Shimano ME7 Review

The Shimano ME7 is a uniquely styled shoe aimed squarely at the trail, all-mountain, and enduro rider. While it has been updated a few times since the original came out several years ago, the changes have been minor and we feel it is among the best all-around shoes on the market today. We feel the combination of reasonably light weight, great power transfer, and off-the-bike traction and walkability make this a great option for many riders.

Performance Comparison

Power Transfer

Shimano claims their carbon fiber composite sole/midsole provides the pedaling effectiveness of an XC shoe, and we can't completely disagree. Rated as an eight on Shimano's sole stiffness scale, compared to an 11 for their top-of-the-line ultra-stiff XC race shoe, the ME7 delivers power transfer and pedaling efficiency that should please the majority of riders.

Based on appearance alone, the ME7 doesn't look like it would offer the best pedaling efficiency. The lightweight carbon composite midsole, however, provides a very stiff pedaling platform from the cleat pocket back. Whether you're sprinting out of a corner or grinding up a long climb, when you lay down the power it doesn't feel like any of it is lost through sole flex. It is not XC race shoe stiff, but it is certainly stiff enough for its intended application. In fact, we even logged several PR's on both uphill and downhill segments in these shoes.

Another highlight of the ME7 is how well the sole interfaces with the Shimano XT Trail pedals we used during testing. The sole on either side of the cleat box sits nice and flush on the platform of the pedals, working to provide excellent lateral stability.

Comfort

We were pleasantly surprised by the overall comfort of the ME7. We were initially a little concerned that the higher cuff and neoprene gasket around the ankle could potentially lead to unwanted chafing; those worries soon disappeared after hours of comfortable and hot-spot-free riding. The unique look and styling of the ME7 are by design, and features like the higher cuff and neoprene gasket add to the comfort of these shoes by adding protection in the ankle area from rock strikes with the added benefit of keeping trail debris out of your shoes. Our only real gripe is that they are only offered in whole EU sizes, so those who prefer a half size may not find the perfect fit.

The uppers are constructed primarily of a synthetic leather material that is protected around the toe by a tough rubber rand and around the medial ankle and heel by a rubberized synthetic material. This material conforms to the feet quickly and had a very short break-in period. They are not heavily padded, but the foot feels well protected in these shoes pretty much everywhere, the pinky toe area being the one exception. Perforations over the toe box and on the medial midfoot along with two small mesh panels on the lateral midfoot provide surprisingly effective ventilation.

The shoe is tightened around the foot with Shimano's "speed lace" system and "low profile reverse buckle." As the name suggests, the speed lace system is quick and easy to use. One pull of the laces allows you to cinch these shoes as tight as you want with even pressure over the top of the foot. The laces are hidden under a large Velcro flap to prevent damage and add additional foot protection. The ratcheting buckle and strap secure the upper part of the closure at the top of the tongue and the unique reverse buckle's low profile and position higher on the foot help to keep it out of harm's way. Shimano's insole proved to be very comfortable, providing excellent arch support along with a dense foam pad under the heel that helps absorb impact. The ME7 also has a large range of adjustability in the cleat mount area, that way you can dial in the cleats to your preference, even gravity-oriented riders who like them way back.

Traction and Walkability

The ME7 strikes a great balance between power transfer and walkability with their sole design. These shoes work as well off the bike as they do while riding, and a are good option for adventure rides with copious amounts of hiking.

The flex through the toe and the tiny amount in the heel make this shoe comfortable and easy to walk in for those inevitable hike-a-bikes and dismounts. The Michelin Rubber outsole offers excellent traction on rocks, logs, and roots, and the widely spaced lugs clear mud, snow, and other debris efficiently while also grabbing onto loose or wet soils more effectively than many other sole designs. These shoes perform great on the bike and inspire confidence when you are forced or choose to walk in them.

Weight

The ME7 isn't for the gram-counting mountain bikers of the world, and it isn't intended to be, but it doesn't tip the scales too far either. We found our size 44 test pair to weigh an average of 415 grams per shoe. Most XC racers would likely scoff at that number, but this is in the sweet spot for this shoe's intended purpose, especially considering the features, coverage, and protection this shoe offers. The weight is comparable, and even slightly less than other similar shoes we tested.

Durability

Overall, the ME7 appears to be a durable shoe. We put our test pair through the wringer, and after hundreds of miles of riding and abuse, ours look nearly new aside from a healthy coating of dust.

The uppers appear to be in nearly perfect condition with minimal scuffs or abrasion, and they clean up very easily with a damp cloth. None of the stitching is pulling out, and the well-placed rubber around the toe seems to have taken the brunt of the abrasion from rocks and other debris. The closures still work flawlessly, and the reverse buckle design has helped to keep the ratcheting part of the system out of harm's way while the attachment point of the ladder strap has taken a few rock strikes and scrapes. Underfoot, the outsole has worn amazingly well and looks almost new despite heavy use.

Value

Despite a relatively high asking price, we feel these shoes are a good value considering the features and performance they have to offer. They are far from the least expensive shoes on the market, but we believe they strike a good balance between performance and value. Those looking for a thoughtfully designed high-performance shoe that offers great protection and excellent on and off-the-bike performance may be very happy with the ME7.

Conclusion

Shimano has done a nice job with the ME7. The thoughtful and purposeful design is ideal for trail and all-mountain riders, even adventurous types. The features, fit, protection, and performance that this shoe offers make it one of our absolute favorites. We highly recommend the ME7 to anyone seeking a comfortable all-mountain shoe with great performance both on and off the bike.