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Shoe Surge: Shimano Introduces 18 New Shoes, New AM, DH, and Winter Specific Kicks Headline Mountain Side

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SH-AM500-SG_S_S1

Practically synonymous with clipless pedals, Shimano has a long history with their SPD pedals and necessary shoes. Rarely do we ever attend a group ride where at least one individual isn’t wearing Shimano shoes or using SPD pedals. Continuing their footwear dominance and celebrating SPD’s 25th anniversary, Shimano just introduced a whopping 18 new models for everything from triathlon to full on downhill. For those keeping track at home, that brings the total footwear models for the Shimano line to an impressive 71 different styles.

Clip into the new additions first with new options for DH, AM, Trekking, and even for the upcoming winter months…

AM 2016 line up

Starting with the more extreme side of things, Shimano’s new gravity line up has been fine tuned with the help of Current Men’s Downhill World Champion Gee Atherton, 2013 Downhill World Champion Rachel Atherton and British 4X National Champion Dan Atherton. Don’t be fooled by the AM designation as the AM9 and AM7 are perfectly suited to the needs of downhill racers and riders a like.

SH-AM900-SL_S_S1 SH-AM700-SL_S_S1

SH-AM900-SL_B_S3SH-AM700-SL_B_S3

Using similar uppers the AM9 and the AM7 take on the most extreme riding with velcro straps and armored lace shields for increased protection. Underneath you’ll find a clipless outsole for the AM9 while theAM goes with a flat specific Vibram rubber sole. Key to the design of the AM9’s sole was a redesigned pedal channel to make clipping back in as easy as possible while reducing weight from the popular AM45 by 23%. Both models use an EVA foam midsole and Shimano’s Volume Tour last for additional volume at the ball of the foot.

SH-AM700-SL_A_S2 SH-AM900-SL_A_S2

Additionally, AM series include a revised shank plate for the perfect balance of pedaling efficiency and feel to the pedals. Gravity specific rubber compounds and specialized tread patterns combine for grip when you have to hike, and an expanded cleat adjustment range will help you dial in your fit for the clipless models.

SH-AM500-SL_S_S1

SH-AM500-SL_F_S4 SH-AM500-SL_B_S3

For slightly less aggressive riding or simply riders who aren’t looking for the protection level of the 7 or 9, the AM5 is an interesting option. Using just the velcro strap across the top and exposed laces, the flat sole is tuned for walking and riding and includes some stylish colorways that don’t scream Enduro. Claimed weights for the three shoes are listed at 744g for the AM9, 731g for the AM7, and 941g for the AM5 which illustrates the weight savings achieved with the AM7 and AM9. Compare that to the old AM45 at 961g, and the new options should be better options for anyone who needs to pedal.

Pricing is still TBD, but the AM9 and AM5 will be available this October, with the AM7 following in November.

SH-MW700-SL_A_S2

SH-MW700-SL_F_S4 SH-MW700-SL_B_S3

If previous winters are anything to go by, we might be in for perfect fat biking weather later this year. Whatever your bike of choice, if your winter riding takes you outside instead of into the basement for the trainer, Shimano’s new MW7 will keep your feet warm and toasty. Built with a waterproof Gore-Tex liner that is insulated, the MW7 adds a fleece lined insole for all weather comfort. Using the Torbal midsole that was introduced on their SH-M2000 Enduro shoe, the MW7 should provide the same pedal efficiency we’ve enjoyed from the SH-M2000 while remaining super comfortable while pedaling.

Under all of that armoring on the tongue, the boot uses their Speed lacing pull cord system with a velcro lace shield for easy in and out. A Volume+ last should provide plenty of room for thick winter socks, and the outsole features rubber studs on the outer edges for grip. Built with plenty of protection, the MW7 is as close as you’ll probably get to a winter Enduro boot that is meant for aggressive riding as much as it is winter commuting. Available in September.

SH-XM900-SG_S_S1

SH-XM900-SG_F_S4 SH-XM900-SG_B_S3

Probably as close to a true clipless hiking boot as you’re likely to find, Shimano brings the touring focused Cross mountain group to the US with the new XM9 and XM7.

SH-XM700-SG_S_S1

SH-XM700-SG_F_S4 SH-XM700-SG_B_S3

Featuring Gore-Tex liners, Nubuck leather, and rugged Vibram outsoles, both of the Cross Mountain options should be equally at home scrambling up a mountain side as they are pedaling down the trail. With that said, the shoes are still meant for pedaling with velcro straps on the ankles including the mini-power strap on the XM9. The high top also builds in padding around the ankle to keep out debris as well as a TPU heel, and a specially shaped insole to keep your foot in place.

Both models utilize a flexible half-length shank plate with EVA foam cushioning to allow for comfortable walking. Due to the difference in construction, the XM7 is a good bit lighter at 870g compared to the full length XM9 at 1070g. Both models also include a clever rubber cleat plate that not only allows the shoes to be used with flat pedals, but is shaped exactly like an SPD cleat. That provides the opportunity to get used to the feel of clipless pedals without actually clipping in. Built on the Volume Performance last, the boots are wider than the Volume+ last shoes which allows for the use of custom orthotics.

