Shimano GE9 shoes review

Shimano’s GE9 shoe is its latest descent-oriented clipless shoe, built for the rigours of enduro and DH.

It has been created to replace the AM9 and ME7 shoes, both class leaders in their field.

The brand has done away with quick-draw laces and ratchet straps, with the GE9 featuring a Boa dial and Velcro strap.

The shape better resembles the DH-focused AM9, giving a roomier build than the more trail and enduro-focused ME7.

However, features from both are included.

As a long-term fan of Shimano’s shoes, I’ve come away impressed by the GE9s. They’re comfortable, perform well on the bike and have few downsides. However, my heart will always lie with the ME7s.

Shimano GE9 features

The GE9 has a generously sized build, although it isn't too bulky.

There’s more room around the toe box than the ME7 has – similar to the AM9. The ankle opening is tall, too, offering extra padding on the inside edge of the ankle to protect you from crank scuffs.

Surrounding the opening is a neoprene sock, similar to that found on the ME7 and there to reduce trail debris getting into the shoe.

Inside, there’s a multi-density, vented, moderately thick insole, which features a medium level of arch support.

The upper is secured with a Boa dial and a low-profile Velcro strap.

The Boa dial has a small guard around its lower-front quarter. Boa dials can be susceptible to damage from rock and vegetation strikes, so the guard is there to provide additional protection.

The Velcro strap is long, offering plenty of adjustability and security.

The toe box and inside flank of the shoe have small perforations to aid ventilation. The toe box has reinforcements to protect your pinkies.

Moving on down

Plenty of attention has clearly been paid to the design of the lower half of the shoe.

The midsole features Shimano’s Torbal 2.0 construction. This insert gives front-to-back stiffness, while enabling some tortional twist, designed to be both efficient under power, and comfortable and controlling on technical tracks.

The tread has a hexagonal dot-and-bar design, with a little extra aggressiveness at the toe and heel for hike-a-bike sections.

The blocks aren’t super-deep. They’re constructed from Shimano’s Ultread GE rubber, a departure from the Michelin rubber found on the ME7 and other older shoes.

The cleat-mounting placement is nice and rearward, towards the middle of the foot, with a channel that offers ample front-to-rear adjustment.

The sole of the shoe is moderately deep, with fairly thick EVA foam offering plenty of impact protection.

Shimano GE9 performance

I’ve used the GE9s for a few months in typical UK conditions – usually rather damp. I’ve ridden the shoes on all-day trail rides and bike-park laps.

I tested a size 44, the same as I wear in all other mountain bike shoes. They’re more generously sized than the ME7, with more space around the toes.

They don’t feel vague, though, thanks to the Boa wire extending far enough down the foot, and the Velcro strap that provides a really secure hold.

The Boa dial gives close control of the tension over the foot. However, I prefer the speed lace and ratchet closure of the ME7 – the guard gets in the way a little bit, and the pull-to-release to get the shoe off is stiff – not the best combination when you’ve got cold fingers.

The upper does a good job of blending a bit of ventilation with splash protection – these are far from waterproof shoes, but the odd trail splash doesn’t phase them.

The additional protection in the ankle and sole is welcome. They’re comfortable to wear and you feel well protected from knocks and bangs.

At the same time, the shoes don’t feel overly bulky – I’ve not noticed any undue crank rubbing with these.

Entry into the pedal mechanism is good. The sole’s cleat channel guides the cleat nicely into the mechanism.

If you miss the pedal mechanism, the extended cleat channel gives space for the raised mechanism to sit inside it, enabling the raised section of the sole to sit nicely on the pedal’s body.

The shoe performs well off the bike, too.

The new rubber is grippy on smooth rocks and roots, although the slightly shallower tread depth than the ME7 and less aggressive cut of the treads means the older shoe wins out on pure hike-ability.

Compared to the AM9, the GE9 is an improvement. The toe and heel treads feel grippier, and the cleat channel is wider and more confident.

There’s just enough toe flex to make walking in the shoes comfortable, too.

Shimano GE9 bottom line

Though my favourite trail and enduro shoe is no more (though, you can still find the ME7 for sale), the GE9 is a worthy replacement and spans the gap between the ME7 and AM9 well.

It’s comfortable and non-restrictive in shape and there’s plenty of protection on offer.

Although I prefer the speed-lace and ratchet closure, the Boa and Velcro secure the foot effectively in the shoe.

As such, the GE9 is now a regular partner out on the trail.