Shimano SH-ET5W ebike shoes in review
An average person in Germany owns around 15 pairs of shoes. Is it worth investing in yet another pair for ebike use? Up until now, regular trainers have done the trick for ebike rides. Or are Shimano’s SH-ET5W shoes capable of more than just looking good? We found out whether it’s worth investing in eMTB specific shoes.
Our tester and ebike newcomer Susanne asked herself whether she really needed Shimano’s SH-ET5W ebike specific shoes when she was given a pair to test. The first time putting them on, it’s clear that these flat pedal shoes will be comfortable both on and off the bike. The shoes offer a snug fit and the toe box isn’t overly stiff, perfect for those times when you have to carry the bike over an obstacle or push it across unrideable terrain. They also offer enough grip on muddy trails.
That said, we’re a lot more interested in how they perform on the bike. Even beginners will immediately notice the difference compared to conventional sneakers or hiking boots. Thanks to the specially shaped sole with adaptive cross-grooves, the soles stick to the pins of your pedals and you’ll feel securely connected to the bike. A pleasant side effect is a reduced risk of injuring yourself by accidentally slipping off the pedals. Bike specific shoes also prevent your normal sports shoes from getting destroyed by the pins on flat pedals. The reinforced toe box also provides additional protection for your toes.
The Shimano SH-ET5W also convinced us in terms of power transmission, thanks to the semi-rigid midsole. The soles provide a good balance between stiffness for pedalling and flexibility while walking, meaning these bike shoes are well suited to riders who don’t like carrying a second pair of shoes to walk around in during or after a ride. Nonetheless, we wouldn’t recommend them as hiking shoes since the reinforced soles are too stiff for longer distances. However, they offer a safe riding experience on easy trails. The finishing quality, comfort and functionality are equally good, justifying the price of just under € 100. The Shimano SH-ET5W fit true to size but if you’re between sizes, we recommend choosing the larger option.
The Shimano SH ET5W ebike shoes are functional and very comfortable to wear. The sole construction makes them ideal for longer rides and easy trails. The reinforced toe box offers additional protection. With these, there’s nothing to stop you from taking a short walk in between rides. Overall, they offer many good reasons to invest in a pair of ebike specific shoes.
Tops
- comfortable fit, lightweight
- the soles offer a lot of grip on flat pedals
- reinforced toe box
- flexible enough to walk in comfortably
Flops
- not recommended as a hiking shoe due to the reinforced soles
Tester: Susanne
Test duration: 8 months
Price: RRP € 99.95
Weight: 696 g (size 42, US 9.5)
For more information, visit shimano-steps.com
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Words: Susanne Feddersen Photos: Jonas Müssig
