Shimano GE900 in Review

The GE9 features a combination of Boa closure and wide Velcro strap, while the midsole incorporates Torbal 2.0 technology with carbon-reinforced EVA material. The heavily profiled outsole is made from the Ultread rubber compound, with generous cutouts in the middle forming an expanded pedal channel.
On top, synthetic leather with mesh inserts creates a robust outer shell, notable for its reinforced toe and heel caps. Additionally, a neoprene collar 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 implementations around the midsole technology – more efficiency while pedaling, improved stability, additional control in tight, sharp turns – sound more like voodoo to me than comprehensible features. But that is certainly also because I do not belong to the user group that navigates "breakneck curves at high speed." Consequently, I don't really take full 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 do not press through uncomfortably, the pedaling energy does not dissipate, yet the foot can roll off unimpeded while 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 – as well as on wet stones and roots, is convincing – I like it!

What I don't like: That there is hardly any space between the shoe and the crank arm due to the width of the former, 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, to reduce the "bulge" towards the inside.

On the other hand, the ankle cuff has proven its worth. Not a single stone has gotten into my shoe so far. Of course, this neoprene shaft does not necessarily contribute to temperature regulation – or it does, but only when it's cooler. For summer heat, the GE9, due to its robust construction and few ventilation holes, is certainly not for everyone – especially not if the user’s interpretation of "Gravity" is heavily trail-oriented and thus pedal-intensive.