Product Spotlight: The 5-10 Freerider Shoe

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the key features and benefits of the Five Ten Freerider shoe, helping you determine if it’s the perfect fit for your mountain biking needs. Also, this is my personal review, with no sponsorship (paid or otherwise) from Adidas or 5-10.
Table of Contents
The Freerider Shoe Specs
The 5-10 Freerider mountain bike shoes, produced by Five Ten (owned by Adidas since 2011), are very well known and highly regarded in the mountain biking community for their performance and durability. Here are some key features of the 5-10 Freerider mountain bike shoes:
Key Features:
- Outsole: The Stealth S1 Rubber outsoles are known for its high-friction, non-marking sole properties. These provides excellent grip on both flat pedals and various surfaces.
- Durability: Constructed with robust materials to withstand rugged mountain biking conditions. And often includes a mix of suede leather and mesh for durability and breathability.
- Comfort: The shoe’s padded tongue and collar for extra comfort. The shoes also have a medium-stiff midsole for a balance between pedaling efficiency and walkability.
- Versatility: Suitable for various riding styles, including downhill, freeride, and all-mountain. They were also popular for casual use due to its sneaker-like design. Some even use these for skate-boarding.
- Protection: Reinforced toe box for added protection against rocks and roots. The combination of a stiff sole and uppers provides good overall foot protection without being overly bulky.
Overall, the Five Ten Freerider mountain bike shoes are popular among cyclists due to their comfort, support, and excellent grip on platform pedals. They feature breathable suede-leather-and-mesh uppers, supportive midsoles, and non-marking Stealth rubber outsoles that provide a high-friction grip, making them suitable for various terrains. Additionally, they are designed to transition easily from bike park to casual settings, offering versatility and practicality for the wearer.


My Notes for the Freerider Shoe
I’ve been using the 5-10 Freerider shoes for close to a year. I researched numerous shoes and was able to snag a pair when I came across a good deal. I’ve used it in the fall weather in wet conditions, and in the summer (winter cycling needs cold weather specific shoes/ booties, and I usually do gravel/ road in the winter because of the snow and wet terrain). If the 5-10 shoes are caked with mud, I let the mud dry out and use a brush with stiff bristles to clean out the dried mud and clean out any residues.
When it comes to riding, the shoes keep my feet planted on the flat pedals. The grip is great and is easy to come off in precarious situations. Also the shoes are very comfortable to walk in. I’ve worn it around town when running chores. But these are not to be used for gym use or running given the lack of support the shoes designed for weight lifting/ strength training have.
Overall I highly recommend these shoes for mountain biking and even casual walking.

Pros and Cons of the Freerider
The 5-10 Freeriders, even with its wide fan-base, is not without its pros and cons, as listed below.
Pros
- Exceptional Grip: The Stealth S1 rubber outsole offers superior grip on flat pedals, giving you better control, power transfer and stability.
- Durability: Made with high-quality materials such as suede leather and mesh, ensuring the shoes can withstand rugged conditions and last for a long time. Many users report that these shoes are quite durable and can withstand regular use.
- Comfort and Support: Features like a padded tongue and collar, along with a medium-stiff midsole, make the shoes comfortable for extended use both on and off the bike.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of riding styles including downhill, freeride, and all-mountain biking. They are also stylish enough for casual use.
- Protection: The reinforced toe box and sturdy construction offer good protection against impacts from rocks, roots, and other trail hazards.
- Stylish Design: Available in various colors and styles, appealing to a wide range of riders.

Cons
- Weight: Some users find the shoes a bit heavy compared to other mountain biking shoes, which might be a concern for those looking for a lighter option.
- Breathability: While the shoes do include mesh for ventilation, they may still run warmer than some other options, potentially causing discomfort in hot weather.
- Water Resistance: The Freerider model is not specifically designed to be waterproof, which can be an issue in wet conditions. There are other models from Five Ten with better water resistance.
- Stiffness: The medium-stiff midsole strikes a balance, but some riders who prefer very stiff or very flexible shoes might find it less suitable for their needs.
- Price: While offering good value for the features and durability, the Freeriders are on the pricier side compared to some entry-level mountain biking shoes. Sometimes these go on sale, so check the shopping sites regularly for any deals.
Overall, the 5-10 Freerider mountain bike shoes are praised for their grip, comfort, and durability, making them a popular choice for many mountain bikers. However, considerations like weight, breathability, and water resistance may influence your decision based on personal preferences and specific riding conditions.
Is the 5-10 Freerider Shoe For You?
I hope you found this information helpful. Check out my other related posts such as Interval Training Tips for Cyclists, The Best Leg Exercises for Cyclists and Disc Brake Problems and How to Fix them. We also recorded a relevant podcast on injuries and prevention.