Review - Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex Shoes

Apr 12, 2022
by Henry Quinney  
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For many riders, Five Ten is the brand that tends to springs to mind when you think of flat pedals and, in my experience, it's a rare thing for them to have serious competition, let alone being outdone.

However, I would say that until a few years ago there it felt like there was something missing from their range. A lot of their shoes were very gravity-focused. On one hand that's to be expected considering that's where their roots in the sport are, but on the other, as a flat pedal rider who enjoys pedaling, I often wished there would be more of an emphasis on 'tech' products. I wanted to see slightly less armored shoes that carry over the best features. I wanted a flat pedal shoe built for trail biking, and I also didn't want it to look like something Avril Lavigne would wear.
Trailcross Gore-Tex Details• Weatherproof Gore-Tex upper
• Velco strap on neoprene collar
• Laces for the lower half of the shoe
• Dual compound stealth rubber
• Colors: Black
• Weight: 414g (pair of size 42.5)
• MSRP: $200 USD
www.adidas.com

That really began to change with the Freerider Pro, and then the Trailcross range. We now had shoes that not only featured the legendary grip of their Stealth Rubber, but were also light and breathable, and offered something genuinely different to the race-ready Impacts. As hard to please as I am, I had one final wish, one final product that I wanted Five Ten to make - the waterproof flat pedal shoe for slogging it out in winter. So how do these shoes stack up?

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Gone are the days when flat pedal shoes were inspired by Fred Durst.

Details

You can take a wild guess what the upper of the Trailcross Gore-Tex is made of. Of course, the Gore-Tex membrane is well known throughout the industry for its waterproofing properties, while also aiming to let hot air and moisture vent out through the membrane. Above the textile upper is a velcro-fastened neoprene collar. There is toe-box protection, although maybe not as much as one might hope for if you're intending to ride loose rocky downhill runs. For trail riding though, it's very adequate. Below the neoprene is a lace closure. I've had issues with Five Ten laces snapping in recent years, but these seem to be less vulnerable to that annoyance.

The shoes feel to have more of a focus on waterproofing than insulation - they're more of a wet-weather shoe rather than something for heading out on Arctic adventures. The tongue does have a small loop for laces but it isn't as large or as elasticated as some of the other shoes in the brand's range. This means that you can't actually secure your laces in it which leaves them loose. Sometimes, the laces tap the shoe as you pedal which is only small but it is a slight irritation.

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Laces combine with a velcro fastener on the gaiter.

Fit

The fit is quite generous on the Trailcross Gore-Tex. In terms of length it fits very well, and is similar to other Five Ten flat pedal shoes. However, in breadth and volume I would say it's quite large for its size. Compared to the standard Trailcross, it did make getting a secure and comfortable fit a little more difficult. I put this down to the ankle gaiter. While I liked it, I also found that it had issues.

Firstly, I found some irritation on rides around an hour or longer. This could be something particular to me - another editor is currently using these shoes and doesn't have an issue. That said, it was still disappointing, and experimenting or altering the fit didn't help. My second gripe was that while the velcro held my ankle very securely, it didn't help pull my ankle back into the heel of the shoe. I found that my heel was able to lift very easily and this could give a disjointed, unconnected feeling to the pedals. The standard Trailcross, with its lace that runs high, doesn't suffer from this problem for me. I eventually ran a half-size sole in the shoe to let the laces get my purchase on my foot and hold it down more securely. Again, this could be a "me issue," since I have a reasonably high instep and relatively narrow feet.

The problem of heel-security is compounded by a relatively stiff sole. It's not a big deal and some may be happy for the stiffness, but the flex combined with the somewhat loose fit meant that when driving and pumping the bike it did being to feel a little disconnected.

Performance

The performance of Five Ten's soles is as can be expected - very grippy while on the pedals. This shoe features a slightly different tread pattern that aims to improve walking traction. Honestly, I can't say I really notice it. I personally never found my go-to Freerider Pros to struggle in this regard.

When I got my heal secure within the shoe with the help of the half-size insole, they ride much as you would hope and they're fantastic for puddle bombing. Having dry and warm feet can really give you a lift in terms of morale on wet and grim winter rides. You can submerge these shoes and be confident that you're going to stay pretty dry.

