Shimano XM9 Gore-Tex SPD MTB Bike Shoes Grey Size 46

Deciding what pair of shoes to take on a mountain biking trip can often be pretty tough. Youve got to consider riding and walking comfort, and, if youre familiar with road shoes, these definitely dont go hand in hand. Thankfully, for the more off-road stuff, Shimano provide options which combine the two like salt and pepper. Their XM7 and XM9 shoe varieties are comfortable, SPD kicks which not only allow you to ride well, but also to walk well too.

The overall shape of them is reminiscent of a bush walking style shoe. They have a very thick construction, and feel solid in the hands. This heavy duty texture is thanks to the natural, top-grain-cattle Nubuck leather exterior, which has a reinforced rubber toe box for protection and durability. The Nubuck leather is buffed on the grain side to produce a velvet like feel which is resistant to wear. The outer sole of the shoe is made with the Vibram technology, which is a delightfully strong and durable compound that provides you with superior grip and foot control in all conditions. To completely cap it all off, you get a Gore-Tex waterproof comfort liner to keep your feet dry. All of this is healed together with the mini power strap closure system to keep them snugly on your feet.

The XM9s differentiate from the XM7s in a few ways, perhaps the biggest of is the size. The XM9s are a mid-top variety, meaning they come right the way up the ankle. This style of shoe is preferable for wilder conditions where you need more ankle protection and stability, and Shimano clearly understood this and have also added some strategic ankle padding which hooks towards your ankle to stop debris getting inside. The XM9 is a little more heavy-duty in more ways than one however, and another small difference are the metallic shoelace guides which are firmly dug into the outer of the shoe which anchor the laces.