Unleash Your Ride with Shimano's GF Flat Pedal Shoes: Explore the Lineup
Flat Pedal MTB Shoes For Trail, Enduro, and Downhill
From foot-out-flat-out descents to sure-footed hike-a-bikes, Shimano’s Gravity Flat MTB shoes give riders the perfect blend of connectedness and freedom. Born from three decades of offroad footwear expertise, the GF series is built for confidence in technical, rugged terrain while delivering premium flat pedal performance for aggressive trail and downhill riding.
Why Gravity Flat Shoes Matter
Flat pedals give you freedom, but that freedom comes with demands. Without a clip, your shoe must both grip the pedal pins and offer platform stability for every line, drop, and transition. Shimano's GF line is engineered for precisely that: superior traction, controlled support, and the durability to take a beating in rugged terrain.
Core Technologies Behind the GF Series
Shimano's GF shoes are built on a foundation of proven tech that meets flat-pedal demands head-on. The entire Shimano GF family is carefully designed with the following technologies, which trickle down throughout the lineup:
ULTREAD GF Outsole – Durable Traction and Sure Footing
Delivering grip and control when it counts the most, Shimano’s new ULTREAD GF outsole headlines the Gravity Flat shoe range and meets the demands of aggressive downhill and trail riding. The slow-rebound rubber compound and wide hexagonal tread pattern provide secure pin engagement and multi-directional stability, while maintaining the freedom of foot movement in critical moments.
TORBAL 2.0 Midsole – Control, Stability, and Efficiency
TORBAL 2.0 provides a predictable, stable platform that enhances control through tight lines and technical, high-speed sections of trail. Shimano R&D analyzed the micro-movements of a shoe’s midsole and developed an original structure with targeted rigidity and flexibility in different zones. By maintaining stiffness in the center and allowing flexibility on the sides, the midsole helps increase steering stability and control while maintaining a planted grip on the pedal’s pins.
VOLUME TRAIL LAST – Secure and Comfortable Fit
The VOLUME TRAIL LAST balances secure pedaling performance with the comfort to go wherever the trail leads. The last provides a snug fit around the ball of the foot, allowing precision control through techy trails with enhanced power transfer for clearing sections or grinding to the top. The extra room for the toes and heels makes these shoes equally comfortable for walking around the campsite or hoofing it up a hike-a-bike section to get to the good stuff.
These technologies come together to give you a flat-pedal shoe that doesn't feel limp when pedaling hard, yet still lets you move your foot freely when hiking or dropping in.
SHIMANO Gravity Flat Shoe Lineup
Shimano SH‑GF800 and GF800W – Flagship Flat Pedal MTB Shoe
Our top-tier flat-pedal shoe is built for aggressive enduro and downhill use. It features a trail-ready design with a heavy-duty, cushioned synthetic leather upper, an asymmetrically raised padded ankle collar, and a sidewall sole to protect against rock strikes and other trail impacts. It has a micro-adjustable BOA dial for quick adjustments as well as a unique pull tab to help secure the lace over the toe box to get even more tension across the top of the foot.
Shimano SH‑GF600 – Trail-Ready Flat Pedal MTB Shoe
The GF6 blends performance and versatility for demanding trail riders. The synthetic leather upper dries quickly and protects you from the elements, while the mesh panel vents air to keep you cool on long rides. With the ULTREAD GF rubber compound, a torsional TORBAL 2.0 midsole, and a reinforced upper, it offers serious grip and support without going full GE8 race-enduro stiff.
Shimano SH‑GF400 and SH-GF400W – Value-Focused Flat Pedal MTB Shoe
Delivering excellent grip and comfort for all-day rides, the GF4 and GF4W are made for riders who want serious performance without the premium pricing. They feature a more flexible sole for riders who prefer more movement and hike-a-bike capability, while still delivering strong pin grip and trail durability with the ULTREAD GF outsole and a breathable upper.
Choosing Your Flat Pedal Shoe
Before committing to your next flat pedal MTB shoe, consider the following to help determine which model is right for you.
1. Terrain and Stiffness – Do you ride smooth and well-maintained trails? The GF400 balances flexibility and control for a comfortable all-day ride. If you go all-in on technical or downhill terrain, consider the GF600 or GF800 for added stiffness and support.
2. Fit and Foot Shape – Shimano’s Volume Trail Last gives a snug forefoot for control, with comfort in the heel and toe. Women's models offer a tailored fit for narrower heels and different foot volumes.
3. Closure System and Riding Type – The GF400 and GF600 shoes are designed with a lace-up closure system that offers simplicity and adjustability. At the same time, the GF800 features a BOA dial for quick micro-adjustment and clean styling.
4. Walk and Hike-A-Bike Capability – Shimano’s TORBAL 2.0 midsole ensures enough flex to hike, while outsole tread enables confident walking in technical terrain.
5. Budget and Value - You don’t need to spend top dollar to get excellent flat-pedal performance. Choose based on how and where you ride rather than price alone.
Shimano GF series shoes grip hard, help stabilize your stance, and are made to hold up when you're banging down rock gardens or pushing uphill on a hike-a-bike. They offer great traction, smart support, and a range that fits most riders and budgets. So, choose a GF model that fits your terrain and riding style. Then clip in, lean back, and let your shoes do the work, so you can focus on the lines ahead.
