Best Flat Pedal Mountain Bike Shoe
Weight: 1 lb. 11.6 oz.What we like: Proven design with very sticky rubber.What we dont: Not the most durable and less efficient than a clipless shoe.
Combining legendary grip and a comfortable interior, Five Tens Freerider is a long-time favorite. The shoes main calling card is its sticky Stealth S1 rubber and dotty tread pattern, which provide a reliable and secure connection to your pedals for everything from long uphill grinds to popping off jumps and navigating technical features. In addition, the shoes midsole strikes a nice balance of stiffness to avoid hotspots while retaining enough flexibility and traction on rock for the occasional hike-a-bike . Finally, the reinforced toe box and thick upper material offer decent protection and give the shoe its signature look.
Like all platform shoes, one of the downsides of the Five Ten Freerider is that you lose some efficiency and power by not being connected to the pedals. Additionally, the Freeriders soft rubber has a reputation for breaking down fairly quickly, and high-mileage users will find they need to replace their shoes annually . But the shorter lifespan is a fair tradeoff for the fantastic grip the shoe offers, and theres simply nothing else on the market that can match the Freeriders all-around abilities for the price. And for a lighter and more protective variation of the shoe, check out the Freerider Pro below.
Stiffness And Power Transfer
A stiff build underfoot is a defining feature of mountain bike shoesits what allows you to put the power down to the pedals. But the level of stiffness varies quite a bit by model. For example, a dedicated cross-country racing shoe like the Specialized S-Works Recon is incredibly rigid and awkward to walk in, while a budget-friendly trail model like the Giro Jacket II is flexible enough to wear every day. Unfortunately there isnt an established measurement for comparing stiffness , but in general, rigidity increases with price and level of seriousness. Racers, particularly those in events that require a decent amount of pedaling, will want the stiffest shoes around. For the rest of us, a well-balanced design like the Shimano SH-ME5 or Five Ten Freerider is a better match.
Taking a closer look at construction, manufacturers incorporate stiffness in a few ways. A standard option for a moderately rigid shoe like the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit is to insert a ¾-length shank into the midsole. This provides decent strength for pedaling and makes it more comfortable to stand for extended periods, while retaining enough flexibility to walk around. Race-ready designs incorporate strong materials like carbon fiber into the entire length of the sole. This maximizes stiffness for putting power down but compromises in walkability and comfort. The most flexible designs are the cheapest and rely simply on a thick midsole and rubber outsole for shock absorption and rigidity.
Pedal Compatibility: Clipless Vs Flat
Clipless ShoesOne of the first steps in narrowing down your mountain bike shoe search is determining pedal compatibility. Starting with clipless designs, these shoes allow you to connect or clip directly into the pedal with a metal cleat . The big upside of being connected is its easier to put the power down and pedal efficiently. This makes clipless a popular choice for longer rides and XC use. It also can be comforting to not have to worry about foot slippage while hitting jumps or riding through semi-technical terrain. That said, it takes some time to get comfortable with being clipped in and build up the muscle memory to kick the heel out to disconnect. And even once its second nature, you still wont be able to get your foot off the pedal as quickly as with a flat pedal option. As such, clipless shoes arent as popular among beginner ridersunless theyre coming from a road riding backgroundand fewer folks use them at the bike park or on very rough downhill trails.
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Winter Mountain Bike Shoes
Feet and toes are ruthlessly exposed to the elements while riding and very liable to numb out in the colder months, but this is where a winter-specific shoe can be a big help. Look for shoes with a waterproof liner to keep your feet dry and warm , a sealed cleat bed to keep water out while splashing through puddles , and a glove-friendly or simple closure system. Five Ten’s Trailcross GTX, with a high neoprene cuff and Gore-Tex liner, does a great job of incorporating all these features into a streamlined and relatively lightweight package. While such a shoe is not recommended for year-round use, it can be a solid investment for dedicated cyclists. And take note: if your winter months are especially brutal, it can be a good idea to size up a half to full size to make room for thick socks.
Sustainable Five Ten Freerider Mtb Shoes
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Awesome shoes
Andrei T – 25/08/2022
Definitely a big improvement for me as I was using some entry-level shoes for downhill. Never slipped the pedal. Fast delivery as well!
Definitely a big improvement for me as I was using some entry-level shoes for downhill. Never slipped the pedal. Fast delivery as well!
Answer of Brenan Low
Good quality MTB shoes
Antony – 23/08/2022
The shoes are well made and are not too heavy. The first thing that I checked is if they smelled because often these kind of shoes smell like petroleum so there is NO bad smelling at all. My advice regarding sizes choose one size bigger than your usual size. I wear UK 14 or US 15 WIDE so I ordered the EU50 size, the shoes’ tag says UK 14.5 but it looks like more a US 14.5 size. They will be fine just I’ll have to choose thin sock.
