Shimano GE900 in Review

The GE9 features a combination of Boa closure and wide Velcro strap, with the Torbal 2.0 technology meeting carbon-reinforced EVA material in the midsole. The heavily profiled outsole consists of the Ultread rubber compound, with generous cutouts in the middle forming an extended pedal channel.
On top, synthetic leather with mesh inserts creates a robust outer shell, with the reinforced toe and heel cap being particularly noticeable. Additionally, a neoprene shaft at the ankle is intended to prevent dirt from entering.
The shoe is available in sizes 38-48, in either black or olive.

On elegant sneakers, the GE9 does not skimp on these features and materials. Nor does it on weight. It weighs 375 grams – per shoe in size 39, mind you.

During foot marches, this three-quarter kilo is quite noticeable. Much more frequently, namely with almost every step, something else becomes apparent: the shoes are incredibly comfortable. Well-padded but not too thick and finely adjustable thanks to the Boa dial – incidentally with an additional plastic guide to prevent accidental detachment upon ground contact – and Velcro closure, they offer a lot of comfort both when pedaling and walking and can fully convince in terms of support and fit. And that's even though I didn't have to close them particularly tightly for a subjectively firm fit.

Nota bene: Because of the wide-looking toe box, contrary to my usual habit of choosing cycling shoes half to a full size larger than street shoes, I opted for my actual shoe size. And it was good, or rather, exactly perfect!

Shimano's explanations about the midsole technology - more efficiency when pedaling, improved stability, additional control in tight, sharp turns - sound more like voodoo than comprehensible features to me. But this is probably also because I do not belong to the group of users who navigate "breakneck turns at high speed." Consequently, I don't really take advantage of the benefits resulting from the Torbal 2.0 construction.
What I do feel: The sole, well cushioned against impacts from below by the multi-layered, sponge-like EVA foam, offers just the right amount of stiffness. The cleats don't press through uncomfortably, the pedaling energy doesn't dissipate, yet the foot can roll off unobstructed when walking, and thanks to the generous pedal channel, there is a good standing surface when riding with an additional pedal body. Furthermore, the grip of the rubber sole on the SPD platform pedal - in this case, Shimano XTR - and also on wet stones and roots is convincing - I like it!

What I don't like, however: The width of the shoe leaves hardly any space between the shoe and the crank arm, and the Velcro strap, being the most protruding part of the GE9, rubs and scrapes against the latter. This can only be avoided by fastening the wide strap much tighter than actually desired, thereby reducing the "bulge" towards the inside.
On the other hand, the ankle cuff has proven itself. Not a single pebble has fallen into the shoe so far. Of course, this neoprene shaft doesn't necessarily contribute to temperature regulation - or it does, but rather only when it's cooler. For summer heat, the GE9, due to its robust construction and few ventilation holes, is certainly not everyone's cup of tea - especially not if the user-side interpretation of "Gravity" is heavily trail-focused and thus pedal-intensive.