Shimano SH-GF600 Review

Analysis and Test Results

Our testers were impressed with the GF600 shoe. They are an excellent choice for the average trail rider and the subtle styling might be appealing to many. Power transfer was adequate, the shoes were quite comfortable, and they have a great off-the-bike feel. While the rubber compound might not be quite as sticky as some prominent brands in this review class, they still a great shoe that should be widely available for many riders.

Grip

The GF600 offers adequate levels of grip. Shimano uses their Ultread GF outsole. This rubber compound is supposed to have slower rebound properties compared to prior Shimano flat pedal shoe models. The sole is covered with raised hexagonal patches that protrude approximately 2mm from the sole. These raised traction blocks are tightly compacted where the pedal contacts the shoe and are more widely spaced at the toe and heel.

When perched upon our Crank Brothers pedals, we could feel the pins engage the rubber sole. The metal pins are locked in nicely between some of the traction blocks on the shoe. The rubber compound felt significantly harder compared to some of our favorite flat shoes. That being said, the grip is sufficient and is worth a try for riders who have traditionally stuck with a few major brands. When plowing through chop and rough trails, it was easy to stay connected to the pedals. Repositioning your foot on the pedals was intuitive, and these shoes don't feel too grippy.

Fit and Comfort

The GF600 have an interesting fit profile. Shimano calls this their Volume Trail Last where the fit is snug through the midfoot to the ball of the foot. Despite this somewhat narrower fit, the toe box is quite spacious. We found the fit to be excellent even if the toebox was a bit roomier than we would have liked. The snug fit in the mid-foot aided bike control and precision.

The cushioned synthetic leather upper shoe feels great against the foot. We didn't experience any hotspots or pressure points throughout testing. The average, slightly thin tongue felt pleasant against the top of the foot. The quality is flat, and the laces were a nice touch. The full-length EVA Midsole felt plush and pleasant under our feet. Even on rough and jagged trails, our feet felt protected and comfortable.

Rigidity and Power Transfer

These shoes offer solid power transfer. You will never mistake them for some ultra-stiff XC or DH shoes, but they are more than suitable for average trail-riding duties.

The full-length nylon sole strikes a nice balance between rigidity and flexibility. As a do-it-all trail shoe, the GF600 has a bit of a goldilocks attitude. It is neither too stiff nor too flimsy. When you get up out of the saddle to hammer, you can feel the portion of the sole that hangs off the pedal start to flex a bit. It's not crippling, but there is some energy loss. On the other hand, when you are standing around the parking lot before and after your ride, the shoe has an excellent walking motion. There is a nice amount of flex built into the ball of the foot.

Breathability

The Shimano GF600 isn't as visually bulky or padded as some of the other flat shoes in this test class. Their silhouette is definitely on the trimmer side of the spectrum. As a result, they don't feel quite as toasty when the mercury rises.

There are some perforations on the outside of the midshoe section that extend towards the heel. There are also perforations on the top of the toe box. It is always difficult to tell exactly how well these features work. What we can say is these shoes posted a slightly above-average score in terms of ventilation and breathability. We rode these shoes in temperatures climbing into the 80s, and while they aren't the most breathable, they are far from the least breathable.

Durability

We tested these shoes for a few months in the early-mid spring in Washington State. This particularly damp time of year was a good test to see how these shoes held up. They logged big miles, got caked in mud, soaked in sweat, and worn in below-freezing temperatures. We observed no signs of premature breakdown of materials. The stitching remains tight and clean and the seams haven't started to lift or separate. The sole doesn't show any significant signs of wear.

Weight

At 504 grams per shoe, the GF600 is on the heavier end of the spectrum. They don't feel particularly heavy on the trail, but the numbers don't lie. The trail rider who might be interested in purchasing these shoes may or may not be weight-conscious.

Should You Buy the Shimano SH-GF600?

We liked the GF600 as an alternative to some major players like FiveTen and Giro that dominate these the mountain bike segment. While Shimano is a giant in the industry, their shoes fly a bit under the radar. We liked these shoes and they fit quite well. Unfortunately, it is too hard to ignore some of the top performers in this test class that cost significantly less.

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