The shoes are well made and are not too heavy. The first thing that I checked is if they smelled because often these kind of shoes smell like petroleum so there is NO bad smelling at all. My advice regarding sizes choose one size bigger than your usual size. I wear UK 14 or US 15 WIDE so I ordered the EU50 size, the shoes’ tag says UK 14.5 but it looks like more a US 14.5 size. They will be fine just I’ll have to choose thin sock.
Answer of Brenan Low
Very good, comfortable and stick to the platform
Muy buenas, cómodas y se pegan a la plataforma
Answer of Brenan Low
Skydiving
Omar – 16/12/2021
Answer of Brenan Low
Exactly what I was looking for.
Answer of Brenan Low
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Capable Of Milder Riding In Milder Conditions
Riding type: Casual/dirt jum | Pedal type: flat
The first shoe in Five Tens range that can legitimately be called a mountain bike shoe. Sleuth DLX is biased a bit more towards actual MTBing, complete with Stealth Phantom rubber sole, toe box protector and heel cup. Good enough for less extreme riding in fairer terrain and weather. We suppose you can kind of think of it as a more casual Freerider. Available in a mid-top cut called the Sleuth DLX Mid for £110). Wed still opt for the cheaper classic Freerider .
Adidas Five Ten Freerider
Stiffer Soled Power Pedalling Pumps
Riding type: DH/Enduro | Pedal type: clipless
The key things of the Kestrel are all in the sole. The cleat box is much bigger than the old Maltese Falcon, allowing more greater pedal compatibility as cleat positioning. The sole in stiffened up by a nylon shank. The heel cup is non-slip. The sole is Stealth C4 rubber. Laces plus Velcro top strap closure.
Adidas Five Ten Kestrel BOA
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Our Analysis And Test Results
The Freerider is a classic flat pedal shoe that has been a staple in Five Ten’s shoe lineup for years. With a skate style, they almost blur the line between a causal and performance shoe. These affordable kicks have excellent grip with Stealth rubber soles, though their power transfer isn’t the most impressive. That said, we feel they are a good versatile option for the rider who doesn’t seek the stiffest soles or highest performance.
Five Tens Version Of A Casual Skate Style Shoe
Riding type: Casual/dirt jump | Pedal type: flat
Pretty much a casual shoe for MTBers. Non-Stealth rubber. Nothing overly fancy in terms of uppers material. Nothing in the way of toe box or heel cup protection. Think of it like a skate shoe except from Five Ten and not Vans. And like Vans, the Sleauth is also available in a slip-on version
Adidas Five Ten Sleuth DLX
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Five Ten Freerider Mtb Cycling Shoes
When it comes to mountain biking, the Five Ten Freerider MTB Cycling Shoes can rightly be considered a classic. Outstanding flat pedal grip and superb comfort give you a winning combination when getting rowdy.
At first glance, the Freerider MTB Cycling Shoes have the style and simplicity of skate and BMX footwear. However, don’t be fooled, these are mountain biking shoes with a trail slaying pedigree .
The core of the Freeriders is their Stealth® S1 Dotty rubber outsole. Made from a sticky rubber and featuring the classic Dotty tread pattern, this sole unit provides unrivalled traction on flat pedals. For moving and manoeuvring across any terrain, the grip will inspire confidence to go harder. And if you’re off your bike, pushing back uphill to session a feature, the grip is just as tenacious over mud, roots and rocks.
With their medium-flex midsole, you’ll also find pedalling sections can be ticked off with ease while on rowdy downhill trails you’ve got fabulous foot support as you move and manoeuvre your bike over ever-changing terrain.
Elsewhere, the durable upper section, made from a combination of leather and canvas, gives a high level of durability and the more you wear them, the more comfortable they’ll become – what a great excuse to ride as much as possible. And with their ever-reliable lace closure, you’ll always get a secure feel. Pull-on. Lace-up. Go shred.
Most Peoples First Five Tens
Riding type: Trail/enduro | Pedal type: flat
The Freerider. Full stop. No suffix. The entry level Five Ten. A single- or multi-coloured upper made from suede and mesh. Dotty tread pattern made from Stealth S1. Arguably significantly less fancily constructed upper compared to the Sleuth DLX but and its a very big but the sole is proper Stealth S1 dotty sticky rubber. Which is want counts on the trails.
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Which Adidas Five Ten Mountain Bike Shoes Are Right For You
With more than twenty models the range of Five Ten mountain bike shoes is baffling. Don’t worry, we’ve sorted them all out into this easy-to-follow guide.
Adidas Five Ten regularly features in our list of the best mountain bike shoes, but the footwear king has an extensive and sometimes confusing range of options. Such that shoes that look the same can often perform differently thanks to different materials, construction and rubber. Which is why weve created this guide to which Adidas Five Ten shoes are right for you.
