Oooh! New Shoes from Shimano

Shimano has unveiled a load of new shoes, including some ‘Gravity’ numbers developed in conjunction with the Athertons.

Gravity Range

The AM9, AM7 and AM5 (could the AM stand for All Mountain, perchance?) have apparently “undergone quite possibly the most rigorous testing possible to strike the perfect blend of protection, function and durability for multiple riding disciplines.” Yowzers.

The AM9 appears similar to the current AM45 shoe – they’re both SPD – the ‘gravity specific‘ sole has more grip and a different pattern, the protection is apparently better and there’s a newly designed pedal channel in the outsole to help with cleat engagement. Shimano claims this creates a 217g weigh saving on a pair of size 40s compared to AM45s too – some 23%.

This is A Good Thing. There were many things to like about the AM45s, but light weight was not amongst them. They maintain the high sidewalls of the previous shoe, and the protective laces covering.

The AM7 essentially seems to be an updated version of the AM41 – very similar in looks, and features to the AM9, it replaces the SPD sole with a Vibram one for flat pedal ‘connectivity, comfort and engagement’. Both the AM9 and AM7 maintain the distinctive lace shield which keeps things nice and tidy.

 

The AM5 dispenses with the lace shield to create a more ‘street inspired‘ look, and it also features a lightweight and non-compressed flat insole, with an ‘even and comfortable foot cushion for a platform that’s ideal for walking and riding.

All of the shoes now sport a velcro strap at the top of the laces keeps them in place and provides ‘even pressure across the metatarsal bones’.

The AM9 and the AM5 should be with in stores in October, and the AM7 will follow closely behind in November.

The MW7 Winter Boot

Shimano has also announced a new winter boot – the MW7. It’s waterproofed with GoreTex, has a fleecy insole and a stiff instem with flexible front and rear sections. Which gives the foot a ‘natural flow for descents‘. There are studs, and protective synthetic leather bits and pieces ‘protect the foot from on-trail basketball-shaped rocks.’ Can’t say there are many of those round here, but it’s comforting to know that if there were my tootsies would be safe. The boots are secured by pull-cord laces too, and there’s a lace shield to keep grot out. They should be available in September.

Barney Marsh

Barney Marsh takes the word ‘career’ literally, veering wildly across the road of his life, as thoroughly in control as a goldfish on the dashboard of a motorhome. He’s been, with varying degrees of success, a scientist, teacher, shop assistant, binman and, for one memorable day, a hospital laundry worker. These days, he’s a dad, husband, guitarist, and writer, also with varying degrees of success. He sometimes takes photographs. Some of them are acceptable. Occasionally he rides bikes to cast the rest of his life into sharp relief. Or just to ride through puddles. Sometimes he writes about them. Bikes, not puddles. He is a writer of rongs, a stealer of souls and a polisher of turds. He isn’t nearly as clever or as funny as he thinks he is.

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