SHIMANO’S AM45 IS a superpopular shoe among gravity riders and for good reason. There’s a flat pedal version too – the 140$ AM41 – but the AM45 sole is still flexible enough for plenty of feel on platform clipless pedals. It droops a bit when you’re pedalling hard but not so much that you get painful hot spots over the cleats.
Like most BMX style shoes, muddy grip is poor, but it’s a decent walker
in the dry. Rubberised bumpers and a raised inside cuff keep feet well
protected at the expense of crank and rear stay paintwork.
Simple laces keep the fit accurate and secure, and the big lace flap
makes the AM45 impressively weatherproof. The shoe’s already high weight
rockets if it gets sodden but its tough versatility makes it a real bargain.
Weight 1,222g
Sizes 38-48
PRICE: 116$
