Product Review

Most recreational riders don't need a shoe quiver, but it's still sweet to have kicks that can handle everything from cruises to race day. Shimano's SH-M089 Mountain Bike Shoes excel when the going gets variable, with a combination of power, comfort, and adaptability that sets them apart from most other trail shoes out there. The synthetic leather and mesh upper is tough, flexible, and breathable, and it resists stretching so you don't wake up one morning to find that your shoes don't fit anymore. By combining a ratcheting top strap with two smaller hook-and-loop straps, Shimano endows the SH-M089 with a highly adjustable fit, relieving the pinch that can be caused by strong push-off, especially when you're out of the saddle. The toe box has a little extra room (and the SH-M089 is available in a wide version, for the fat-footed among us), and the extra-cushioned midsole takes the sting out of hard technical riding and rugged descents. Not content to settle for comfort, Shimano designed the SH-M089 with its TORBAL torsional midsole, which allows for a more natural side-to-side "flowing" motion, particularly during descents. This makes for smoother, more predictable cornering without sacrificing power during climbs. The sole, a composite of nylon and fiberglass, puts plenty of power down into the pedals. A wide range of cleat adjustability adds to the M089's versatility, as does the outsole's high-traction rubber, which makes for easier hike-a-bikes and parking-lot traverses.