SHIMANO's Gravity Enduro, or GE, shoe lineup is designed for riders who use SPD pedals on aggressive trail, enduro, and downhill terrain. The range combines secure clip-in pedal compatibility with outsole traction, controlled flexibility, impact-focused construction, and off-bike walkability.
From the race-focused GE900HS and GE900 to the versatile GE700, accessible GE500, and weather-ready GE900GTX, each model uses a different combination of fit, closure, protection, and sole construction to match a specific style of gravity riding.
SHIMANO GE shoe lineup at a glance:
- GE900HS: Most race-focused option with a narrower last and firmer sole construction.
- GE900: High-level gravity race shoe with BOA® closure, TORBAL 2.0, and ULTREAD GE.
- GE700: Versatile trail and enduro option with laces, instep strap, TORBAL 2.0, and ULTREAD GE.
- GE500: Accessible Gravity Enduro shoe with shared GE technologies and a lace-and-strap closure.
- GE900GTX: GORE-TEX-equipped option for wet and cold riding.
What Are SHIMANO Gravity Enduro Shoes?
SHIMANO GE shoes are SPD-compatible mountain bike shoes designed for aggressive trail, enduro, and downhill riding.
Compared with lightweight cross-country footwear, Gravity Enduro shoes place greater emphasis on protection, pedal feel, off-bike traction, and controlled torsional movement.
The lineup is built around several shared technologies:
- SPD: Two-bolt clip-in pedal compatibility.
- TORBAL 2.0: Midsole construction designed to allow controlled torsional movement.
- ULTREAD GE: Gravity-specific outsole with an expanded pedal channel and off-bike tread.
- Gravity-focused fit: Shoe shapes designed around secure riding support and off-bike comfort.
Explore SHIMANO Gravity footwear.
Why Do Gravity Shoes Use More Flex Than XC Shoes?
More stiffness is not automatically better for every type of mountain biking.
Cross-country footwear generally prioritizes a very firm pedaling platform, while gravity riders often need more controlled movement through the shoe when cornering, descending, or moving dynamically on the bike.
SHIMANO's GE series therefore sits lower on the Footwear Stiffness Index than its race-focused XC shoes.
That balance allows the shoe to remain supportive under pedaling load while preserving more movement for technical riding and walking.
Learn more about SHIMANO's Footwear Stiffness Index.
What Is TORBAL 2.0?
TORBAL 2.0 is a gravity-focused midsole concept designed to balance structural support with controlled torsional movement.
The central portion of the shoe remains supportive while the surrounding structure allows more lateral movement than a traditional highly rigid race sole.
This gives gravity riders a different type of platform than they would find in an XC race shoe.
TORBAL 2.0 is part of the midsole structure, not the rubber outsole. That distinction matters because it works separately from ULTREAD GE.
What Is ULTREAD GE?
ULTREAD GE is SHIMANO's Gravity Enduro outsole technology for SPD-compatible shoes.
It uses a gravity-specific rubber compound and tread pattern together with a molded pedal channel around the recessed SPD cleat.
The channel provides additional space around the cleat area and lets the surrounding outsole contact the pedal platform when the rider is temporarily unclipped.
Off the bike, the toe and heel tread provide ground contact for hike-a-bike sections, track walks, and technical terrain.
Learn more about SHIMANO ULTREAD.
How Does the VOLUME TRAIL LAST Fit?
SHIMANO's VOLUME TRAIL LAST is designed around the fit needs of aggressive trail and enduro riding.
It provides a secure feel around the midfoot and ball of the foot while allowing additional room in other areas for comfort during walking and long days on the bike.
As with any cycling shoe, riders should choose the size and volume that match their individual foot shape rather than assuming one last will fit everyone the same way.
SHIMANO GE900HS: Most Race-Focused Gravity Shoe
The GE900HS is the most specialized race model in the GE lineup.
Unlike the standard GE900, the GE900HS uses a narrower last and a firmer sole setup intended for riders who prefer a more structured race feel.
It also uses a BOA® Li2 dial for precise fit adjustment.
SHIMANO's source material notes a 25% increase in EVA midsole hardness compared with the standard platform, along with greater torsional stiffness.
Best for: Riders who want the narrowest, firmest, most race-focused GE platform.
SHIMANO GE900: Gravity Race Performance
The GE900 is the core high-performance race shoe in the Gravity Enduro lineup.
It uses a carbon-reinforced TORBAL 2.0 midsole, BOA® Fit System, instep strap, and ULTREAD GE outsole.
A protective upper and ankle collar add coverage for rough terrain, while the recessed SPD system and pedal channel keep the shoe centered around aggressive clip-in riding.
The GE900 is a strong fit for enduro and downhill riders who want race-oriented support without moving to the narrower, firmer GE900HS platform.
Best for: Enduro and downhill racing, technical descents, and riders who want BOA® adjustment with a more forgiving fit than GE900HS.
SHIMANO GE700: Versatile Trail and Enduro Shoe
The GE700 brings many of the same core technologies into a more versatile trail-focused package.
It uses TORBAL 2.0 and ULTREAD GE, but replaces the BOA® system with traditional laces and a broad instep strap.
That combination gives riders a straightforward closure system with additional midfoot retention and coverage.
The GE700 makes sense for riders who race occasionally but also spend plenty of time on everyday technical trail rides.
Best for: Aggressive trail riding, enduro, and riders who prefer laces over BOA®.
SHIMANO GE500: Accessible Gravity Enduro Performance
The GE500 brings core Gravity Enduro technologies to a more accessible level.
It shares TORBAL 2.0 and ULTREAD GE with the higher-end models and uses a lace closure combined with a wide instep strap.
A breathable upper, raised ankle collar, recessed SPD channel, and EVA cushioning make it a practical choice for technical trail riding without the more specialized construction of the GE900 family.
Best for: Trail riders looking for core GE technologies at a more approachable level.
SHIMANO GE900GTX: Wet and Cold Weather Gravity Shoe
The GE900GTX adapts the Gravity Enduro platform for wet and colder riding conditions.
Its GORE-TEX membrane upper and extended ankle area provide additional weather coverage, while a BOA® closure is designed to remain easy to operate while wearing gloves.
The shoe also uses a cold-weather-oriented ULTREAD GE outsole and the familiar molded SPD pedal channel.
Best for: Wet, cold, muddy, and shoulder-season gravity riding.
GE900HS vs. GE900 vs. GE700 vs. GE500 vs. GE900GTX
- GE900HS: Choose it for the narrowest fit, firmer midsole, and most race-focused construction.
- GE900: Choose it for high-level race performance with BOA®, TORBAL 2.0, and ULTREAD GE.
- GE700: Choose it for a versatile blend of trail and race capability with traditional laces.
- GE500: Choose it for core Gravity Enduro technologies in a simpler, more accessible package.
- GE900GTX: Choose it when wet and cold weather protection is the priority.
Which SHIMANO Gravity Enduro Shoe Should You Choose?
Start with your terrain, riding style, preferred closure system, and fit needs.
- Maximum race focus: GE900HS.
- Race performance with a more versatile fit: GE900.
- Trail riding plus occasional racing: GE700.
- Everyday technical trail riding: GE500.
- Wet and cold conditions: GE900GTX.
The best Gravity Enduro shoe is not necessarily the stiffest or most expensive option. It is the model that gives you the right combination of fit, support, protection, pedal interface, and off-bike traction for the terrain you ride most often.
