Shimano trots out new shoes to go with XTR unveiling
Cross country XC9 and enduro focused ME7 race shoes get updates, new colours
Hot on the heels of this mornings big XTR announcement, Shimano has released details on two new mountain bike shoe options. Like the new XTR, this duo of shoes covers the gamut of mountain biking from high gloss World Cup XC level S-Phyre XC9 race shoes to Enduro World Series ready ME7 gravity kicks. As has been the trend with S-Phyre the updated XC9 comes with a jolt of colour, with Electric Green joining the blue and black colour options.
Shimano is saying, of course, that the new shoes are designed to take advantage of the upgraded XTR XC and XTR Trail pedals that dropped as part of the Japanese giant’s unveiling of the more diversified flagship XTR series. Diversified as in the top tier group is explicitly targeting enduro racers as well as XC racers, as the lightweight group is still resolutely focused on improving riders time between the tape.
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Both shoes benefit from a redesigned and reinforced armoring, and a new perforated microfiber upper that offers breathability as well as adding elasticity to fit a wider range of feet. Both shoes continue to use the same Michelin technical outsoles as before, and XC9 continues to employ BOA enclosure systems.
Shimano S-Phyre XC9 - Electric Green
Shimano S-Phyre XC9 boa closure system
Michelin outsole on the XC9
The bright blue S-Phyre XC9 option remains
A closer look at the Michelin outsole on the XC9 mountain bike / cyclocross race shoe
If you prefer a more understated look, Shimano still offers the S-Phyre XC9 in black
Shimano S-Phyre XC9
Shimano’s updates to the top of the line cross country and cyclocross race shoe focus on improving fit, breathability and durability of the XC9. The new perforated microfiber uppers combine with a stronger, more protective toe box armor to make sure the Electric Green shoe retains its shine even after racing the harshest World Cup tracks. With the new Electric Green colour, there’ll be no sneaking past your competitors unnoticed, though, as the bright colour will turn heads wherever you ride.
Electric Green S-Phyre XC9 will be available in whole size steps from 38-48, while the existing blue and black colour options come in 38, 39, 40-47 in half size steps, and 40-48 in the wide shoe version.
Shimano has lowered the profile on the ME7's buckle closure
The front view of Shimano ME7's is extra clean with the outer cover
Michelin outsole on Shimano's ME7
A head-on view of Shimano ME7's Michelin outsole
Shimano ME 7 in black
More stealth than the blue is Shimano's ME7 in black
Shimano ME7
Developed through feedback of Shimano’s EWS athletes about what need improvement and where the shoe should go in teh future, Shimano has improved the durability and fit of the ME7. The new perforated synthetic leather upper is designed to improve comfort and fit, and ventelation.
Studying rider usage habits, incorporating feedback from top EWS athletes and factoring in enduro racing trends, Shimano’s footwear engineers improved the ME7 with new features and made special efforts to accommodate an incredibly wide range of feet with a new last design. The ME7’s new Volume+ last is supposed to work with a wider range of foot sizes, from 38 all the way up to 50. Shimano have also worked to tuck away the reverse buckle further out of harms way and sealed the cleat area to keep water out.
Shimano’s ME7 are available in sizes 38, 39, 49, 41-16 in half sizes, 47, 48, 49, 50.
