Shimano’s new 2020 cross-country, downhill and gravity shoes

At Eurobike, Shimano has announced its expanded 2020 footwear range. The component and cycling accessory company has unveiled a long list of updates to its cross-country, gravity, downhill and adventure mountain biking offerings. Shimano also made updates to its road shoes including the addition of a track-specific S-Phyre designed for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

New XC5 for cross-country

The XC5 has adopted features from the top-end S-Phyre XC7 shoes raced by some of the best UCI World Cup racers on the cross country circuit. The shoe now features a one-piece composite upper that improves comfort, fit and offers superior pedalling efficiency to the previous model. The new XC5 has a lower stack to the previous model improving power transfer and control while pedalling. The Michelin rubber outsole of the XC7 also trickles down to the XC5 which has a rubber compound designed to improve grip and traction.

Shimano XC5

Shimano XC5

Shimano XC5

The XC5 use a BOA L6 dial and velcro strap to secure your foot in place. The shoes will be available in Navy Blue, blue and black in women’s models ranging in size from 36 to 44 and men’s models sized 40 to 48. The new XC5 will retail for US$160.

AM7 and AM9 for gravity and enduro

Shimano AM9

Shimano AM9

Shimano AM9

As the demands of gravity and enduro riding evolve, Shimano has revamped the design of the AM7 and AM9 shoes. A significant update is the addition of Shimano’s own proprietary rubber outsole which features an original compound and tread pattern that is designed to maximize grip and durability in the hardest conditions. The new outsole has a larger contact area optimized for use with Shimano’s Saint PD-M820 pedals and a tread pattern on the toe and heel for better walking traction. The AM7 and AM9 feature a pedal channel to provide better stability when not clipped into the pedal. Shimano has also integrated better cleat position and adjustable range to allow for a more rearward range as is popular to adopt for gravity riding.

The AM9 has improved protection to stand up to the abuse of gravity riding. The shoe has an armoured shield to protect the speed lacing. The moulded toe cap protects the foot and a raised padded ankle collar protects the feet from debris and the drivetrain. The shoes are designed to absorb less water than the previous model and dry quicker. The shoes will be available in black and navy priced at US$160.

The new AM7 has some of the same features as the AM9 like the new outsole, moulded toe cap and improved moisture management. The lower tier shoe uses traditional instead of speed laces and also uses a lace keeper strap. The shoe has a neoprene ankle collar. The shoes will be available in blue, black and grey retailed for US$130.

The GR9 and GR7 for downhill and enduro

The flat pedal GR9 and GR7 for downhill and enduro get improved grip thanks to the new rubber Michelin sole. Better foot protection is provided by a TPU reinforcement layer in the shoe, a toe cap and padded ankle collars.

The MW5 winter shoe

For riders looking to extend their season or who plan to take up fat biking, the MW5 winter shoe has received an update. The shoe gets a Dryshielf membrane, a neoprene ankle collar to help keep your feet dry and warm. The winter shoes that will help keep your feet comfortable and dry in inclement weather will retail for US$180.

The MT7 Hikeable mountain  bike shoes

For adventurous mountain bikers and extreme off-road riders, the MT7 is a versatile shoe for touring, mountain biking, extreme adventure and bike packing. Riders can go from pedalling to walking without compromise. The shoe has a Boa L6 dial to secure the foot, a grippy rubber sole and a shock-absorbing EVA midsole to make pedalling efficient and walking comfortable. The MT7 will retail for US$140.