FIRST LOOK: SHIMANO'S ALL NEW GRAVITY FLAT AND CLIPLESS PEDAL FOOTWEAR SERIES

Aug 14, 2023

Trevor Attridge and Alix Varchol in Langford, BC

Shimano has been making shoes for a long time and now has released some all-new shoes best suited for gravity riding on flat pedals. This new series uses their new ULTREAD GF outsole that utilizes a slow-rebound rubber compound and a wide profile hexagonal tread pattern to help the pins stay engaged and provide multi-directional stability.

The GF4 and GF4W are the new affordable trail shoes using Shimano’s ULTREAD outsole technology. A new half-length EVA midsole, a foam often used to help with shock absorption in shoes, helps with cushioning when a rider is hike-a-biking. The shoe’s fabric is a durable and breathable material meant to help with additional comfort. There is also a raised and padded ankle collar that helps keep the rider cool and protects against general trail impacts.

The GF4’s size range is between European size 33-48 which they claim will fit a wider variety of foot shapes and sizes. The GF4W’s European size range is between 36-44. There are five total color options with black, olive, and dark blue for the men and asphalt grey and red clay for the women. They have an MSRP of $120.

Shimano’s GF6 trail shoe utilizes many of the features on the GF400 series but with just a little bit more everywhere. They have a heavy-duty cushioned synthetic rubber upper with breathable perforations throughout along with a TORBAL 2.0 torsional plate that allows the heel section of the shoe to move torsionally which they claim adds to rider comfort and on-bike control. It comes in either black or brown, between European sizes 38-48, and MSRPs for $160.

If you live in an area that is frequently underwater or with a lot of creek crossings, these shoes may be perfect for you. Still utilizing Shimano’s ULTREAD outsole, the GF8s are equipped with GORE-TEX waterproof membrane going clear up to the mid-cut ankle sock liner. They tighten with a BOA Fit System L6 dial with a shield and have a TORBAL 2.0 torsional plate like the GF6 for increased rider comfort and control. They come in the colors black and khaki and have a European size range of 38-48 for $220.

Similar to the GF series, the GE series is all-new with Shimano’s new ULTREAD GE outsole, this time aimed more at traction when navigating those treacherous hike-a-bike sections. This series has some pretty heavy hitters if you’re the type of person who likes to clip in while you ride.

The GE500 and GE500W are the same shoe with some different colorways thrown in; the GE500W also comes in some smaller sizes. This is a shoe aimed at trail riders who want to be comfortable while riding and have the grip for the inevitable hike-a-bike section met on every worthwhile adventure. They have a midfoot SPD placement that improves stability and bike control with a half-length layer of EVA foam in the midsole for off-bike comfort. They also include a TORBAL 2.0 insert that allows for enhanced heal movement for comfort and control.

The GE500 comes in European sizes 38-48 and the GE500W comes in European sizes 36-44. There are 5 different colors shared between the two versions with black, light green, and sand beige for the men and denim and black for the women. They MSRP for $140.

The GE700 trail shoes has a heavy duty cushioned synthetic leather upper, a TORBAL 2.0 midsole, a raised and padded ankle collar, and high-traction ULTREAD GE outsole. This shoe is designed to be an excellent all around trail shoe with a little bit more protection than the GE500 line. It’s offered in European sizes 38-48 in black and light grey for the price of $180.

The GE600 is Shimano’s new flagship gravity race SPD shoe. It has a TORBAL 2.o midsole for torsional heel movement, a full-length EVA foam midsole reinforced with carbon to reduce weight and enhance pedal efficiency, and a BOA Fit System L6 with instep strap for a secure fit to the foot. As with all of the new shoes in the GE series, it also features the ULTREAD GE outsole for better traction when off the bike. It also has a neopreneankle collar to keep trail debris out. It comes in European sizes 38-48 in either a black or olive colorway for $225.