat version stiffer than the existing GE9.

The new Hot Seat version of the GE9 also has a new stiffer upper construction with a similar closure system, but with a slimmed-down, shielded BOA Li2 dial that is positioned slightly further away from the ankle strap. With the new midsole and upper, Shimano claims the new GE900HS is 25% stiffer than the existing GE9 (and rated at 8 on Shimano's stiffness scale).

The GE900HS maintains the grippy ULTREAD GE outsole and ankle collar of the existing shoe. The outsole is grippy, to provide enhanced grip on slick hike-a-bike sections (we'll have more in depth info about Ultread soon -Ed.). The ankle collar keeps trail debris out.

While I don't have a ton of time in the older GE9, these do feel stiffer. The upper felt quite stiff initially, but quickly broke in. Sizing-wise wise I could possibly go down half a size from my normal 42, but I'm splitting hairs here; they fit a smidge bigger than an ME7. I'll be doing a full long-term later in the year, but initial impressions are positive.

Shimano GE900HS

• Weight: 436 grams (size 43)
• Color: White and Black
• Stiffness: 8
• Standard Sizes: 38-48
• The GE900HS maintains the grippy ULTREAD GE outsole and ankle collar of the existing shoe. The outsole is grippy, to provide enhanced grip on slick hike-a-bike sections (we'll have more in-depth info about Ultread soon -Ed.). The ankle collar keeps trail debris out.

-Tim Coleman

Shimano GE900GTX (Gore-Tex)

Based on the GE9, which Mike reviewed, and very similar in design queues and intent to the GF800 GTX - a winter flat shoe that Uncle Dave reviewed, the GE900 GTX has a few additions that give it winter worthiness without making you feel like you're wearing Sorels.

First, of course, is the Gore-Tex membrane in the upper. Now, we all know Gore-Tex, we know what it does, and the one caveat is that that membrane will make them less breathable than if there was no membrane, so your feet may get sweaty if it's warm out, or if you're just swarthy. (I know swarthy isn't a synonym of sweaty but just try to convince me that a swarthy bloke isn't also doused in his own svitz.) That's why I haven't really been able to test them thoroughly yet - they arrived in April, when our cool, wet weather had already ended. Are they waterproof? Yes. But in 12º weather, your feet may get sweaty, and it means I also can't comment on what their happy place is as far as temp range. Hopefully they're a little warmer and therefore work down to around -2 or -5º C...I will report back in November.

Second, an elastic ankle gaiter. Mandatory to have some kind of gaiter for a winter shoe, and some recent Shimano shoes had a gaiter to keep out debris, loam, etc, with varying degrees of success (recent versions nailed it). No matter the height of the ankle cuff - and the GE9 GTXs are not as high as those on the MW5 and MW7 - you're relying on your pants to channel water past your ankle and onto your shoes, where it will hopefully be whisked away to the ground. If there's a gap or you're wearing shorts, then your feet are gonna get wet.

The third thing worth mentioning is that the GE9 GTX's sole stiffness rating is the same as the GE9, which Shimano labels a 7. I call that out because the GF800 GTX is a 3, their MW5 winter boot is a 5, and the quite pricey (but awesome) MW7 is a 7. So the GE9 is going to pedal more like the shoes you wear when it's not 5 degrees and raining sideways. Add that to the relative lack of bulk for a winter shoe, and I think the GE9 GTX is all of a sudden a shoe you can wear from September or October until early April in our conditions (longer if you ride up high or don't have sweaty feet). If you're curious to learn more, you can read about Shimano's approach to shoe stiffness.

A last note is the Oak Brown colour. I didn't request it, but it's what came, and I think it is awesome. The GE9 in black is a pretty plain looking shoe. Nothing wrong with that but compared to some of Shimano's other clipless shoes (especially the ME7 which is a favourite of a lot of us - and a lot of others I've heard from), I found it boring looking from the outset. This GTX version in Oak Brown is a nice splash of colour that won't look stupid when it gets dirty.

Shimano GE900GTX

• Weight: 464 grams (size 43)
• Color: Black and Oak Brown
• Stiffness: 7
• Standard Sizes: 38-48
• MSRP: 300 USD / 240 EUR

-Pete Roggeman

Shimano GF800 - Flat Pedal Shoes

These shoes share some feature with the others mentioned here, aside from the cleat channel missing from the sole. They are closed by a BOA dial, but unlike the others - which have the BOA Li2 - they have the slightly bulkier and less useful single-direction dial. If you need to loosen your shoes by just a single click, you'll need to pop the dial to release all tension and tighten it to where you need it. While this is a trivial process with BOA dials, it's easier to fine tune your fit with the Li2 version. The GF800 also lacks a velcro strap, which is fine for getting your feet in and out but could be problematic if you have a BOA failure on the trail.*

*TBF I have never had a Boa failure anywhere but it can happen

The construction of the shoe, like the others in the line, primarily consists of a relatively stiff, low-volume synthetic upper that shouldn't absorb much water on sloppy days. Protection is decent at the heels, with the neoprene sleeve adding a little abrasion at your ankles, keeping the dirt and dust at bay somewhat, and it's more robust at the toe cap.

The uppers are a little rigid to start out, and I had a few minor hot spots. These are already starting to fade and after only a few rides, the GF800s are breaking in. I'd rather err on the side of a shoe that has a more robust upper than one that is floppy and insubstantial.

The substantial theme continues with the shank, which Shimano is calling FORCE CONTROL (their caps), and it's easily felt. I've been edging toward stiffer shoes in recent years now that grip no longer has to be aided by a floppy sole that collapses over the pedal. In fact, based on a few shoes I've ridden lately, I've come to realize that stiffness can enhance grip when it's matched well with the rubber side.

Grip

I didn't have much time with the GF800s before this embargo lift, so I wasn't happy when Deniz needed them for the weekend for more photos. As it turned out, a couple of rides on my Fox Union Boas helped me gain some perspective.

On my first ride on the new Shimanos, I was surprised to feel comfortable and planted right away. This was partially because I've never been entirely pleased with the grip of Shimano flat shoes, and partially because, at first glance, the outsole wasn't very impressive.

Everything swapped once I was in the saddle and I found myself being able to transfer power very effectively through my feet, and I was pulling for some moves I normally approach more sedately. Still, I wasn't overly convinced, until I got back on the Unions. I reached for them happily considering they have not one but two BOA dials, and they are the Li2 version, only one of which is found on the clip-in Shimanos. On the trail however, the Unions didn't have the same positive connection with the pedal pins and I had to be a little more concerned about keeping my heels down. I actually slipped a shoe forward unexpectedly at one point, likely because the Shimanos required less vigilance, narrowly avoiding catastrphe.

Shimano GF800 and GF800W

• 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, 220 EUR

GF800 Last Word

After just four rides, it's early days, but it seems like I'll be reaching for these shoes, particularly for gnarly days, for the foreseeable future. If my impressions continue their current trend, I'll easily be able to label the GF800s as the best Shimano flat pedal shoes yet.

-Cam McRae