Press Release

Shimano Introduces ULTREAD Sole Technology Along with Updates to 2022 Footwear 5

Select gravity and all-mountain shoes receive multiple updates while three brand new cross-country models join the lineup.

Jason_Schroeder

10/29/2021 1:04pm

Shimano has released their all-new ULTREAD sole technology along with updates to a handful of their tried-and-true all-mountain and gravity footwear models for 2022. Additionally, they are rolling out three brand new cross country models available in sizes for both men and women. With flat and clipless shoes to choose from offered at various price points, Shimano's footwear line continues to broaden and evolve with options for all riders.

What is ULTREAD?

ULTREAD is the over-arching shoe sole technology that houses both ULTREAD Gravity and ULTREAD XC sole designs. Each respective ULTREAD sole design incorporates purpose-built features, lug / tread designs, and proprietary rubber compounds to meet the needs of each type of rider. The updated GR9 flat pedal shoe features the all-new ULTREAD gravity sole, while the new XC9, XC7, and XC5 all feature ULTREAD XC sole designs.

GR903 Gravity Flat Pedal Shoes

Loaded with updates and new features including Shimano’s all-new ULTREAD gravity sole technology, the GR9 flat pedal shoes deliver superior durability and extraordinary grip. The sole’s hexagonal tread blocks provide multi-directional stability and secure pin engagement to keep riders planted on the pedals. The shoe’s rear tread pattern is designed for added traction and softer heel strikes while the toe tread is optimized for hike-a-bike traction.

Beyond the ULTREAD sole, the new GR9 last design provides more room in the toe box for added comfort and a better fit while also increasing the under-arch surface area for more flat-pedal control. Now equipped with a fully integrated gaiter to keep debris out as well as an asymmetric padded ankle and reinforced toe, the GR9 delivers protection where riders need it the most.

GR903 Highlights

New ULTREAD gravity sole
Shimano Volume Tour last
Reinforced synthetic leather upper with mesh panel
Integrated gaiter keeps debris out
Full length lace-up with metal eyelets
Asymmetric ankle design with padded protection
Sizes: 38-48
Color ways: Black, Smoke White
Weight: 415-grams
MSRP: $170 USD

GR903 Black Color Way

GR903 Smoke White Color Way

AM903 All-Mountain Clipless Shoes

Refined to meet the demands of the Enduro World Series and everyday all-mountain riders, the AM9 includes a range of newly redesigned features for next-level fit, protection, and control. Sharing the same Volume Tour last design as the GR9 flat pedal shoe, the AM9 gets a little more room in the toe box while the wide instep strap design helps maintain control in rough terrain. A flexible flap cover keeps debris out of the shoe and keeps the laces nice and tidy. The AM9 receives a new rubber compound from previous models, which boosts traction both on and off the pedals. Designed with the gravity focused clip-in rider in mind, the AM9 is tough, comfortable and ready to get rowdy.

AM903 Highlights

New wide instep strap
Shimano Volume Tour last
asymmetric ankle design with padded protection
updated rubber compound
Pedal channel function
Sizes: 38-48
Color ways: Black, Navy Blue
Weight: 415-grams
MSRP: $170 USD

AM903 Black Color Way

AM503 All-Mountain Clipless Shoes

Shimano’s versatile entry-level AM5 shoes feature the same updated rubber compound, asymmetric ankle protection, and fit found on the AM9 but at an entry-level price point. The casual lace-up appearance delivers on and off the bike style while the competitive price point and new Women’s model offers premium performance for all riders.

AM503 Highlights

New Shimano Volume Tour last
Women's model and sizes
Pedal channel function
Casual lace-up design
Simple and clean style
Sizes: Men's 38-48 // Women's 36-44
Color ways: Black, Olive, Aqua Blue (Women's)
Weight: 445-grams
MSRP: $115 USD

AM503 Olive Color Way

AM503 Black Color Way

AM503 Women's Aqua Color Way

Cross Country Clipless Shoes

Shimano unleashes the next generation of performance XC mountain bike shoes with three new models that feature Shimano’s new ULTREAD sole technology. Delivering a mix of sturdy rubber compound and smart tread designs, the new XC9, XC7, and XC5 lineup are lighter in weight but with improved durability and traction for more control on and off the bike.

Shimano’s reimagined XC shoes feature seamless fits and improved construction for more durability and comfort across the lineup. And now, with more women’s specific models and sizes available than ever before, Shimano delivers lightweight, stylish performance to every rider.

XC902 Cross Country Race Shoes

The pinnacle in cross country and cyclocross footwear, the all-new XC902 from Shimano brings a no-compromise attitude to the racing world. Featuring Shimano’s new ULTREAD sole technology, the XC9 rubber outsole offers a lightweight, technical tread pattern with optional talon-shaped metal spikes for ultimate traction and racing grip.

The shoe features two BOA Li2 low profile dials for quick and precise micro-adjustments with Power Zone lacing guide to securely hold the foot in place. Plus, the surround wrapping upper design constructed from microfiber synthetic leather bring a snug and comfortable performance fit. Optimizing power transfer, the new XC9 also implements the S-PHYRE anti-twist heel cup structure, stiff carbon sole, and harder SPD contact blocks.

XC902 Highlights

New ULTREAD XC sole
Precision lug placement for lightweight traction
Surround wrapping upper
Microfiber leather / TPU mesh toe box
Dual Li2 BOA dials with Power Zone lacing
Anit-twist heel cup structure
Sizes: 37-48 // Half-sizes 41.5-46.5 // Wide Sizes: 40-48
Color ways: Black, White, Blue
Weight: 296-grams (Size 42)
MSRP: $430 USD

XC902 Blue Color Way

XC902 White Color Way

XC902 Black Color Way

XC702 Cross Country Race Shoes

The new XC702 feature trickle down S-PHYRE technology along with an all-new ULTREAD XC sole for high performance and premium fit but with a focus on more of an all-around riding experience. The proprietary ULTREAD XC rubber outsole includes slightly larger lugs aimed at off-bike durability and a carbon midsole that offers a bit more flex than the XC9 shoes.

The XC7 brings the same surround-wrapping upper construction but with a synthetic leather and lightweight mesh/TPU combination. Twin BOA L6 dials and Power Zone lacing system help optimize fit for a race-ready cross country, cyclocross, or gravel race shoe for all riders.

XC702 Highlights

New ULTREAD XC sole
High gip and durability rubber outsole
Precision lug placement for lightweight traction
Surround wrapping upper
Synthetic leather / TPU mesh layer upper
Dual L6 BOA dials with Power Zone lacing
Size: 38-50 // Half sizes: 40.5-46.5 // Wide sizes: 40-48 (black only)
Color ways: Black, White, Red
Weight: 320-grams (size 42)
MSRP: $230 USD

XC702 Black Color way

XC702 White Color Way

XC702 Red Color Way

XC502 Mid-Level Cross Country Shoes

Shimano’s mid-level XC502 shoes feature the new ULTREAD XC sole technology for reduced overall weight and improved traction on and off the bike. They’re include a synthetic leather and mesh upper construction and fiberglass midsole with 7/12 stiffness rating for all-day comfort. The single BOA L6 dial combined with a Velcro strap provided foot stability while keeping the overall shoe weight down to an impressive 300 grams (size 42).