As with a lot of waterproof shoes though, they're not invulnerable to water running down your leg, into your sock, and then getting trapped within the waterproof boot. The gaiter is great at keeping the crud out, though. It's a great feeling taking your trousers and shoes off after a ride and being clean underneath, even if it's as bad as it can get outside. As ever though, to get the most out of a waterproof shoe it needs to be run with waterproof trousers, otherwise they're not that good for much in heavy downpours. That isn't a Five Ten problem, but rather a limitation of the concept of waterproof mountain biking shoes that don't have a skin-tight gaiter.

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The famed Stealth Rubber is as good as ever.



Pros

+ Excellent Stealth Rubber sole for maximum grip
+ A good balance of weight and protection for most riding
+ Waterproof and comfortable
Cons

- Heel could be held more securely
- Slight discomfort for me personally around ankle fastener



Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesIt's always been an irk for me that road and cross-country cyclists have a host of different choices when mountain bikers, you know, the ones who actually get muddy, have to make do with skate-inspired shoes for flat pedal riding. Apart from one or two issues with fit, I really enjoyed the Trailcross Gore-Tex shoes, and I would say they lived up to their billing.Henry Quinney


Author Info:
henryquinney avatar

Member since Jun 3, 2014
322 articles

164 Comments
  • 179 1
 I'd really appreciate it if FiveTen offered the soles again seperately. In times when everyone tries to keep the environmental impact to a minimum, it does not make sense to throw a perfectly intact upper shoe away if only the sole is damaged. I go through one pair of fivetens per season. I could reuse everything but the sole for easily 5 seasons.
  • 31 0
 Those were the days…. Much agreed. During these times, resole would be ideal.
  • 16 0
 This is so true. The rubber is great for grip, but dissolves within a year. I would love this option
  • 19 0
 They already offer soles for their climbing shoes so it could be possible for their MTB shoes
  • 8 0
 They must be made differently now, because I got some Freerides in 2010, used them a full season in Whistler, then several years back home with very regular riding. Literally only retired them in 2019.
  • 7 7
 Ride in Birkenstocks.
  • 3 0
 @Armand74: They offered the mtb-soles as well a few years ago if I remember correctly.
  • 8 0
 Five-ten: ''Ok, here's a replaceable sole, it's 50$".
  • 33 1
 @holyrider78: worth it compared to buying a $100-200 shoe.
  • 8 0
 @rbeach: yeah, I have some Sam Hills that lasted 6 years of DH riding which included insane amount of bike park days and even rode with them on a ton of trail days. My freerider pros don’t even last a season unfortunately. I don’t know when things changed so much in compound or durability but I also think it has to do with construction. That older style was just built better
  • 3 0
 I was thinking the same thing the whole time I was reading this review. These shoes aren't cheap either! It would be nice to save a bit of cash.
  • 12 0
 They'd rather sell you a whole new shoe made of "recycled ocean plastic" that falls apart after a few months.
  • 10 0
 There are companies out there that resole rock climbing shoes and have an option for approach shoes that put 5.10 dotted sticky rubber on. Might not be exactly the same thing but $50 for a resole is much cheaper than $150 every year for new shoes when only a small part of the sole wears out.
  • 2 1
 With these shoes you won't have time to wear the soles as they are very fragile
  • 9 0
 I took mine to a climbing shoe re-sole place. They glued on a brand new dotty rubber sole that has lasted me 4 years. It was only 35$ from what I remember. The original sole delaminated after one summer.
  • 3 0
 Adidas bought five ten and made those changes.
  • 1 0
 I agree. I switched from free riders to the new Giro Latch last year and they are great. So far it looks like they will last longer too. I have no reason to go back to 5 10. Nice review of them on Vital too.
  • 7 0
 @rbeach: I see these complaints constantly and I keep wondering what I'm doing wrong; I've been on Five-Tens for like 15 years and have nothing but good luck with all of them, old or new. I ride 2-4 hours a week year round, DH, dirt jump, all mountain, and have owned five pairs in that time. Three of those are still in my rotation now and I love my Trailcrosses. I'm not dismissing all the complaints, just curious. Am I riding way less than everyone else? Just lucky?
  • 2 0
 @schu2470: the approach shoe is actually a decent riding shoe. I had a pair for work that I rode with for a few months, till I picked up a new pair of mtb specific 5.10s. They did the job pretty well.
  • 1 0
 Has anyone tried waterproof socks, like from SealSkinz, Dexshell, or Showers Pass? I don't ride enough in the muck to really justify a separate shoe, so I'm genuinely curious on the socks
  • 4 0
 @peterman1234: seal skinz are amazing. They're a bit wierd feeling when you put them on, and they can get a bit warm, but they really do keep your feet warm and dry, and the newer ones have a silicone gripper round the top to help limit the water running down your leg issue. Part of my standard riding kit for around 6 months of northern British weather, I only stop using them in summer because there's literally zero point when it's dusty, they're too warm for that.
  • 1 0
 @BiNARYBiKE: My 5 10s would be like new but the bottoms will start to get cut apart and you can feel the pedal pins in your feet so time for new shoes way before the rest of is even close to worn out. I ride a few times a week and at Rays in the winter. Diety T-Mac pedals on trail bike and and Transition Anvil pedals on DJ bike.
  • 14 0
 I emailed Adidas Sustainability saying exactly this a few months ago. Didn’t even get a reply but perhaps if enough people get in contact they might consider: www.adidas-group.com/en/sustainability/sustainability-contact
  • 2 0
 @twebeast: that is sad. Will definitely write them
  • 2 0
 @peterman1234: Thumbs up for sealskinz - find the midweight version perfect for the North Shore winters and they keep your feet dry even if the shoes get saturated.
  • 2 0
 I spoke to an Adidas rep saying I was disappointed they stop selling the resole bit (not only to consumers but also B2B) and the response - whilst very apologetic and understanding - was essentially, we simply don't make any money from it.

