Tested: Back-to-Back Comparison of Shimano's Flagship Enduro MTB Shoes

GE900HS VS. GE900
Durability
Shimano GE900HS: Are They Worth the Price?
Pros and Cons

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There's no doubt that Shimano has been on a roll this year, with the launch of a whole new line of Di2 groupsets for mountain and gravel, as well as new shoes, cleats, and pedals. While there are some standouts in the latest offerings, the new GE900HS (Hot Seat) shoes have been one of my favorite shoes that I’ve tested in recent years. In this article, I break down why they stand out and compare them to Shimano's other flagship gravity mountain bike shoes, so that you can make an informed purchase.

GE900HS VS. GE900, Durability, Shimano GE900HS: Are They Worth the Price?, Pros and Cons

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I was a massive fan of the ME7 shoes and stockpiled them when they were discontinued. After blowing through my last pair, I was curious about the newest benchmark in gravity and enduro footwear from Shimano, the GE900, and I have been overall impressed with the shoe, but the GE900HS is a smart refinement of the platform.

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Weight: 485 grams (size 45 tested)
Colors: White and Black
Stiffness: 8
Standard Sizes: 38-48 (Runs true to size)
MSRP: $275 USD, €219.95

GE900HS VS. GE900

The GE900 has a relatively generous last, which is great for most riders. I have a fairly average foot shape and tend to prefer a narrower last and lower-profile shoe that won’t rub on the crank arms when I have my cleats positioned as far back as possible and slightly towards the outside of the sole. This was the most noticeable issue with the GE900, which appears to be resolved with the GE900HS.

The Shimano GE900HS (Left) and GE900 (Right)

While the GE900 is still a fantastic shoe for most of my riding, the higher-volume last was something I had to get used to. Shimano even recommends sizing down if you are coming from an ME7 shoe, which I did. Even with a slightly smaller size, the GE900 still felt clunky, and I had to make some minor adjustments to the cleat position to prevent the outsole from rubbing against the cranks. Thankfully, Shimano recognized that the GE900 might not be the ideal shoe and has been working closely with athletes to refine it, resulting in the creation of the GE900HS (Hot Seat). From the months I’ve spent putting this shoe through abuse, I can say that the form and function are dialed.

The smaller tongue and slimmed Velcro strap and closure on the Shimano GE900HS

While the overall form of the GE900 has been retained in the GE900HS, several minor improvements have significantly enhanced its fit and functionality. The BOA dials have been swapped out for the lower-profile Li2 dials, and the sole has been changed to a carbon-reinforced nylon that Shimano claims is 25% stiffer, but it’s the smaller details that really make the shoe shine for me.

Durability

The overall construction is less bulky than that of the GE900s, but not in a way that compromises the durability of the GE900HS. Rather, it makes them more comfortable for long days of pedaling, thanks to the slimmer tongue, internal material reduction in the heel cup, and a more secure feeling retention strap. The visual differences between the GE900 and GE900HS are minor, and the weight difference is slight; the GE900HS feels lighter and slimmer on the foot.

The difference in BOA lacing is subtle, but it honestly makes a big difference in terms of fit.

The upper and heel counter on the GE900HS also feel much more streamlined than those on the GE900, and this might be due to the revised Velcro strap, integrated BOA lacing, and redesigned ankle collar at the heel counter - whatever the reason, it works.

The GE900 and GE900HS are decidedly gravity/enduro-focused shoes, but the GE900HS feels much more versatile than the GE900, which felt a little out of place when worn on more XC and lighter trail rides. I attribute this to the perceived bulk of the upper and toe box of the GE900, which I assumed was a placebo effect, but is in fact due to the GE900 using a Volume Trail Last. Shimano states that this last has a tighter fit around the ball of the foot and increased volume at the toe box and heel for improved walking comfort.

The Ultread GE sole found on both shoes is tacky enough to provide a lot of grip while hiking, but still firm enough not to fall apart and develop divots from pedal pins (if you run clipless pedals with pins). Although the construction is more minimal on the GE900HS, it still feels robust enough to last a long time. The synthetic upper of the GE900HS has fewer panels than the GE900, which contributes to the overall comfort of the shoe without compromising its durability, and they come in white, which I really appreciate as someone who loves a nice patina.

The GE900HS (Left) has a much more snug heel counter than the GE900 (Right)

Shimano GE900HS: Are They Worth the Price?

The price difference between the GE900 and GE900HS is marginal, with the latter priced at $275 USD and the former at $250 USD. With such a slight difference, it could be hard to pick between the two, but after riding both shoes a ton, I highly recommend the GE900HS as it is the more versatile shoe, whereas I see the GE900 as an excellent option for someone looking for an MTB shoe that feels more like a traditional shoe, rather than a cycling shoe.

The GE900 (Top) has more stitching and panels than the GE900HS (Bottom), and this added material was surprisingly noticeable. Deven McCoy

The GE900HS is a sleeker-feeling and riding shoe that provides more stability and a snugger fit, but it might not be the best choice for some riders. When examining the outsole and midsole of the GE900HS, it is largely the same as those of the GE900, so there's not much to compare. In terms of durability, I haven’t had a single issue with either shoe over the last few months of riding, in which I’ve logged who-knows how many miles in both, which means that the biggest factor when deciding between the two is the fit, and if you want a less noticeable feeling shoe with a more snug fit, the GE900HS is the right call and well worth the extra $25 bucks.

Thinking the GE900 is the shoe for you? You can get them by clicking the button below.

The GE900HS (Left) and GE900 (Right)

The tread on the GE900HS - nothing totally new here.

Pros and Cons

Yes, Shimano is marketing these as a pro-level, gravity-race shoe, but looking past the marketing, these aren't a race-day-only shoe in that they are not fragile. Most "race shoes" come with caveats regarding durability and longevity. Still, there doesn't seem to be any compromise with the GE900HS, and I have been putting them through daily use for many months without any serious issues.

From all-day epics on the trail bike to shuttle laps on DH trails, the GE900HS are my go-to.

I also admit that spending almost $300 USD on a pair of shoes is a little hard to swallow for some people, and that's understandable. I've also found that, with a few exceptions, you get what you pay for with MTB footwear, and, along with helmets, it isn't a part of your riding kit that you should skimp on.