13 new Shimano cycling shoes for 2022

With the recent presentation of new MTB shoes with the unprecedented Ultread sole, Shimano has completed a major renovation of its cycling shoes for the imminent arrival of 2022. We review the entire range, which encompasses all forms of this sport.

Much of Shimano's 2022 range of cycling shoes are MTB. These release the Ultread technical sole, created by the Japanese brand and which replaces the one manufactured by Michelin from previous generations.

The Ultread is a sole that has a new stud design, now higher and more pronounced. In addition, it incorporates new metallic studs on the toecap. All with the aim of providing more grip, when walking, in the increasingly technical circuits and routes of the current Mountain Bike.

The Shimano Ultread sole is present in the new Gravity, Trekking/Touring and Cross Country shoes. Additionally, Shimano has also introduced road and gravel specific models for the 2022 season.

Shimano shoes: the novelties of the 2022 range

1. S-Phyre XC9

They are Shimano's high-end MTB Cross Country shoes, which we already covered in Solo Bici last August. They are the lightest for Mountain Bike of the brand (296 g per shoe in size 42), they have been worn by World Cup bikers and they premiere the Shimano Ultread technical sole in its XC variant (with carbon midsole). The body and instep of the shoe is also newly created, more reinforced and with fewer perforations. Two BOA Li2 micrometric wheels take care of the closure and adjustment. Its available colors are white, black and blue.

2.XC7

A step below the XC9 we find the XC7, which inherits the wraparound design of the foot of the superior model and also the Ultread XC sole (with carbon midsole), although it weighs a little more (320 g). Like the S-Phyre XC9, it comes with metal toe spikes. Available in red, black and white.

3.XC5

The XC5 completes the new Shimano shoes in the MTB XC field. Unlike the more exclusive XC9 and XC7 models, it has a single BOA Li2 adjustment dial, complete with a Velcro strap. On the other hand, it retains the Ultread XC sole, although the midsole is made of fiberglass. By not having a heel stabilizer, as in the other models, the weight of the shoe remains at an outstanding 300 grams. They can be found in moss green, blue and black colors.

4.GR9

The GR series is the one corresponding to the most radical MTB. For 2022 Shimano presents the new GR9, with a new flat Ultread sole that manages to adhere better to the pins or nails of the Downhill or Freeride platform pedals. This sole also has a new specific traction pattern for the toe and heel, which allows better walking on the mountain. They are closed by laces and are available in black and smoke white/black.

5.AM903

New All Mountain, Enduro or Downhill model, for those riders who want to have their feet adhered to the pedals more firmly, thanks to Shimano's SPD automatic pedals standard. The Shimano AM903 are MTB cycling shoes with an enlarged pedaling channel in the sole for when you're not attached to the pedal. In addition, it incorporates the toe and heel pattern for traction. Offered in black with gold lettering or navy blue with fade and purple lettering. Its weight is 415 g (each shoe).

6.AM503

It is the other addition to Shimano's All Mountain/Enduro range, either for clipless pedals or platforms. Its look is inspired by urban or skate shoes, with the same sole design as the AM903, but without the tongue cover to protect the laces from dirt. It has a version for men in black or olive colors and another for women in aqua blue.

7.ET7

For a more relaxed type of riding, touring or more recreational MTB, Shimano has launched two new models. First of all, there are these ET7 for flat or platform pedals. The brand also recommends it for e-bikes or simply for walking in the countryside or in the mountains. It has a special waterproof reinforcement on the toecap, tongue and lateral area and the new BOA L6 dial for adjustment. It has two versions: one with a male last in black or blue, and a plum-colored woman.

8.MT502

The novelties in terms of Trekking or Touring cycling from Shimano come with these MT502 shoes. The upper part has reinforced mesh, with fast lace closure and a strap for greater foot support. The sole, for its part, is valid for anchoring SPD pedals and has a reinforced fiberglass plate to provide greater rigidity to the sole. They are already available in a male version (in black and navy blue) or a female version (grey).

9.RX8

It is one of Shimano's big bets for 2022. The RX8 shoes are the brand's option for gravel, but oriented towards high performance and competition. The great leap that this modality will take in 2022 in the competition field must be accompanied by equipment and accessories for its cyclists.

Therefore, Shimano does not want to be left behind, with ultralight shoes (265 g each) made of synthetic leather, with a heel stabilizer, a toe protector and a carbon sole. The latter also has a non-slip compound in the channel of the cleat. They are now available at authorized Shimano outlets in men's and women's versions and bronze and desert colours.

10. S-Phyre RC9S (Dura-Ace special version)

Shimano has accompanied the launch of its new Dura-Ace semi-wireless road groupset with these exclusive S-Phyre RC9S road cycling shoes. A special edition and version of the RC902 of competition. It follows the color scheme of the Dura-Ace group, with an enamel wrap and heel counter, in enamel and gloss black, respectively. The BOA-Li2 closures in pearlescent metal and low profile provide an extra exclusivity for the most demanding cyclists. The weight of the shoe is only 240 g (size 42).

11.RC902T

Special version of road shoes for track cycling, time trials and also spinning. The upper design emphasizes power transfer to the pedals. On the other hand, the Dynalast fit is able to position the foot correctly for hard acceleration and high cadence pedaling. The carbon sole also has the highest stiffness index possible, 12 out of 12.

12. RC7

At a mid-high range level, there is this new road model with many of the design technologies inherited from the RC9 competition shoes. They have a Dynalast fit, double BOA closure and a wraparound upper for the most ergonomic fit possible. Their weight is 255 g and they are available in black, red and white.

13. RC5

The RC5, a simpler and cheaper road shoe than the previous ones, but no less attractive or effective, has also been renewed. The material of the upper part is mesh/TPU and synthetic body. The midsole has a stiffness index of 8/12 and for adjustment it has a BOA L6 closure and a velcro strap on the base of the fingers. It has versions for men and women and can be purchased in blue, black or white.

More information at bike.shimano.com and at the brand's official points of sale.