First Look: 2016 Shimano AM/Enduro/DH Shoes 9

​We have seen the prototypes worn by the likes of Gee Atherton at races throughout this year, and now Shimano has released their 2016 shoe lineup - including 4 completely new models aimed at the Trail/AM/Enduro/DH crowd. Two all-new SPD models are joined by one flat pedal and one all-weather shoe, all developed specifically for aggressive riding and tough conditions. Check out the information on the range below, and stay tuned to www.shimano-lifestylegear.com for more information.

2016 Shimano AM Series Mountain Bike Shoes

• The sole of aggressive downhill riding: Our new AM sole design provides ample foot protection and improves downhill riding stability. A recessed pedal channel in the outsole increases contact stability between the pedal and your cleat while clipped out. It does all this while shaving the weight of the sole by 227g
• Optimized shank plate: Pro rider calibrated shank plate delivers optimal rigidity and bike control
• High-traction tread pattern: Increases traction for superior off-the-bike grip
• High wall protection: Reinforced sidewall protects your feet on aggressive gravity rides
• Gravity-specific rubber: Special rubber compound maximizes grip and durability
• EVA mid-sole: EVA foam construction reduces weight and boosts walking comfort
• Expanded cleat-adjustment range: Wide adjustment range supports a wider variety of riding styles and preferences
• Product weights (reference: 2014 AM45: 961g, size 40):
• AM9: 744g (size 40)
• AM7: 731g (size 40)
• AM5: 941g (size 40)
• Availability:
• AM9 and AM5: October 2015
• AM7: November 2015

Developed in conjunction with the Atherton family, Shimano's Gravity range of downhill, enduro and BMX racing footwear has undergone quite possibly the most rigorous testing possible to strike the optimal fusion of protection, function and durability for multiple riding disciplines.

With current Men's Downhill World Champion Gee Atherton, 2013 Downhill World Champion Rachel Atherton and multiple British 4X National Champion Dan Atherton part of the testing team, you can be certain that the AM range has been designed to win races.

Three models make up the 2016 Gravity range:

• the SPD-compatible black AM9 All-Mountain shoe for aggressive downhill, enduro and trail riding
• the black AM7 All-Mountain and Downhill flat-soled shoe with a Vibram outsole for optimum pedal connectivity, comfort and protection
• the SPD-compatible AM5 Gravity and BMX shoes, in black or army green, with a focus on comfort and protection

The Atherton’s influence is clear to see in the AM9, which the whole GT Atherton team has been testing since the beginning of the season, with protection and grip to suit harsh riding conditions and the most aggressive riding styles.

Gee Atherton, current Downhill World Champion: " We've been testing the AM9 this season and it's the best shoe I've ever worn for downhill. Me, Rachel and Dan all had a hand in developing the shoe and it's great to see how our feedback has been integrated. We asked for better grip, better protection and less weight. Shimano definitely delivered!"

Whether riding the two SPD options or the flat sole AM7, all Shimano’s 2016 Gravity shoes feature reinforced high side walls for ample foot protection and the new AM sole design with Pro rider calibrated shank plates for optimal rigidity and improved downhill riding stability.

New gravity-specific rubber with high-traction tread patterns on the AM9 outsole also feature to increase durability and provide superior off-the-bike grip.

The newly designed pedal channel in the outsole of the AM9 makes it easier to re-engage to the pedal while unclipped. This feature also brings about a weight-saving of 217g per pair (size 40), a 23% reduction over the AM45.

To suit the aggressive racing style of Downhill and Enduro racing, the AM9 features a comfortable EVA foam construction midsole and Volume Tour Last sizing outsole for extra volume at the ball of the foot, providing additional comfort and support on and off the bike.

A Velcro strap on the upper of all new AM shoes keeps the foot securely in place with even tension across the metatarsal bones. Armoured lace shields on the AM9 and AM7 provide additional metatarsal protection from the elements and keep laces confined, away from chain rings and cranks.

The AM5 on the other hand, foregoes the lace shield to offer a street-inspired style, equally at home in skate parks, trail parks and everywhere in between. With a lightweight and non-compressed flat insole, the AM5 offers an even and comfortable foot cushion for a platform that’s ideal for both walking and riding.

2016 Shimano MW7 All-Weather Shoe

MW7 Highlights:

• Volume+ Last: A unique last with extra toe-box volume to accommodate a wider range of foot shapes without affecting shoe length. Extra room to fit more foot shapes in greater comfort.
• Torsional sole allows natural rider “flow” motion: If the sole of a cycling shoe is totally rigid, the shoe won’t accommodate heel flex when the bike is slanted in relation to the rider. The TORBAL solution is to provide some sideways flex in the back section of the sole, while maintaining stiffness in the front. This improves balance and bike control by letting the heel section accommodate some lateral movement, while optimizing pedaling efficiency at the sole-and cleat interface.
• Shimano SPD: In 2015 Shimano is celebrating 25 years of its revolutionary SPD pedal system. The introduction of the recessed cleat system in 1990 was an industry game-changer. It provided the benefits of a clipped-in system and a stable power transfer platform as well as being comfortable to walk in. The design was, and still is, intuitively simple, just step onto the pedal to engage the cleat locking mechanism, and twist to release.
• Availability: September 2015
• Weight: 832 g (size 40)