Both models will be available in October.

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18 Comments
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Francois Benz
8 years ago

Great stuff! It’s nice to see some durable winter riding shoes.

Patrick
Patrick
8 years ago

“Using similar uppers the AM9 and the AM7 take on the most extreme riding with velcro straps and armored lace shields for increased protection. Underneath you’ll find a clipless outsole for the AM9 while theAM9 goes with a flat specific Vibram rubber sole”

I think you meant

Using similar uppers the AM9 and the AM7 take on the most extreme riding with velcro straps and armored lace shields for increased protection. Underneath you’ll find a clipless outsole for the AM9 while the AM7 goes with a flat specific Vibram rubber sole.

Also, the sole of the AM7 is under the AM9 in your pics and vice versa.

Glenn
Glenn
8 years ago

Hopefully some of the AM or flat pedal options are available in size 15/50…no options out there for us bigfoots. I’m cramming my feet into size 14 5.10s.

Roy
Roy
8 years ago

Every pair of Shimano shoes I have ever tried feel like putting a cardboard box on my foot compared to Sidi road/mtb or 5.10s Maybe I have funny feet but after all these years of ‘engineering’ I would expect they could get some to fit. I do like the Pearl Izumi running shoes since they own Pearl, one would think they would listen to their American based division.

riley martin
riley martin
8 years ago

I agree 100% Roy….I have had numerous PI running shoes…they actually fit like all other shoes i’ve tried. But PI bike shoes and I’m guessing the Shimano shoes fit like CRAP…I was given the xproject shoes last season and I really really really wanted to like them. But once again i put my feet in them and NO DICE…They just don’t fit. I really really hope shimano and pearl can get it right sometime soon….the longer they go not fixing their chronic fit issues the less and less player in the cycling shoe world they become….you guys gotta get it together!!!!!

Joe P
Joe P
8 years ago

Shimano shoes are hit and miss for me. I am using on of their road shoes that fit pretty well but the mountain shoes have been less comfortable. I like the flat specific shoe though and might give em a try.

Fjork
Fjork
8 years ago

After having nothing but great experiences with the SH-XC90 (mtb) & SH-R260 (road), I’m no longer stepping outside of the brand for shoes! They last forever and fit great. Zero complaints.

Really curious to try these out on my AM setup!

Dan
Dan
8 years ago

Any news on if the AM9/7 shoes are still fully synthetic as with previous iterations?

WG
WG
8 years ago

Yet another change in nomenclature of Shimano shoes? Yay! And another one is inevitable in 2-3 years from know, as soon as they run out of single-digit names, hurray!

Gosh, they must have a special department responsible for making people’s lives difficult.

Dan
Dan
8 years ago

Any word on weather the AM9s are all synthetic like previous years?

satisFACTORYrider
satisFACTORYrider
8 years ago

the AMs are tryin to rival the fugliness BUT not the effectiveness of my beloved impacts

Eric Hansen
Eric Hansen
8 years ago

The AM41s (I think) I have had the flap that covers the laces seamed with cranks and missing chunks after about 30 days of commuting

Greg
Greg
8 years ago

Their design department should look for employment elsewhere.

Paul
Paul
8 years ago

Have they made them in a wider fit ? I have two pairs of Shimano MTB boots that are so narrow as to be useless, just gathering dust after one ride of each.MT52 and MT60.

PaulM
PaulM
8 years ago

“Have they made them in a wider fit ? I have two pairs of Shimano MTB boots that are so narrow as to be useless”
Whereas I have narrow feet and find Shimano fit me perfectly. Quit whinging and try a different manufacturer.

Love the look of the XM9 boot – worthy successor to the MT90/91.

Slow Joe Crow
Slow Joe Crow
8 years ago

@roy and @ Riley Martin, perhaps you just unusually shaped feet. I find that Shimano and Pearl Izumi stuff fits my feet very well and my wife is also very happy with her Shimano and PI shoes.
I have had similar experiences with helmets, I couldn’t fit comfortably in Italian made Bieffe or AGV helmets but Japanese Shoei and Arai helmets fit fine. The same thing with bike helmets, my son can’t wear Giro but Bell and Cannondale fit fine.
Back on the shoes, the rationale for the MW7 is unclear since the MW81 is such a good winter shoe already.
The XM7 could be a great PNW, or UK shoe since wet and mild winters create a real need for something waterproof but not too warm. I would like to see a version with straps like the PI X-Alp Enduro.

Nick H
Nick H
8 years ago

I have wide feets and hands. While I’m quite happy with Gore gloves in XXXL size, the few companies that pretend to do wide shoes do anything but. (Sidi Mega are supposedly wider but I would rate them as barely wider than a normal sneaker. We need 4E or wider.)
Narrow feet can use a second pair of socks. What are the wide feet people supposed to do? Quit biking?

Patrick
Patrick
8 years ago

ZO, you couldn’t just copy and paste what I wrote for you?? Come on…

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