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The Brand of the Brave, also known as Five Ten dominates the scene of high-performance, high-friction, and unique footwear. They create footwear for the world’s most dangerous sports.
Their collections of shoes include rock climbing shoes, kayaking shoes, mountain biking, etc. Founded in 1985, this California-based footwear brand integrated with the Adidas Outdoor team in 2017.
Actually, Adidas acquired the brand in 2011. Named after a hard rating in the Yosemite Decimal System of rock climbing grades, Five Ten was started by Charles Cole, a chemist with a passion for climbing. Five Tennie was their first rock climbing shoe. And they sell different types of outdoor shoes ever since!
The model had “Stealth Rubber” which offered a better grip. And by the 90s, Stealth Rubber became the standard for high-friction, tacky, and high-performance soles on rock climbing shoes worldwide.
However, since Five Ten was purchased by Adidas for $25 million, it became a part of Adidas’s outdoor division. And Adidas infuses Five Ten with the latest technologies and innovations ever since.
In today’s article, I will review some of the most popular five ten mountain bike shoes. I will also answer some of your frequently asked questions about the brand, so let’s begin right away.
Best Five Ten Mountain Bike Shoes
When looking for a great grip on the trail or bike, look no further than Five Ten. It’s a cult brand that manufactures shoes that even free-riders and mountain bikers like Danny Mac Askill appreciate thanks to their Stealth Rubber component. They’re available for males, females, and children.
People trust Five Ten because they create very comfortable, long-lasting, and unique shoes with a casual look. They’re available for SPD click pedals and flat pedals, depending on the riding style.
However, choosing the right model can be overwhelming due to the wide selection of different Five Ten mountain bike shoes. Their mountain bike shoes look similar and even have similar names but different purposes. Now, let’s review some of the most popular mountain bike shoes by Five Ten.
Five Ten Sleuth
If you’re looking for something casual, look no further than the Five Ten Sleuth model. It doesn’t have Stealth rubber. Meaning, it’s nothing overly fancy in terms of materials.
Think of this model as a skate shoe like a pair of Vans. It’s available in a slip-on version. However, that version isn’t suitable for MTB. What I like most about this model is the pedal-gripping rubber.
I also like the classic style which makes this model great for different activities such as working, playing, or school activities. The best part? They’re affordable mountain bike shoes.
Five Ten Sleuth DLX
The Five Ten Sleuth DLX resembles the regular Sleuth. However, it’s made with mountain bikers in mind. It’s still considered a casual everyday sneaker but also makes a great pair of bike shoes.
This model has the legendary Stealth Phantom rubber sole, heel cup, and toe box protector. The regular Sleuth lacks these features. Therefore, this model makes a great choice for less extreme riding.
It’s suitable for riding in fairer weather and terrain. However, you can still wear this model regularly. It’s a super versatile shoe that provides all-day comfort and comes at a very reasonable price.
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Five Ten Freerider
Searching for classic do-it-all flat pedal mountain bike shoes? If so, the Five Ten Freerider makes a great choice for you. Made of recycled content, this model is versatile and very durable.
This blend of leather and mesh comes with a dotty tread design made of Stealth S1. It’s less fancy compared to the Five Ten Sleuth DLX. However, it’s designed with mountain bikers in mind.
Thanks to the Stealth S1, you will enjoy a versatile high-friction grip both on and off your bike as well as a dotty tread for exceptional pedal traction to help everything you do on your bike.
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Five Ten Freerider DLX
The Five Ten Freerider DLX is the upgraded version of the Freerider. The best part about these mountain bike shoes is their DWR (durable water repellent) treated upper for quick drying. This upgrade decreases the damp weather sogginess that standard Freeriders can’t handle.
They also have a Stealth S1 sticky dotty rubber sole. At first glance, they resemble the standard Freerider model. However, they provide greater durability thanks to the synthetic and coated upper. They’re quite versatile as well. They’re suitable for both bike and regular activities.
Five Ten Freerider Pro
The Five Ten Freerider Pro surpasses the standard Freerider and Freerider DLX in many different ways. For starters, they’re lighter and dry quicker than the previous models.
They also have a toe protection box. However, they still provide the dotty Stealth S1 sole. The best part about this popular model is the ergonomically created insole or OrthoLite sock liner. 
They also provide a molded EVA midsole. This layer of shock-absorbing material between your foot and the pedal provides both additional comfort and control which is worth mentioning!