@peterman1234 I have a few pairs of Sealskinz, they are excellent. You can literally put your hand in one and submerge in a sink full of water and it doesn't leak. I highly recommend you get the longest pair though and use with trousers, that way it stops the water running down the leg into the top issue.
  • 2 0
 @peterman1234: I have seal skinz. They do keep your feet dry as long as water doesn't run down your legs into them (need long trousers), and feet stay warm if wet. But they're not as good as dedicated waterproof shoes, as the shoes get wet and heavy still (and take ages to dry if they're 5:10!)
  • 5 0
 All Day I Dream About Shoesthatlastmorethanoneseason
  • 4 0
 @kiksy: Yes of course they make way more money if they can sell a 80$ shoe each year than a 80$ shoe every five years plus a 30$ sole per year. But they claim to work at the forefront of sustainability. If that should not only be greenwashing, they have to offer sustainable options and make a little less money off it
  • 2 0
 @mountainsofsussex: Exactly. You can use Seal skinz but your shoes are still going to be soaked (in the UK at least). I'd much rather make the outermost layer waterproof and not have to wait for it to dry.
  • 2 1
 @redrook: in heavy wet weather its nearly always letting water in over top of shoe and collar that gets inside wet.
Unless you can stop that GTX ones will still fill with water - then it cant even get out! Not fun in winter.

Rocky trails near me become streams in wet weather and it throws up so much water Ive considered using hiking gaiters underneath waterproofs to create a decent seal over top of the shoe.

