Shimano is well known for top quality shoes and the ME7 is no exception — it’s my current go-to shoe.
The Torbal sole gives excellent fore-aft stiffness for effective power transfer, but also allows torsional twist, which aids feel through the shoe, so you know exactly what the bike is doing.
It’s shod in Michelin tread, which does a solid job of both guiding you into the pedal mechanism and gripping well. The cleat channel is easy to locate and extends far enough back.
The two part closure, with a quick-draw lace backed up with a ratchet upper strap means foot security is excellent, and allows you to fine tune fit.
That said, I’d like the ratchet strap to extend a little lower down the shoe for those with a low foot volume. A lace cover boosts what would be moderate weather protection.
The inner of the upper loops over the top of the foot, rather than having a regular tongue, which greatly aids comfort and doesn’t shift during a ride.
This is backed up with a small neoprene ‘roost guard’ around the ankle. It may look like a gimic, but this is the only shoe I've never had to empty when riding gritty or loamy tracks.
If I'm super critical I’d like a slightly better heel hold, and the price is pretty steep.
