The Shimano GE7 is an affordable option in the brand’s recent gravity-focussed shoe range. Although it’s at the mid-to-high-end on the shoe scale, it’s a solid option for those looking for an exceptional gravity-focussed clipless shoe. It works best with large platform pedals, but this limits its appeal somewhat among the best mountain bike shoes.
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Shimano GE7 shoe – Technical details
Shimano’s GE7 shoe is built to provide control for downhill and enduro riding and indicative of its price, there’s a pretty stacked feature list on show. Shimano says its Ultread GE rubber compound found at the outsole is enduro-optimised, so while it won’t be of much use to downhillers, it’s formulated for traction off of the bike and ‘reliable pedalling’.
The outsole benefits from a super long cleat channel that stretches from the heel to the toe, which gives an unclipped pedal something to grip. Midfoot placement of the cleat tracks provides more stability and control.
This shoe employs the Torbal 2.0 torsional midsole we first saw on the GF8 GTX winter boot. This midsole is designed to flex around the outer edge which improves control in the corners. Shimano has installed EVA foam into the sole to provide flexibility and absorb impacts.
Finally, the skate-style upper benefits from a lace and hook/loop strap combination. There’s also a raised inner ankle collar and toe cap for extra protection.
The Shimano GE7 comes in the standard sizes of EU38 to 48 and sits at a six on Shimano’s stiffness index thanks to a glass fibre-reinforced nylon shank. The brand states that a size 42 weighs 417g while my size 44 comes in at 471g (with a Crankbrothers cleat installed) – this isn’t too bad, especially when compared to the similarly equipped Fox Union Clip shoe which tips the scales at 500g.
Shimano GE7 shoe – Performance
The lace and strap setup of the GE7 provides plenty of adjustment and the fit is very good. It’s snug enough to remain stable and in place but there’s plenty of wiggle room in the toe box. Shimano has hit the sizing nail right on the head here.
General comfort is good thanks to the contoured insole that supports the foot arch. The brand has also done very well in creating an ankle cuff that doesn’t dig into the ankle when pedalling.
That comfort translates well onto the pedal but a lot of this does begin to rely on the pedal that’s used. Shimano states that these shoes are matched with the PD-M8120 and PD-M821 but one thing’s for sure, the GE7 works best with larger platform pedals.
During my time with the GE7, I tested it with two different pedals: the Hope Union TC and Crankbrothers Mallet E LS. With both of those pedals, the shoe performed slightly differently. And that difference lies in how the very cool Torbal 2.0 midsole works. It’s designed to provide flex around the outer edge of the shoe and it does so very well. However, with the smaller pedal body of the Union TC (although still large by clipless pedal standards), the shoe noticeably flexes around the pedal. This sensation might work incredibly well for some but, for me, it felt strange as the pedal felt smaller than it is as the outer of my foot wrapped around it.
But with the larger body of the Crankbrothers Mallet E LS, the sole made much more sense. That’s because the pedal provides much more support and the bend in the sole translates into a greater pedal feel and a serious boost in communication between the pedal and the foot.
The sole is where a lot of the performance lies. It’s not XC shoe stiff and provides just enough bend to fend off fatigue during lengthy descents.
Although the stiffness present results in good efficiency, it does incredibly little to hinder performance off of the bike. When walking, the GE7 feels just like any skate shoe, apart from perhaps the fact there’s a metal cleat bolted to the bottom. Thanks to the Ultread rubber and the shoe’s fairly aggressive tread, there’s plenty of grip at its disposal – in fact, I’m yet to slip.
On the subject of the outsole, Shimano’s addition of the super-long cleat channel is surprisingly useful. Not only does it help to locate a pedal and keep it in a somewhat secure area when not clipped in but it also works to guide the foot into the pedal’s mechanism.
While I’ve ridden mostly dry trails in the GE7, it’s coped very well with the odd splash. There are perforations around the shoe that encourage a clear and noticeable hint of airflow and, while this does provide a pathway for water ingress, you’re socks will never get totally soaked.
Shimano GE7 shoe – Verdict
At £180, the Shimano GE7 clipless shoes aren’t cheap. They cater to those deep into their riding careers and want a reliable, comfortable and supportive shoe that covers most riding needs.
In terms of rivals, the Fox Union Clip comes in at £160. There are two main points why you might choose Fox’s shoe over the GE7, aside from price and that’s the interchangeable arch support inserts and the fact that the cleat tracks are much more rearwards.
Elsewhere, the Shimano shoe wins as it’s more comfortable and the bendy Torbal midsole provides better pedal feel, and control. The raised inner ankle is a great touch, too. Also, I’ve found the ventilation to be more effective.
Other options are the incredibly comfortable Crankbrothers Mallet E Lace at £145 but the cleat tracks don’t stretch as far back. Endura’s £130 MT500 Burner Clipless shoes are certainly competitively priced but we did find issues with the stiffness when walking not to mention it’s a bit narrow in construction.
Shimano’s GE7clipless shoe is an investment but you’re getting a lot in return. It’s a solid shoe that stacks up in stiffness and ventilation, enhances pedal feel through its Torbal sole and provides great grip off the bike. That said, it works best with larger pedal bodies.
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Product purpose:
Build extra:
TORBAL 2.0 torsional midsole improves outer edge flexibility for excellent control on aggressive descents and corners.
Updated Pedal Channel has an extended toe-to-heel design for next-level SPD stability when unclipped.
Spongy, layered EVA foam absorbs impacts and improves sole flexibility for enhanced downhill stability.
Midfoot SPD placement improves stability and bike control.
Skate-style upper with laces and a massive instep strap secure the foot for aggressive all-terrain pedaling.
Asymmetrically raised padded ankle collar and sidewall sole for added protection.
Robust toe cap for additional toe protection.
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