Only really matters in winter as warm wet feet arent a problem
  • 1 0
 @BiNARYBiKE: I'm with you, have had 2 pairs of Freeriders over the last few years with no issues and got a pair of low top Trailcross last season. Basically ride similar stuff as you (washed up bmx'er) so you'd think my shoes would wear out fast too.
  • 2 0
 they don´t even sell the glue like before, should add it to every pair sold
  • 2 0
 @bashhard: You do, soles only, glue only and a set. Stopped with that somewhere in times of VXI freeriders.
  • 6 0
 @kiksy: @bashhard: If any company leans on the sustainability marketing they should be legally obliged to support repairability schemes where practicable.
Right to repair is a hot topic in the tech world, and should be for sporting equipment too. We wouldn't buy a bike that junks the frame every time the BB needs replacing, so why do we put up with it in footwear. Climbing shoes can be resolved, why not riding shoes?
  • 1 0
 @pen9-wy: Firstly, in heavy wet weather I'm not riding. I use these shoes when it is wet on the ground. I find no issue with this in these shoes, and they are fantastic at stopping water getting through from the ground. Unlike my Freeriders, which are definitely not good at this, and a single puddle can saturate them.
Secondly, it matters a lot to me in all weather as I don't enjoy wet feet at any time of year, though obviously I won't be wearing them in the summer.
  • 1 0
 I have had a battle within myself for several years.I like the performance of my freerider pro, but I really have to change a pair after a season of riding. On the other hand - what would be great perfoming grippy shoe, which would offer the possibility to change the sole?
  • 1 0
 @ROOTminus1: Exactly. Fully agree
  • 1 0
 @Ru-tang: Did they have a way to get Five Ten soles or was it a 3rd party one?
  • 1 0
 @stormracing:
It changed when adidas bought them and sticked his logo everywhere. There is problem even with size. Right now i cant find good for me
  • 17 2
 Avril Lavigne would wear? Henry, have you been on the old champignons again, since when did the old Sam Hill's impacts look like converse?

Some half decent waterproofing on a shoe with sticky rubber is big step in the right direction, but all we're really asking for from the manufacturers is a lace protector on flat shoes.
  • 12 0
 The question is what flat pedal shoes does Avril Lavigne wear and does she prioritize grip or longevity?
  • 53 0
 @catweasel: It's complicated.
  • 10 0
 Haha - they've always looked like 00s Osiris skate shoes to me, with enough padding that actually just putting them in your loft is enough to keep Insulate Britain off your back.
  • 3 0
 Freerider ELC has the lace cover, I'm on my 6th season and just broke a lace - would love to be able to resole them though as I'm starting to lose dots.
  • 1 0
 @brendannz: Vibram makes a dot-pattern rubber your local cobbler should be able to get. See the Altra Grafton, for example
  • 1 0
 A lace protector or just BOA.
  • 21 3
 Why the hate for Avril?

Obviously a musical genius, highly underrated
  • 28 1
 "Take my favourite 00s teen punk-pop sensation's name out your f*cking mouth!" Haha.
  • 1 0
 @henryquinney: i always called her shouty american lady
  • 4 0
 @p0rtal00: due to the low quality of her music i assumed she was canadian
  • 2 0
 @p0rtal00: she’s Canadian!
  • 1 0
 @pmhobson: oops sorry
  • 11 0
 hmmm... doesn't look like I can jam my foot against the back of the other shoe and rip my foot out real quick before I tip over without untying the shoe... I'm out!
  • 10 2
 I am a big fan of mine, really makes a difference keeping puddle splashes off the feet, and they are super grippy. Just wish they had boa instead of laces, and yes if done up too tight there's a discomfort on the ankles from the hard outer part.
  • 2 0
 Likewise - they're great when riding after rain, ploughing through standing water and getting swamped without having a drenched shoe for the next two hours. I find the fit's fine for me, must be lucky - I don't lace them as tight as the Freerider Pro and the velcro takes care of the rest.
  • 1 0
 Agree about the laces. They’ve rightly given up on the skater boy looks for practicality so why do we still have laces flapping about soaking up water and mud? I’d happily buy a hybrid of these and those hideous velcro Freeriders for winter riding
  • 1 0
 I’m guessing they don’t cos putting boa on would increase the rrp by £50 on an already expensive shoe. Biggest issue I’ve found is that the insole seems so flat compared to my Impacts, hardly any arch support. Easily remedied but I’d rather not have to upgrade for the price.
  • 1 0
 X-Alp Launch Mid WRX, on sale at REI for $120!

If I'm gonna wear galoshes, I suppose the Five Tens would work, but for the majority of my riding I just need something that'll keep my feet dry from light precip.

