Shimano Brake Pads

Shimano disc brake pads are designed to deliver consistent braking, excellent modulation, and reliable performance across road, gravel, MTB, and e-bike riding. With multiple pad shapes, compounds, and cooling technologies available, selecting the correct pad depends on your riding style, terrain, and Shimano groupset.

Use the guide below to find the right Shimano brake pad for your bike.

Brake Pad Compounds Explained

Resin / Organic Pads

Best for: Road, gravel, XC, commuting

• Quiet braking
• Smooth modulation
• Less rotor wear
• Shorter lifespan in wet or muddy conditions

Metallic / Sintered Pads

Best for: Trail, enduro, downhill, e-bikes

• Strong braking in wet and muddy conditions
• Long pad life
• Excellent heat resistance
• Can be noisier and increase rotor wear

Ice-Tech Pads (Cooling Fins or Aluminum Core)

Best for: Long descents, aggressive riding, heavier riders

• Improved heat dissipation
• Reduces brake fade
• Maintains consistent braking under load

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Shimano Brake Pad Models, Use Cases & Groupset Compatibility

J03A / J05A – Resin Ice-Tech

Compound: Resin
Cooling: Aluminum core with cooling fins

Typically used on:

• XTR (M9100, M9000)
• Deore XT (M8100, M8000)
• SLX (M7100, M7000)
• Alfine (S785, S700)

H03A – Metallic Ice-Tech

Compound: Metallic
Cooling: Cooling fins

Typically used on:

• XT (M8100 / M8120)
• XTR (M9100 / M9120)
• SLX (M7100)
• E-MTB Shimano systems

Best for: Aggressive trail, enduro, and e-bike use
Buy these if: You ride hard, brake often, or need maximum stopping power and heat resistance.

N03A – Resin (No Fins)

Compound: Resin

Typically used on:

• XTR (M9100, M9000)
• Deore XT (M8100, M8000)
• SLX (M7100, M7000)

Best for: XC, gravel, commuting
Buy these if: You want a quiet, lightweight pad for everyday riding without added cooling fins.

N04C – Metallic (No Fins)

Compound: Metallic

Typically used on:

• XTR (M9100, M9000)
• Deore XT (M8100, M8000)
• SLX (M7100, M7000)

Best for: Trail riding in wet or muddy conditions
Buy these if: You want durability and consistent braking in all weather.

M05 – Resin

Compound: Resin

Typically used on:

• Tiagra hydraulic
• Deore
• Entry-level Shimano hydraulic brakes

Best for: Recreational road and MTB riding
Buy these if: You want a reliable, budget-friendly replacement pad.

G04S / G05S – Metallic

Compound: Metallic

Typically used on:

• XTR (M9100, M9000)
• Deore XT (M8100, M8000)
• SLX (M7100, M7000)
• Alfine (S785, S700)

Best for: Trail, enduro, and e-MTB
Buy these if: You prioritize pad life and braking power over noise.

G05A – Resin Ice-Tech

Compound: Resin
Cooling: Aluminum core with cooling fins

Typically used on:

• XTR (M9100, M9000)
• Deore XT (M8100, M8000)
• SLX (M7100, M7000)
• Alfine (S785, S700)

Best for: Trail riders who want quieter braking with better heat control
Buy these if: You want Ice-Tech cooling without switching to metallic pads.

L05A – Resin

Compound: Resin

Typically used on:

• Dura-Ace (R9270, R9170)
• Ultegra (R8270, R8170)
• 105 (R7100)
• Tiagra (R4770)
• GRX (RX820, RX600)

L04C – Metallic

Compound: Metallic

Typically used on:

• Dura-Ace (R9270, R9170)
• Ultegra (R8270, R8170)
• 105 (R7100)
• Tiagra (R4770)
• GRX (RX820, RX600)

These pads are the non-resin version of the L05A pads.

B05S – Resin

Compound: Resin

Typically used on:

• Deore
• Alivio
• Acera
• Entry-level Shimano hydraulic systems

Best for: City bikes and recreational MTB
Buy these if: You want quiet, predictable braking at a great value.

D03S – Metallic

Compound: Metallic

Typically used on:

• Deore XT
• SLX
• Deore
• Saint

Best for: Wet, muddy trail riding
Buy these if: You need reliable braking in harsh conditions.

Which Shimano Pad Should You Choose?

• Road & gravel (Dura-Ace / Ultegra / 105 / GRX):
  L05A, L04C
• Trail & XC (Deore / SLX / XT / XTR):
  J03A, J05A, H03A, N03A, N04C, G04S, G05S, G05A, D03S
• Commuting and City (Deore / Tiagra / Alivio / Acera):
  M05, D03S

• Quiet braking: Resin pads
• Wet conditions & durability: Metallic pads
• Long descents & heat control: Ice-Tech pads

Shimano BP-K05S-RX – Resin

Compound: Resin
Backing Plate: Steel
Cooling: No cooling fins (standard profile)

Typically used on:

XTR (M9100, M9000)
Deore XT (M8100, M8000)
SLX (M7100, M7000)
Alfine (S700, S785)

Deore (M6100, M6000)

Compatibility Reminder

Always confirm caliper compatibility before purchasing. Shimano brake pads are shape-specific, and not all pads fit all calipers — even within the same groupset.