Mountain bikers who prefer flat pedals have plenty of solid shoe options to choose from. After all, flats are pretty simple compared to clipless-pedal shoes, so much so that even a pair of sneakers will generally work out just fine on a set of flat pedals. Still, there are a select few pairs of mountain bike shoes that stand tall above the other flats. Among them: the Shimano GF600s.
Shimano GF600 key specs
- Weight: 975g / pair with mud (size 46 EU)
- Price: $180 (currently $135 at retailers linked below)
- Buy from Jenson USA and Backcountry
Alternatively referred to as the GF600 and GF6, the “GF” stands for “gravity flat,” and this particular model sits in the middle of Shimano’s flat pedal shoe lineup. The GF600 features a synthetic leather upper, an EVA midsole, and an “Ultread GF” rubber outsole in a hexagonal pattern.
A true trail riding shoe
I don’t remember when I first started wearing these Shimano GF600 shoes, but it’s been close to a year, if not more. From the deserts of Tucson to the forests of North Carolina, and everywhere in between, these shoes have been my go-to.
On the bike, pedal pins dig into the Shimano GF600 outsole and don’t let go, like a thumbtack to a tire. As best I can tell, the Ultread GF rubber isn’t quite as soft and sticky as Five Ten Stealth rubber. The upshot is there’s probably less wear on my GF600 soles after a year of riding than I would have seen with a pair of FiveTens.
The hexagonal tread pattern offers decent traction off the bike, though it’s not as confident a hike-a-biker as the Lems Trail Thrasher with its boot-like tread.
Looking at the Shimano flat pedal shoe line, as you move up from the entry-level, the soles get stiffer, and the closures get more secure. With a medium-stiff sole and a simple lace closure, the Shimano GF600 shoe strikes a nice balance for trail riding. Unlike most of the flat pedal shoes I’ve tested, the GF600s are stiff enough for me for most rides, from all-day epics in the mountains to local sprints after work. Off the bike, the EVA midsole feels pretty close to a sneaker, with good flexibility for walking over uneven terrain.
Though the laces work just fine for securing the shoe, I think the GF600s could benefit from adding a hook-and-loop top strap. The more expensive GF800s feature a BOA closure, which is nice and secure, though it’s overkill for my needs. Shimano thoughtfully includes a stretchy lace-keeper sewn to the shoe’s tongue to ensure laces don’t get snagged or caught in your drivetrain.
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The synthetic leather (plastic) uppers have proven to be very durable over hundreds of miles of shredding, showing surprisingly little wear. Though the uppers are vented, there’s not a lot of airflow, so the shoes can feel toasty on the hottest summer days. The upshot is that water is slower to get inside the shoe when you’re riding through puddles or find yourself caught in a light rain shower.
A raised inside heel adds ankle protection, which is great for riders like me with a stubbornly narrow stance that sees heels rubbing on the bike’s crank arms. The toe box has a bit of reinforcement as well, which has proven effective at blunting the pain of running toe-first into rocks and roots.
Frankly I’m surprised to see that the GF600 shoes weigh over 100g more than another shoe I’ve been wearing recently, the Lems Trail Thrasher. Compared to that shoe and others, the GF600s are not lightweight, though I can’t say their heft is particularly noticeable when trail riding.
Fits true to size with a wide toe box
I prefer a wide toe box shoe, and the Shimano GF600 delivers without going overboard. The shoe isn’t as wide as the intentionally wide Lems Trail Thrasher; I’d say it’s on par with the pair of Five Ten Freerider canvas shoes I own. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that these are among my top three favorite flat pedal bike shoes of all time.
With the generous toe box, the GF600s seem to fit true to size. They’re available in black and brown (tested), though to my eye the brown borders on almost an olive-green color. In fact, the color isn’t too far off from a couple of other flat pedal shoes I own, the Fox Unions and Northwave Tailwhips.
Pros and cons of Shimano GF600 shoe review
Pros
- Durable, water-resistant uppers
- Good medium stiffness sole
- Smart features like a lace keeper and inside ankle protection
Cons
- Heavier than many flat pedal shoes and not as well vented
- Could benefit from a more secure closure
Bottom line
The Shimano GF600 flat pedal mountain bike shoe strikes an ideal balance of stiffness, grip, and durability, making it one of my top choices for trail riding.
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