I just ordered my second pair of the Launch Mid, great shoes, still going strong after three season, longest lasting and best overall shoe I have ridden.
  • 1 0
 @nurseben: except the Goodyear
soles don't grip very well unless
smooth flow is all one rides
  • 1 0
 @PawnSacrifice: Totally. it's also quite nice to not have to wait for shows to dry after super muddy rides. I just run them under the garage tap and then they're clean. Unlike using Sealskinz with a regular shoe, which would be soaking wet and take days to dry.
  • 1 0
 Anyone tried these in snow? Are they slippery on snow? My old five tens are so slippery on snow that it's more dangerous to be off the bike then on .
  • 5 0
 I have these and I think they look shit but they are indeed waterproof. I only wear them in crap weather so this fact isn't really noticible. The fit is narrow but as I have narrow feet that's okay for me. Where the narrowness is an issue is there is less contact on the pins of my One Up composite pedals so not as much grip area as my regular Freeriders. My wife has a very high instep and cannot physically get this shoe on due to the neoprene cuff. The weather for wearing these has almost gone so for once I'll get two seasons out of a pair of Fivetens. They cost me £150 which did hurt a bit but my feet have been dry so there you go.
  • 5 1
 Not totally sure I understand the usage of the 2000's musician references here. Flat pedal shoes have long been derived from skateboarding/BMX shoes, which just happens to be a fashion choice of that era. Why not reference Rodney Mullen or Mat Hoffman, who actually popularized that style of shoe and gave good reason for Five-Tens to use that design?
  • 9 0
 Don't over-think it.
  • 3 0
 The Condor!!!!
  • 2 0
 @JonnyTheWeasel: Haha. I definitely over-thought it. I'm very passionate about skate shoes.
  • 1 1
 @ct0413: do you associate Mullen with any skate shoe? Your skate shoe passion must be superduperdeep, because 9 out of ten dentists are just like, "uh, he's on Globe or something wack?"
  • 1 0
 @owl-X: I associate mullen with the mullen pro globe's I had in 2002 which were the shortest lasting shoes I've ever had! Swapped them for a pair or Axion Kareem Campbells and instantly regretted it!
  • 2 0
 @owl-X: 1: My passion as stated above was sarcasm. I don't really care that much.
2: I don't understand your statement.
3: At what point in your life did you encounter 10 dentists who you asked what skate shoes Rodney Mullen is on?
  • 2 0
 Bring back I Path
  • 1 0
 @ct0413: i just don't associate Mullen with any shoe at all, so I found your reference weird.
  • 1 0
 @owl-X: I associate Mullen with modern skate shoes. Like the ones they are talking about in the article.
  • 1 0
 @ct0413: i find that super weird!

the only fashion related item I associate with him is athletic tape on his fingers.

I actually try not to think about him at all, his current vibe makes me uncomfortable.
  • 1 0
 @owl-X: I have no idea what you're talking about. I never said I associated him with a fashion item. He is a skateboarder who wears skate shoes, therefore the two have links in my brain.
  • 4 1
 I have exactly the same issue with the fit! Can’t get good heal grip even with an insole and the extra space in the toe box feels easy to big, maybe add padding. Love the idea but they missed with the execution, I still wear them on wet days but only if I really need to as they slow down the ride for sure. Close five ten so close, I tell you what I’ll give you another chance, we all mistakes
  • 2 0
 Ditto.
  • 2 0
 *heel
  • 2 0
 The toebox is like a women’s high heel shoe, bought a pair of the low top version and they were just kind of obnoxious to wear having an extra inch of unused space…don’t understand who has a foot shaped like this shoe.
  • 1 0
 @rbeach: no shit, right?
  • 2 0
 I've been using these off and on for the past Winter and I can echo @henryquinney in regards to the 'disconnected' feeling. Where it shows up for me is when I'm repositioning my feet on the pedals. It's challenging to get a sense of how far away my feet are to be able move the shoe around which is compounded by the sticky rubber not wanting to give up control, so I end dragging the pedal around as one or two pins won't release, which is something I don't experience with my Freeriders.

Also I think the sole is a bit thicker than normal, too, because I end up thinking about raising my saddle only when wearing these. I suspect these two conditions are related...?
  • 1 0
 Yeah - I know that feeling!
  • 2 0
 @Henry Quinney

Do you descend completely mid-foot on the pedal or somewhat ball of the foot to mid-foot? Looking at the sole these seem less wide mid-foot and I wonder about that and the support and grip if one descend mid-foot.