Best Value Flat Mountain Bike Shoe

- Rigidity and Power Transfer50%50%
- Protection50%50%
- Wet Weather Performance80%80%
Rubber Type: Stealth S1
Price: $99.95
What We Like: Amazing grip without making it difficult to readjust foot position
What We Dont: Not as durable as Freerider Pro, and sole lacks rigidity for maximum power transfer
The Five Ten Freerider is the cheapest flat mountain bike shoe in the Freerider lineup, but dont let this fool you into thinking that it is a low-quality shoe. Featuring the same Stealth Rubber and full dot tread pattern found on the Freerider Pro, some of the things that make the base Freerider cheaper might also make it a better mountain bike shoe for your needs.
The Five Ten Freerider is also available in a water-resistant variant called the Five Ten Freerider Element. This is the exact same shoe as the basic Freerider, but without the mesh panels and with a DWR coating to repel water.
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Why We Like The Freerider Cycling Shoe
Five Ten Freeriders have a longstanding reputation in the MTB world, and they might just be our favorite shoe for riding platform pedals. Stealth Rubber is not only grippy, it is also durable, designed to withstand the demands of long hours adhering to granite rock. We like that this means it won’t blink at the prodding of your metal pedal spikes, and it will outlast even the most expensive gum rubber-soled shoes. The uppers are constructed of brushed nubuck leather and breathable mesh to keep your feet cool and comfortable.
Details
- High-friction cycling shoe that transitions from the bike park to chilling
- Breathable suede leather and mesh uppers with supportive midsoles
- Shock-absorbing Stealth S1 rubber outsoles for high-friction tread
- Grippy shoes stick to platform pedals like clips
Five Ten Women’s Mountain Bike Shoes
Five Ten makes some of the best peforming and best looking mountain bike shoes out there. Durable rubber soles provide excellent grip and protection, while the light-weight and comfortable uppers make these shoes ones you won’t hurry to take off after a ride.
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What Are Five Ten Freeriders
Five Ten Freerider mountain bike shoes are flat pedal shoes, so they dont have cleats. Instead, Five Ten provide grip with special outer soles made from Stealth Rubber, but well go into this in detail shortly.
The other materials Five Ten use with the Freerider are durable suede and mesh. The design and materials of the Freerider combine to be what Five Ten say to their most versatile all-mountain flat shoe.
These mountain bike shoes have been around for a while and have been a large part of Five Tens offerings. They have a design that blends casual and performance in an almost skate or BMX style.
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Five Ten Freerider Mtb Shoes
- Color:black/grey
- Color only available to members.Register here.
- 30 Day Return Policy30 Day Return PolicyIf youre not 100% satisfied with your Gear purchase, return it within 30 days in an unused condition for a full refund. The 30 day period starts once you receive your goods and is complied with by return of the goods to us within 30 days.
- 2-Year Warranty2-Year Warranty2-Year WarrantyWe take responsibility for defective products. If you notice any inherent issues with your Gear within a two-year time frame of receipt, please fill out a Warranty Request under Customer Service below.
Five Ten Freerider Vs Freerider Pro: Mtb Shoes Review
Five Ten has been the gold standard in mountain bike footwear seemingly since the dawn of time. The Freerider is easily one of the brands most popular shoes, and the Freerider lineup has grown over the years to include different materials, styles, and sizes to fit virtually all rider types and sizes.
Today the brand offers two main Freerider models: Freerider and Freerider Pro. The key differences between the two comes down to stiffness and the construction of the shoe. The Freerider Pro provides a more supportive pedaling platform with a sleeker, more form-fitting upper, while the Freerider is more geared toward comfort with a casual style. Both versions feature the signature Stealth S1 Dotty rubber sole offering plenty of traction. Read on to get more details for each shoe, and to find out how each pair performs.
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Rigidity And Power Transfer
The midsole of this pair is significantly less substantial than the more aggressive shoes in our test group. With less material in the midsole and a nonexistent shank, rigidity is significantly less than the stiffer options we tested. For more casual riding and mixed-use, the rigidity is spot-on, but for longer days in the saddle, the lower degree of support shows and presents itself in the form of less efficient power transfer and foot fatique.
Closure Systems: Laces Velcro Ratchet And Boa

More than just about any other footwear category, mountain bike shoes are made with a wide range of closure types. Our picks above vary from simple lace-up designs like the Giro Jacket to double Boa closures and a Velcro strap on the Specialized S-Works Recon. As with pedal type, most of the decision comes down to personal preference, but laces are mostly commonly associated with flat pedal shoes. Laces are simple to use, but you need to make sure to keep them stowed away so they dont catch on any moving parts. For quick and easy micro adjustments while wearing gloves, a Boa dial system or ratchet design is a great option. These lightweight systems are common on clipless XC and Enduro models. And finally, Velcro often is used as a secondary closure to compliment a dial and ratchet system. It doesnt tighten as snugly or precisely, but its faster than lacing up and does the trick for those that arent serious racers.
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