TESTED: Shimano ME7 mountain bike shoes

Words and Photos: Mike Blewitt

Shimano have been moving through their shoe range, revamping and updating many models, making the range as varied as mountain biking is. In the last twelve months we have seen the new all-mountain AM series released, and now the racier XC7 and XC9 for cross-country performance are out. Somewhere between the two is the Mountain Enduro (ME) Series, with the ME5 and the ME7 we have here.

The ME7 combines features from both the AM9 I tested last summer, and performance XC shoes. Which is exactly what you would want for a shoe aimed at enduro racing and aggressive trail riding.

The ME7 upper carries the higher cut on the inside for ankle protection from the AM line, but with a move to speed lacing under a cover and a reversed buckle (to keep it out of harms way) with a perforated synthetic upper, the shoe has a much more ‘racey’ feel. The toe box is more fitted, and it’s easy to really lock your foot in place with the lacing. I actually made them too tight the first few times I wore them. On your foot, it’s a firmer fit than the AM9, which might be problematic if you have very wide, hobbit-esque feet.

What carries over from shoes like the previous M200 is the Torbal midsole. In a nutshell, it’s rigid for pedalling and foot stability, but allows some twist so when you’re moving around a lot on the bike, or when you’re just a passenger on what feels like a mechanical bull ride, you are less likely to accidentally unclip. And from the XC line there is a Michelin rubber outer sole. Not the same pattern, but the dual-density rubber and deep lugs look as aggressive as the prototype tyres Nico Voullioz runs – and feel as good as you would expect against a pedal, or on rock, logs and roots. This has been the most sure-footed shoe I have used in terms of on the bike and off the bike – and with a double density sole it is comfortable for all day use too.

The toe box is reinforced, the cleat pocket is long for easier engagement, and the neoprene upper helps keep trail crap out of your shoes – but I think what really stands out here is the combination of fit, materials and outer sole, all in a package that’s about 400g per shoe in EU44.

By not sticking to a skate-style shoe like the AM series, Shimano have moved to a performance oriented shape, and that also means the shoe has a little less padding save for some around the ankle. This means there is less bulk, and less material to hold water when wet. So if you’re on the bike all day, whether it’s on a trail-riding epic or in an enduro race, wet feet in the morning doesn’t mean wet and heavy shoes for hours afterwards.

The upper is low profile, with little to catch on trail debris and the neoprene helps keep anything out of your shoe. The shift to move the ratchet to the top of the shoe means that even if you lay it over pretty hard, you are unlikely to damage it. The buckle and strap are replaceable if you somehow manage damage them.

The Torbal midsole is super stiff on the bike, and I happily used these with Shimano’s race and trail pedals. Off the bike the toe has just enough flex to stop the shoe levering off your heel, and the Michelin rubber isn’t just grippy, but the tread design has lots of deep lugs.  With a strong toe box you can kick in if it’s super steep, or just use some flat-footed French technique to keep the rubber on slab rock if you’re off the bike. The extra cushioning in the sole doesn’t make them feel like a gym shoe, but does add comfort when in them all day. 

The higher inside of the shoe did take a bit of getting used to – or softening up. It was a little uncomfortable at first but that passed as the material bedded in. And thankfully, I didn’t use the shoes in horribly thick mud – but I have a feeling the soles wouldn’t deal with it that well – but not many do. With a reinforced toe and outer heel, the shoes aren’t showing any signs of wear.

All in, the ME7 shoe are a sturdy shoe that should fit most feet, offering protection, security, and on and off the bike grip. Like most Shimano shoes, they are really well priced, and likely to last longer than much of your bike riding kit. If you are after an aggressive trail shoe or something to take to enduro races – this could be it. Drop into your Shimano footwear dealer to try some on.