Shimano Release New Footwear
Shimano have released a new range of Gravity, All-Mountain, and XC footwear.
Photos: Sterling Lorence/Shimano
Shimano’s footwear range has always had a wide range of quality shoes. Their new range continues in this vein, with new Gravity, All-Mountain, and XC models released just in time for summer.
Gravity (GR) Series:
The GR series consists of Shimano’s flat pedal shoes designed for Downhill and Enduro. The new GR9 features a new sole compound, which Shimano are calling ‘ULTREAD’. The redesigned tread is specifically designed to work with Shimano’s flat pedal range, and also features walking specific tread at the toe and heel ends of the shoe.
Aside from the sole compound and tread pattern, the new GR9s (which will retail in Australia for $219) come with a synthetic leather upper, ankle guard and toe protection, and use a lace closure system. The shoes come in black, and in sizes 40-48. Claimed weight is 385 grams (size 42). Shimano’s lower priced GR5 shoe (RRP: $149) remains the same for 2022.
AM9:
Shimano’s AM series are their clipless models for everything from Downhill through to trail riding. Once again these shoes are optimised to be used with Shimano’s pedals, in particular their PD-M821 Saint SPD pedals. New features include a dust-protection tongue to cover the quick-lace system, a wider instep strap, and a toe and heel pattern for walking traction similar to the new GR9s.
Retained from the existing models is the raised ankle collar, sidewall sole, and moulded toe cap for added protection. The shoes also feature a waterproof coating on the outer.
The AM9 is available in black, with sizes ranging from 38-48, and is priced at $229. Claimed weight is 415 grams for a size 42.
The more budget focussed AM5 model retails for $149, is available in the same sizes, but is available in three colour options (black, aqua blue, and olive). The AM5 uses a lace closure with no tongue cover.
XC:
The XC range consists of the S-PHYRE XC9, XC7, and XC5 shoes. the new XC9s are the lightest MTB shoes Shimano have ever made, and they also feature their new ‘ULTREAD’ rubber outsole. Two BOA dials sort your fit, and the microfibre synthetic leather upper is both light and well ventilated.
The new XC9 will be available in December in sizes 38-48 plus wide fit 40-48, and the claimed weight for a size 42 shoe is 296 grams. All that performance does come at a price, in this case that’s $549. The shoes are available in black as seen below.
The XC7 is a shoe that’s probably going to appeal to many more riders due to its more palatable price. The shoes feature the same upper design as the XC9s, but with slightly different materials used. Dual BOA dials remain, as does the ULTREAD rubber outsole however the sole itself is slightly less stiff. The XC7 is also an all-black affair, is offered in a range of normal and wide fit sizes, and has a claimed weight of 320 grams for a size 42. The XC7s are priced at $299.
The XC5 is a great option for riders on a budget. It’s slightly less stiff than the two higher end models and uses a single BOA dial, but it comes in at a lightweight 300 grams in size 42 (claimed), and is offered in the same wide spread of sizes as the other models. The colour of the XC5 does differ though, with Moss Green being one colour on offer, as well as a women’s specific model in grey. Recommended retail for both sets of shoes is $239.
For more information on Shimano’s new range of footwear, head to their website.
