Shimano’s GF400 (GF4) mountain bike shoes are designed for gravity-focused flat-pedal riders, boasting the brand’s Ultread GF rubber compound outsole and tread pattern.
Costing £119.99 and weighing 774g a pair (EU 43), they’re both cheaper and lighter than the class-leading Five Ten Impact Pro (£130, 1,100g EU43), but do they offer the same level of grip the 510s are renowned for?
That Ultread GF is designed to do just that, boasting a special gravity-focused compound. This is soft and slow-rebounding rubber designed to provide “legendary pedal grip" according to Shimano.
Shimano GF400 specification and details
With the Ultread GF rubber compound employed in the outer sole, a hexagonal block pattern is used to boost grip further by helping to keep the pedal and shoe in contact. It’s also claimed to be durable, sitting in the middle of the grip/performance/longevity Venn diagram.
The midsole is padded with flexible EVA foam, helping absorb impacts. The upper is constructed from a padded, breathable fabric and the ankle collar is raised on the inside to help protect your ankles.
Using Shimano’s Trail last, the GF4 is claimed to be tighter-fitting around the ball of the foot to improve pedalling efficiency, with extra space at the toe and heel for improved comfort off the bike.
In terms of stiffness, the GF4 is rated 2 on Shimano’s scale, with the stiffest XC903 S-Phyre rated 11.
Shimano GF400 performance
I tested these shoes with a host of different flat pedals, including Deity’s T-Mac, Crankbrothers' STAMP 7 Large and Renthal’s Revo-F.
I rode them back-to-back with the current crop of flat-pedal shoes, such as Five Ten’s Trailcross XT, Unparallel’s Dust Up and Endura’s MT500 Burner.
Size and fit
I initially wanted to size up from my usual 42 to a 43, but I persisted with the 42s after trying a pair of 43s and deciding they were too big. Wearing thin socks and after bedding them in, my usual size was acceptable.
That said, their toe box felt quite tight, pushing my little toes inwards, and the tongue padding plus the laces made them feel low over the top of my foot.
Best worn with skinny socks and suiting people with narrower feet, the GF4s have a tighter rather than a relaxed fit. If you’re wearing them in the winter months with waterproof or thicker socks, you may want to get one size larger than your usual choice.
The wide laces increase tension evenly across the tongue, but care needs to be taken to ensure the tongue is sitting in place correctly; the overlap between it and the shoe’s upper is minimal, and it’s not sewn in place.
On the trail
The GF4s are arguably Shimano’s best flat-pedal shoes to date, with grip rivalling Five Ten’s Trailcross GTX and XTs.
While they don’t quite have the chewing-gum soft feel of the Impact Pro’s soles, they remain adhered to your pedals over rough, choppy terrain.
There was no detectable unintentional twisting on the pedal’s surface, and neither was there any unwanted lift while riding, but I did have to reposition my feet a few times after they’d ‘walked’ inboard until my feet butted up against the cranks.
Not impacting control significantly, this is an issue shared with plenty of mountain bike shoes on the market, including some of those listed above.
However, repositioning your feet is easy compared to the welded-on Impact Pros; riders who dab a lot will appreciate being able to move their feet while they’re riding.
Balancing stiffness and feel well, the soles are malleable enough to transmit the trail’s bumps into your feet to help with bike control, but aren’t so soft your feet are clawing and bending over the top of the pedals.
When compared to flexier shoes, this helps reduce foot cramp on long descents, too. Comfort in this respect is good.
There was no foot lift or movement inside the shoe; set to a medium tightness, my feet had plenty of support and stability while riding. Twisting my knees or hips to control the bike was met with a direct response.
The elevated inner ankle pad – while a nice addition – doesn’t protect the medial malleolus (the bony bump on the inside of your ankle) any more than the outer portion. Its height could be increased to offer more protection with seemingly few disadvantages.
With modest padding and a relatively thin outer surface, the uppers have limited impact protection compared to bulkier shoes. This is great in warmer weather, or if you’re looking for a lighter shoe for all-day rides, but may leave you feeling exposed in gnarlier, rockier terrain.
Shimano GF400 bottom line
Rivalling the grip of some of Five Ten’s Stealth-soled shoes, Shimano’s new GF4s are a worthy competitor out on the trails; they’re tacky enough to keep your feet planted on even the most demanding terrain.
Some improvements – such as more protection – would elevate them further.
Product
| Brand | shimano |
| Price | 150.00 AUD,120.00 GBP,120.00 USD |
| Weight | 774.0000, GRAM (EU43) - for pair |
Features
| Closure | laces |
| Sole | ‘Ultread GF’ rubber compound |
| Features | Sizes: EU33 - 48 Colours: Dark Blue, Olive, Black |
