Test: With the Shimano ME7, we tested the Japanese manufacturer's new enduro and trail shoe. At first glance, it is very similar to its direct predecessor - but this impression is deceptive and many small and large improvements have been made. The ME7 proved to be an extremely good all-rounder and excelled where SPD shoes are traditionally weak: next to the pedal.
With the new Shimano ME7, the Japanese bicycle giant presented the successor to the successful SH-M200 model at the end of last year. The area of application remains the same - the ME7 is also classified somewhere between trail and enduro and thus ranks at the upper gravity end of Shimano's SPD shoe range for 2017. At first glance, the resemblance to its predecessor is obvious point. There is, of course, the visually dominant Velcro strap on the top, which, like before, hides a speed lacing system. The ratchet, which is well known to Shimano fans, now sits above it again to ensure a tight fit.
But the ME7 is much more than an optically polished new edition of its predecessor. The innovations already start at the toe of the shoe: The toe box is now significantly more spacious than before. On the one hand, this offers the toes more freedom and thus more comfort, but also leaves some leeway when choosing the size, because the forefoot does not pinch as quickly. Speaking of sizes: As is typical for Shimano, the ME7 is rather narrow and quite small. We would generally advise taking it one size larger than 'normal'. However, the toe area is not only much more spacious than before, but also better protected from the outside than was the case with the M200. Even with hard stone contact, the hard forefoot area reliably protects the toes.
From the toes to the other end of the foot - here too the ME7 is a touch more robust than its predecessor. We particularly liked the neoprene foot cuffs on the top. This means that you are not restricted in your movements as much as is the case with high heels, but you still have an additional protective layer that is also flush with the leg - so nasty pebbles don't stand a chance and stay where they belong: on the trails.
No question, the M200 was already a very good shoe, but a few details marred the otherwise good impression. This also included the plastic ratchet on the bottom side of the shoe – in an extremely exposed position. An unfavorable rock contact and the plastic part was torn off; Shimano learned from this mistake. The Shimano ME7 also has this plastic ratchet, but the locking mechanism is now higher up on the strap itself and is much better protected. The handling has remained the same and is sometimes a bit notchy, especially when dirt and grime have settled in the gaps.
The showpiece of the new ME7 is on the underside of the shoe: The completely revised sole was designed together with rubber and tire specialist Michelin and is – to put it in a nutshell – in a class of its own, especially off the bike Profile is not overwhelmed with high and coarse lugs even in deep forest soil. The real secret, however, lies in the dual density rubber compound: Michelin relies on two different degrees of hardness, while the blue part of the sole is somewhat harder and more durable, a soft and particularly non-slip rubber compound is used for the most part.
However, a soft rubber compound does not mean a soft sole: Shimano classifies its ME7 with a sole stiffness of 8/12. Thanks to the well-known Torbal system, which allows the sole to be twisted slightly without sacrificing stiffness in the crucial area, the shoe should still offer enough room and not be too restrictive on wild trail rides. The cleats can be moved over a large area of approx. 3,5cm - so if you prefer to stand a little more centrally on the pedal, you have all the freedom with the ME7.
Shimano ME7: On the trail
We tested the Shimano ME7 on various trails in southern Germany over a longer period of time. The shoe had to prove itself with the in-house Shimano pedals as well as with Crank Brothers Candy. First of all: the comfort is at an extremely high level for a sporty SPD shoe. Once you have found your right size and no problem with the rather narrow fit of the Shimano shoes, you forget the ME7 just a few seconds after putting them on. The padding on the inside is thicker than average, but that didn't bother us in any way - but it could get warm quickly in summer. Mesh inserts at the front and back and the perforated side panel provide enough fresh air. The weather protection is good and even the mesh material on the forefoot resists puddles, snow and rain for a remarkably long time. However, once the moisture penetrates the shoe, it takes a very long time before it dries completely again.
Despite the high studs, clicking in works without any problems: We didn't have any problems even with the slightly lower pedals from Crank Brothers. The power transmission is good, but a little bit of flex is always noticeable. If you want to bring every watt onto the trail without compromise, you could be a little disappointed - but the ME7 is not an XC race shoe and the flex also has advantages: The comfort is great and the freedom of the Torbal sole allows you to - especially if it gets really rough - move it nicely on the pedal.
If you have to get off your bike during the ride and there are unpopular carrying or pushing passages, then the Shimano ME7 is in absolute top form. If it's 'just' a very good SPD shoe on the bike, then next to the bike it's the benchmark for us against which the competition will have to be measured in the future. The lugs reliably drill themselves into deep ground and the rubber compound from Michelin lets the shoe literally stick to the ground. Even on wet roots or on mossy stones, we only slipped in exceptional cases.
