IMPROVED SHIMANO GRAVITY SHOES FEATURE NEW ULTREAD RUBBER COMPOUND

New GR903 models to come with improved traction, plus new All-Mountain (AM903 & AM503) and Touring (ET7 & MT502) models

Whether you’re staring down from the top of a run or staring back up wondering how you made it, your shoes play a huge part in the process. That might be in transferring your power to the pedals or traction on the trail, or simply keeping your feet and ankles safe and supported.

Either way your choice of footwear can have a huge impact on your run time, your speed and your enjoyment. And with that in mind, new Gravity models and All-Mountain models coming from Shimano this autumn, are packed with features to keep you shredding hard and fast.

The GR, or Gravity series, is Shimano’s flat soled shoe for Downhill and Enduro for riders who prefer freedom from their pedals when they need it.

The GR series comes with a new flat gravity sole and Shimano’s new proprietary ‘ULTREAD’ ultimate tread optimized compound and pattern for improved pedal pin grip.

The tread, or the grooved pattern on the sole of the shoe, corresponds with the pins and platform shape of Shimano’s flat pedals, bringing superb grip and allowing the pins to anchor in the sole with better shoe durability. The sole also comes with specific traction pattern in the toe and heel for improved walkability.

The GR9 comes with reinforced synthetic leather with breathable mesh inserts, plus ankle guard and toe protection and lace closure. The GR9 comes in a male-fit from sizes 38-48, in black or smoke white/black. Weight: 385 g.

The GR series are specifically designed to work with Shimano’s new DEORE XT (PD-M8141), SAINT (PD-M829) or non-series (PD-GR400) pedals.

The GR5 completes Shimano’s Gravity line-up, which is a carry-over from previous years.

The AM, or All-Mountain series, is Shimano’s SPD shoe for Downhill and Enduro riding for riders who prefer a stronger connection to the pedals. The improved AM903 version comes with a dust-protection tongue to cover the handy quick-lace system, plus a wider instep strap for more secure accelerations, and a new last to cover a wider range of foot shapes. The sole’s contact area is optimized for Shimano’s PD-M821 pedal, with an extended pedal channel for stability when not clicked in, plus a toe and heel pattern for traction.

Retained from the previous version is the asymmetrically raised padded ankle collar, sidewall sole and molded toe cap for added protection, plus waterproof coating on the outer, and fast-drying inner material.

The AM9 comes in black with gold lettering, or navy with a purple fade and purple lettering, in sizes ranging from 38-48. Weight: 415 g.

Also in the SPD category is the AM503 with its skate-shoe inspired look and quick-lace, but without the tongue cover of the AM9.

It comes in sizes from 38-48 in black or olive for the male-fit version or sizes 36-44 in aqua blue for the female-fit version. AM503 men's weighs 440 g, AM503 women's weighs 416g.

Whilst Touring shoes are a world away from Gravity and All-Mountain racing, they do share some similarities. The ET7, a new shoe in the Touring series, uses a flat-sole for flat pedals and can be a useful wardrobe addition where there’s equal amounts of hiking and biking.

The new ET7 is designed for e-bike riders and comes with a Splashshield water-resistant function on the toe, tongue and side area, offering a great balance between water-protection, breathability and performance fit. That fit can be fine-tuned with a new L6 BOA dial and lace for micro-adjustments.

Considering the different riding style of e-bike riders, the ET7 features a stiff ‘power transfer blade’ in the midsole to protect the Achilles tendon from shoe flex and to transfer more power to the pedal. Like the GR9, the ET7 sole also features traction points on the toe and heel area for hiking, plus a 360 degree traction sole pattern for great pedal connection.

The ET7 is available with a male-fit in black or blue or female-fit in plum.

Elsewhere in the Touring category is the MT502 which comes with a reinforced mesh upper with toe protection, plus speed laces and strap for additional foot support. The sole has a glass-fibre reinforced plate for optimal sole rigidity and EVA midsole area for pedaling efficiency and walking comfort.

The MT502 comes in male-fitting (black, navy) or female-fitting (grey) versions.

All models are available from October 2021.

1.      Embargo: Monday 1st November 17:00 CET

2.      Product images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4wv0nvni3kupznr/AADVJcC0dqn42DrlMZS-NxHVa?dl=0

3.      About Shimano Europe: Founded in 1921, Shimano is dedicated to helping its customers get closer to nature, supporting people to realize their dreams and create new lifestyles. That comes with the desire to create outstanding cycling products and apparel. With 100 years’ experience in creating internationally renowned bicycle components, Shimano is proud to have developed products that continue to take countless athletes to victory and provide the means for limitless global bicycle journeys. For more information see www.shimano.com.