I've thought of getting a pair of these for more adventure type rides and the non gore-tex can be picked up cheaply but have a hard time pulling the trigger at the moment.
  • 3 0
 I would say the ball of my foot is over the axle. If I wear clips then having the cleat in its most rearward position is usually ample. I hope that helps.
  • 1 2
 If you're descending "mid foot" (ie pedal axel under your arch) you need to work on your technique
  • 2 0
 @heatproofgenie I ride more mid-foot (BMX background haha) and hated the Trailcross. Unless you ride on the ball of your foot it feels like your foot is angled forwards (toe pointing down when pedal is flat) because of the heel lift. In contrast, the FiveTen Sam Hill's are my favorite shoes so far. The notch they have in the sole lines up with the back of the pedal perfectly. They have also been very durable. I just bought a few extra pairs on discount because I'm worried they will stop carrying them or change them.
  • 2 0
 @jessemeyers: Good input. Impact Pros (Sam Hills) are my favorite flat pedal by far as they are just so bombproof and offer best grip hands down. I ride probably just forward of mid-foot. The only problem with them is they can get hot and they are heavy. Heavy shoes do take their toll on long pedaling missions I've found, they heat part is not as big of deal for me.
  • 2 0
 With the regular trail cross I find you can tuck the laces into the little elastic laces keeper half way down the tongue. That tends to keep them from flying around as they are really long.

Oh and love the Avril Lavigne/Fred Durst comments. Now if only the rest of the gear didn’t look like it was from the blink182 era I would be happy
  • 2 0
 I've been riding those shoes for five month now here in the French South Alps, and I have to quote Henry : I really enjoyed the Trailcross Gore-Tex shoes, and I would say they lived up to their billing ! Rain, mud, even snow, they can handle a lot.
As for me, I had zero issue with the heels or the ankle fastener. But I found them to be very narrow, I had to upsize (For each foot its own shoe I guess !).
And as far as look goes, function over form I guess...
  • 1 0
 Couldn't agree more. Normally I have size 46 with Adidas shoes. With these I need one size bigger: 46 2/3.
  • 1 0
 These shoes have really made riding in the worst winter conditions (snow, mud, etc) a lot more comfortable and pleasant. My feet were the last part of my winter outfit that used to get soaked and cold, but thay belongs to the past now.

Before I used to ride with waterproof, which kept my feet dry, but the soaked frozen shoes still made my feet feel freezing cold. That doesn't happen anymore with these shoes.
  • 3 0
 *waterproof socks (when will you finally make it possible for us to edit our comments, Pinkbike?)
  • 2 0
 They work really well for me. Had them all winter in the uk and paired them with Fox waterproof (ish) pants and stayed mostly dry in all the shitty condition the UK could muster
  • 1 0
 My experience with Gortex shoes and gloves is they are waterproof for about two seasons of use then they leak. MEC would warranty my gloves every two years. It’s inevitable that the Gortex membrane in a shoe will leak.

Perhaps my expectations are too high because of the marketing and premium price paid for Gortex.

