Shimano ET7 and EX7 Touring Shoes

Here is an introduction to some of the Shimano shoes that are less commonly seen or heard of. Most of the time, you hear of the latest top grade cycling shoes such as the RC9 road shoe or the RX8 gravel shoes. However, Shimano actually has a wide range of shoes that cater to nearly every cycling usage you can think of, from top level competition models to basic casual models.

For practicality and everyday usage, here are two models which I like. Check out the pictures and descriptions below to see what I think of them!

Here are two types of touring shoes, the EX7 and the ET7. Details below.

Here is the Shimano ET7, which is an all-black touring shoe with a single Boa dial. It looks very non-descript and boring though.

Without the logo on the heel, no one would expect it to be from Shimano.

Comes with a single Boa dial and no velcro strap. The area on the top looks unfinished, as it feels like there should be a covering on top of the Boa laces.

Side view looks OK with the camo print on the sole, although it has the side profile of a safety boot.

Simple tongue structure that opens up really wide for easy foot access. Well padded for comfort.

These are non-SPD shoes, with a normal flat sole for comfortable walking. Designed for touring without cleats, where there would be more walking than pedaling.

Highlights of the ET7 shoe shown above:

1) Flat grippy sole for comfortable walking and pedaling on flat pedals.

2) Boa dial to put on and take off the shoes easily.

3) Well padded inner for all-day comfort.

4) Can be used as a normal walking shoe even when not cycling.

Next, check out the EX7 shoe below, which is also a touring shoe but with different characteristics.

Shimano EX7 touring shoe, looks trendy!

With the white sole and grey-white fabric upper, it looks very good, like one of the running shoes from the major shoe brands.

Shimano logo on the heel, along with a heel loop to make it easier to put on the shoe.

Single Boa dial, with an upper that wraps around the top of the foot snugly.

Shoe has a sock-like construction that cradles your foot even without a traditional tongue.

These EX7 shoes have SPD cleats, but also a wide grippy sole for comfortable walking.

The cleat slots are very rearwards compared to my other shoes such as the RX8 gravel shoes. I had to push the cleats on the EX7 shoe all the way forward, and even then it is not quite enough.

Looks just like running shoes!

This might be one of the best looking touring SPD shoes that I have seen.

Highlights of the EX7 shoe shown above:

1) SPD compatible for more efficient pedaling on the bike.

2) Despite having SPD cleats, the sole is still wide and grippy, and suitable for walking in.

3) Boa dial to put on and take off the shoes easily.

4) Looks good with the white sole and grey-white fabric upper.

Next, I did a comparison between the ET7 and EX7 touring shoes. They belong to the same family, but differ in some ways which makes them appeal to different riders.

ET7 on the left, EX7 on the right.

Boring black ET7 on the left vs the trendy grey-white EX7 on the right.

Rear view of the shoes

ET7 shoes (EU Size 42) weighs 674 grams for the pair.

EX7 shoes (EU Size 42) is heavier at 782 grams for the pair, including the cleats.

For comparison, the RX8 gravel shoes weigh 618 grams a pair including the cleats, so that is quite a bit lighter.

I also took this chance to compare the EX7 touring shoe with the RX8 gravel shoes.

Bronze RX8 gravel shoe on the left vs the EX7 touring shoe on the right.

The RX8 shoe has a much sharper slope at the front, and a very slim sole. This makes it look like a road cycling shoe which is the image I like.

EX7 shoe has a wider sole which makes it more stable when walking on uneven terrain.

RX8 gravel shoe has a sole that is mainly designed for cycling, with some lugs for the occasional walking.

The 3 shoes that I have shown in this post (RX8, EX7 and ET7) all appeal to riders in different ways. I would say they just lie on different points on the touring scale as described below.

Serious (>95% cycling) ---------- Casual (50-95% cycling) ---------- Occasional (<50% cycling)

For serious tourers with high mileage, the RX8 would be most suitable as you are spending most of your time cycling with only a bit of walking. However, if you are less experienced with lower mileage, the EX7 may be more suitable as you will be pedaling less and walking more. Lastly, if you are mainly doing short rides with flat pedals on your bike and longer walks, the ET7 would suit you better.

How I would use these pairs of Shimano cycling shoes in my context:

1) For longer rides such as commuting or half/round island, I use the RX8 shoes for maximum pedaling efficiency and lower weight. Only time I am walking is at the rest stops.

2) When there is a mixture of cycling and walking, I would use the EX7 touring shoes. Example would be to ride the Birdy folding bike to Jurong Lake Gardens, where I would be walking around the playground and BBQ pits.

3) If there is mainly walking with a bit of cycling, I might use the ET7 shoes. Even if there is no cycling, I can use the ET7 shoes as a casual walking shoe, although it is a bit stiffer than the usual running shoes. In fact, the wide grippy sole makes it ideal for skateboarding or scootering.