Made of recycled content, these shoes make a perfect choice for those who enjoy full days on their bike regularly. They’re stylish, high-performance, and affordable shoes.
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Five Ten Trailcross LT
Searching for something flexible enough for walking and stiff and sturdy enough for pedaling? The Five Ten Trailcross LT can definitely meet your needs thanks to the lightweight yet sturdy design.
This model has a lightweight and breathable upper for extra flexibility as well as comfort both on and off the bike. The tongue is also flexible. The Five Ten Trailcross LT has the Stealth Phantom rubber sole.
You can wear these mountain bike shoes for hiking, walking, or other activities on any terrain. They look amazing! They’re good-looking shoes with pedal-gripping trails for full control of the pedals.
Five Ten Hellcat
The Five Ten Hellcat is a clipless pedal model that’s lightweight and looks epic! Thanks to the 3/4 length shank, they’re stiff for pedaling but also provide flexibility when hiking.
They’re loaded with Stealth C4 rubber sole which is created to decrease vibrations while still providing a good grip, laces, and Velcro top strap closure. The best part? They’re comfortable out of the box.
The upper is made of a mix of synthetic fabric and leather for extra durability. However, what I really like about this model is the fully perforated tongue for additional breathability.
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Five Ten Hellcat Pro
I really like how these shoes look! However, they’re not only good-looking mountain bike shoes but also high-performance shoes for aggressive and gravity-fueled riding.
Made mostly of recycled content, these shoes provide durability and flexibility. They’re made to remain stiff when paddling. However, they still provide some flex when walking.
Packed with dotty Stealth C4 rubber soles, laces, and Velcro top strap closure, these stylish shoes make a perfect choice for every passionate mountain biker. They also have a molded sock liner and abrasion-resistant weldings. The only downside of Hellcat is the high price.
Five Ten Kestrel Lace
At first glance, you will notice the difference in the sole between Kestrel Lace and the other models I’ve mentioned above. They have a much bigger cleat box, so they offer greater pedal compatibility.
This model of mountain bike shoes also has a Stealth C4 rubber outsole and a compression-molded EVA midsole for great shock absorption with a nylon shank. Furthermore, they’re compatible with all SPD pedals.
Other impressive features include a non-slip heel cup to lower torsional flex, PU coated synthetic upper and Velcro lace strap. Overall, it’s the ultimate mountain bike shoe with a sleek, low-profile design.
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Five Ten Kestrel Pro Boa
The Five Ten Kestrel Pro Boa resembles the Kestrel Lace in many ways. However, it’s much stiffer. Made of hydrophobic materials, this model ensures super quick drying. However, what’s impressive about this model is the Boa Fit System for micro-adjustment, and secure and consistent hold.
They also feature a perforated EVA tongue with mesh overlay and a lightweight EVA midsole. Other key features include a stiff carbon-infused nylon shank and a non-slip heel cup. Overall, it’s a very advanced model. However, it’s also expensive and intended for experienced mountain bikers.
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Are 5 10s Worth It?
It depends on the model and what you’re looking for. Some of their models perform better than others. In my opinion, they’re worth a try if you’re looking for something reasonably-priced and reliable.
If you’re looking for the stickiest shoe out there, look no further than Five Ten. The sizing can be bizarre. However, they still provide super grippy soles, high-quality materials, and simple but epic designs.
Are Five Tens True To Size?
The sizing can be bizarre for Five Ten mountain bike shoes. However, they’re usually true to size. Their climbing shoes, on the other hand, run half-a-size to a full-size smaller than the other brands in that scene.
Are Five Tens Good For Hiking?
Absolutely! Five Tens make a great choice for walking and hiking. They have amazing hiking abilities. But they also have reduced sole stiffness and power transfer.
The traction and pedal grip, on the other hand, aren’t comparable with those of other shoes due to the Five Ten Stealth Phantom rubber element.
Wrap Up
The truth is that you don’t need to buy biking-specific shoes for casual riding with flat pedals. Start with a pair of skate shoes, cross-trainers, or running footwear. And they will do the job just fine!
However, as you progress, you will need to invest in a reliable pair of mountain bike shoes. The Five Ten mountain biking shoes offer better foot protection, power transfer, and grip than regular shoes.
Hopefully, this article can help you select the right mountain bike shoes for you. Please, share this article where you see fit.
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