To be fair my Gortex jackets are holding up after many years .
  • 1 0
 I think it all depends on how the membrane has been used by the shoe maker - my salomons with GTX have lasted aboyut 4 years with no issues, but then others will leak after a season. Another big factor I've heard is to cut your toenails - apparently the biggest reason for GTX failure in shoes!
  • 1 0
 These look like a great option for those not-too-cold fat bike rides (>15F?). I've found that good socks make a bigger difference for warmth than boot/shoe insulation, so these would provide waterproofing, a high-ish ankle, FiveTen's grippy soles, and are much lighter than most boot options. I dig it.
  • 4 0
 Buy waterproof socks and save yourself £$170 is my miser/tightwad tip of the day
  • 1 0
 Love these shoes! Had them for a couple of months and ridden XC-DH, wet weather and snowy rides in the Northeast. Feet have been dry and warm throughout and the 5-10 grip is unrivaled. I've stepped into ankle high mud puddles and not a drop in my shoes. Well worth the hefty price tag.
  • 1 0
 I really like my trailcross mids. Lightweight, grippy...definitely my go to for hiking(I use clips for riding). One issue I noticed is that I did have irritation on the achilles wear the rubber meets the softer material. It is improving though.
  • 2 1
 I love all the haters on the aesthetics saying they look like dad shoes from the 90's, when all other flat pedal shoes look like skate shoes from the 70's, and thus something my grandpa would have worn. Maybe some of us who have been out of high school for a while realize looking like you hang out at a skate park all day isn't always a good thing. I'm surprised I don't see comments for other gear complaining how you cant get a studded belt in the belt loops, or the fabric isn't conducive to pinning on Misfit patches.
  • 1 0
 Had mine for 6 months, most of a greasy winter in Ireland. Never came back with wet feet yet. Fantastic shoe. Your feet get cold far quicker when they are wet. Stick these on with some non-absorbant walking socks and you can ride whenever!
  • 1 0
 I own a pair of these Gore Tex trail shoes and I also own pairs of impact pro's along with freeriders, Sam Hill's etc.
I would safely say that the sole on the Gore Tex shoe is a distant relation of what is on the other Five Tens shoes I own.
I do not find it anywhere near as sticky as previous variants. I also don't think it is as hard wearing as the other variants mentioned.
I only have them a few months and they look older then the 2016 Sam Hill's.. the soles are lacking soul..
However I do like them and they are very comfortable.
Would I buy another pair? possibly. JR
  • 1 0
 I bought a pair of these two months ago and were disappointed to find they are no way waterproof as after 20 minutes my toes were wet, I've looked on addidas home page for reviews and when you look at worst reviews first there is plenty who have found the same, but plenty who say they are completely waterproof so I think there is a quality issue with manufacturing the gore Tex membrane
  • 1 0
 Interesting review. I ordered these when they first came out and tbh they sucked. Every ride they filled with water. I’ve seen quite a few comments from others having this too. Adidas eventually replaced them after back and forth with their customer services team.

For 160£ they should Damn work first time!!
  • 1 0
 They are not worth the 2 bills. I bought a pair because I have bad ankles and they have to be the most painful shoe I have ever bought. I ended up having to put shoe inserts in these shoes as they were killing my feet. I should have bought the Impact Pro High tops like I always have.
  • 1 0
 I have the non gore-tex regular version of this shoe an its really good. Nice and light and feels like a runner. It's different then the clunky clown shoe feel of the regular fivetens. Not as supportive and bombproof feeling though. Added bonus is you can actually hike-a-bike with these and not slip around the ground.
  • 1 0
 like many I have been a huge fan of 5 Tens for years. finally wore all of my OG 5.10's out so I ordered some of the adidas ... what a disappointment. Tore holes in the soles of one pair within the first 3 months. second pair is falling apart as well. The rubber on the sole is not nearly as sticky as the OG 5.10 either. got some RC a few weeks ago and like them so far.
  • 1 0
 These seem like a good shoulder season shoe, not withstanding a few problems. I recently purchased a pair of 5.10 Freerider Pro Mids for both my wife and I, and I think they may check many of the same boxes, but possibly better. Very much a Freerider Pro on the lower shoe, but with a nice cmfortable elastic cuff up top. Not waterproof, but they definiatly kept out a lot of moisture and more importantly dirt. They are warmer than the low tops, and I think they would dry quicker than GoreTex version when you do get them wet. The FR Mids have a hidious velcro closure, giving them a senior citizen vibe, but they work really well, and don't get caught in the chain or come untied. The only downside is they are alittle narrow in the forefoot, but I wore my same low top Freerider Pro size and they broke in. Worth a look.
  • 1 0
 I have a pair in UK6, my normal size and I found the fit snug, in a good way. I haven't had any issue with heal pulling up. I do agree that the sole's a little stiff, but otherwise I can't fault these after a winter of riding.
  • 1 0
 Bull shit , they don’t keep your feet dry on my 2nd pair now, the 1st pair leaked & the back tore away so they replaced them & still have damp to wet socks in wet conditions even with my pant pulled over the top..!
  • 1 0
 Every five ten's sole I've ever owned, peeled off after one season. I used to buy two pairs at a time, if I found a deal because of this. Loved them to start, but they all came unglued. My current Ride concepts have held up for two full seasons without fail, or much wear at all.
  • 1 0
 Nope. I want the freerider pro mid VCS (the new ones with the three velcro straps) in a truly waterproof version.

