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Shimano's AM7 is designed as a flat pedal driver for all-mountain and downhill riders who need a capable do-it-all shoe. In terms of functionality, the AM7 is similar to other all-rounders in our test. Also, it features additions like ankle protection, lace cover, velcro strap, and an upper more suited to wetter and colder climates.
REASONS TO BUY
Good pedal grip in dry conditions
Ankle padding
Water resistance
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as attractive as other shoes
Poor pedal grip when wet
The shoe has good dry weather pedal grip and solid power transfer through a Vibram sole and shank plate while still retaining flexibility for walking and running. Not quite as heavy duty as more downhill-oriented shoes, the AM7 is still a high-level downhill performer that is more than capable for general riding and lengthy climbs too. Shimano has done an excellent job in designing a shoe for all-mountain and enduro riders who choose not to clip in.
New Version Released
Shimano is releasing the AM7 with significant updates to the shoe. Keep reading to see a summary of what's new!
May 2020
Our Analysis and Test Results
Updated AM7
The newest version of the AM7 looks outwardly similar to its predecessor, but has been revamped with a new proprietary outsole which is found throughout their mountain bike shoe line. The shoe also features a new protective toe cap and quicker drying uppers. The test and review information below is based on the previous version. The redesigned shoe is now available in two colors as well as women's sizing.
The updated AM7
Credit: Shimano stock image
Hands-On Review
Grip
Shimano chose to outfit the AM7 with an exclusive Vibram sole designed for positive pedal engagement. The sole pattern is a relatively fine pattern tread that grips pedal pins well, particularly pins with smaller diameter. The finer rubber pattern provides riders the ability to fine-tune foot position more easily than other tested shoes with deeper and more aggressive tread patterns.
The sole provides a secure pedal connection during all types of riding, from easy rolling to substantial climbing and technical downhill, enabling a natural pedal stroke. The AM7 creates the feeling of riding a clipless pedal without actually being clipped in. When we were in the air, the AM7 provided a stable connection to flat pedals that rivals Five Ten's rubber, although with less grip on wet pedals. The AM7's provide good traction while walking, but lose grip when the going gets wet or snowy.
The AM7's Vibram soles proved to be almost as sticky as 5.10's rubber
Comfort
Right out of the box with the stock insole, the AM7s had a good comfortable feel with a synthetic upper and EVA padding. The fit is narrower than Five Ten's shoes, especially in the forefoot and with a lower volume toe box. The AM7s kept our feet comfortable on multi-hour rides and substantial climbs and the EVA padding and a Vibram outsole cushion the shoe nicely and take the edge off chattery bumps and rock gardens. For added comfort, a protective midsole contributes to a comfortable ride.
The asymmetric ankle collar kept our ankles happy and protected but did occasionally rub and catch on crank arms. When conditions got wet and snowy, the AM7 provides more protection than several of the other shoes in our lineup through better moisture resistance, which sheds snow and water easily. When walking, the shoes were quite comfortable with good protection and abrasion resistance from sharp rocks and other trail obstacles.
Rigidity and Power Transfer
An important factor in pedaling efficiency is in the stiffness, or lack thereof, in the shoe's sole. A shoe with the stickiest rubber ever but lacking rigidity would completely lack performance in spite of the ultra-grippy rubber. On the other hand, try hiking up a rock garden in your road bike shoes…not so good. The AM7 strikes a great balance between rigidity and flexibility. One of our local test pieces requires a climb of several miles and approximately 2700 vertical feet of elevation gain. It's trails like this that really make the AM7 stand out.
The shoes helped us clock times on par with past rides on clipless shoes and pedals, which attests to the positive pedal connection and riding efficiency of the AM7s. A portion of the climbing involves rocky hike-a-bike sections that demonstrate the all-around balance in the shoe's abilities. A tradeoff lies in the overall walking ability of the shoe — the AM7 wouldn't be our first choice for walking around town after a ride. The shoes are not the most attractive for casual use with their “These are riding shoes!” style. The bottom line in this category is that the AM7 gave the rest of our test lineup a run (or ride) for its money.
Keeping those heels down made for a solid connection to the pedals.
Weight
Shoe weights didn't vary much in our test and this contender was right in the middle of the weight range. With such similarity across all of our tested models, only the most vigilant ounce shavers need to consider the difference.
Breathability
At first glance, the AM7 looks like it may be intended for wet and cold conditions, which it is, but it had a surprising amount of breathability in spite of appearances. By surprising, we mean a good strong average. While it was not the best in our test, it performed well enough in all but the hottest conditions. On the climb we mentioned above, the AM7 kept our feet comfortable in all but the sunniest sections. The solid black uppers soaked up the sun, which is both a plus and minus, depending on temperatures.
Braking power can be enhanced with flats by pushing into the pedals with the heels low
Durability
After just a few rides, sole durability was obviously superior. Though pedal grip is less with the AM7, the sole showed significantly less wear, which highlights the performance versus durability decision. The AM7 uppers exhibited above-average abrasion resistance, especially with the armored lace shield's protective layer. On a side note, the lace shield kept fine dust particles to a minimum, keeping our feet cleaner than with the other five shoes in our test. Overall, the AM7 seems to have the design and construction for a long life, whether riding cross country, enduro, or lift-served downhill.
The AM7's are a great choice for all mountain riding
Conclusion
The Shimano AM7 is a great pick for riders who are looking for a top-performing shoe no matter what terrain they're riding, especially those who find Five Ten's shoes a little too boxy in the forefoot. While designed in conjunction with world champion downhiller Gee Atherton, the AM7s are competent climbers while riding XC, enduro or downhill. Although not a waterproof winter option, the shoes were the best at shedding water and snow while sacrificing some breathability and off-the-bike style.