I had the original non-waterproof version of these, they kind of suck. Sole is too flexible (way softer than freerider mids), absolutely zero toe protection. Rode them a few months before they got too soft and started falling apart.
  • 1 0
 I must be outa the loop as I couldn't comprehend the statement: " ...to let the laces get my purchase on my foot and hold it down more securely." (under fit) maybe someone could "Enlighten" me?
  • 1 0
 Purchase also means grasp. He means the effect of the laces holding down the foot inside the shoe Smile that first “my” is a typo I think
  • 1 0
 Excellent review , gives all the info I need to make a buying decision. Good point about the pants funneling rain into the shoes, I pretty much accept that I will get wet riding in the rain.
  • 1 0
 these things look more like yeezys.. (awful)
now we need them to make skate shoe stlyed waterproof shoes, like the rest of the range
ive got through 3 winters with my shimanos and sealskinz to date..
  • 2 0
 I have a pair of the non gortex high tops I wear a pair of seal skin socks with them in winter and there a great shoe all year round
  • 1 1
 For as long as a shoe/boot has a hole in for your foot to go into they will never be fully waterproof. Goretex is a waste of time when it comes to shoes, the membrane gets degraded very quickly and then the shoes dont breathe. The best wet weather shoes are specialized in my opinion. They take the same approach as jungle boots. They let the water in, the water leaves quickly and the shoe dries quickly.

If you want the 5:10 approach on a budget then buy waterproof socks. Far cheaper and make you look less like Forest Gump.
  • 1 0
 I've had these for a winter of fat biking and they have been great. I just wish they had a bit of insulation. Or even like some kind of a fleece lining because they do get cold.
  • 1 0
 My Five Ten Trailcross shoes completely fell apart in about 3 months of riding. They literally came apart at the seams. Went with RC now and haven't looked back.
  • 1 0
 Are these a re-release? I think my dad had these back in the 90's with some tapered leg Levi 560's, white tucked in T-shirt and an Ace Hardware hat....
  • 2 0
 Five Ten - Bring back the canvas freerider. Thank you I am searching Ebay for new or used ones.
  • 1 0
 Heres my old ones, an earlier version, lastest a year. I tend to be one who rubs the inner shoe side against the crank arms.https://www.pinkbike.com/photo/15832685/
  • 1 0
 Rocky gore-tex socks are still the best IMO. A good water pant overlapping the sock give good water protection in any shoe. I just use them in my 5.10 freeriders.
  • 2 0
 I use steel pedals and a magnetic sole. Great thing. I just can't walk on the escalator.
  • 1 0
 Then better use steel soles and magnetic pedals.
  • 1 0
 Author uses the word "Purchase" to describe "grip" or "secure interface" on something = Guaranteed Henry article. Thanks for reviewing these!
  • 1 1
 Henry that's because you've lived in the two wettest places on the planet. The rest of us ride in dry weather aside from the occasional afternoon thunderstorm that catches us.#dryfeetsouthwest
  • 1 0
 Well Henry, your heal might be falling out because they modeled the shoe to fit around a heel. You've just got nonstandard parts.
  • 2 0
 A Nickelback reference short of being a perfect review.
  • 3 0
 It just felt too easy. Plus, I wouldn't want to upset @mikekazimer. He's a BIG fan.
  • 1 0
 @bashhard you could re-sole them... most climbing stores will re-sole them for you. They tend to work a lot with five-ten
  • 1 0
 Look like old Addis’s trail runners from the 90’s. They were horrible looking then and even worse now.
  • 1 0
 a hundred comments about style and nobody's brought up how damn tight those laces are? Goof nuggets!
  • 1 0
 I guess I have to say it again....."thanks Adidas, for ruining great shoe company!"
  • 2 0
 Available in 2025
  • 1 0
 414g a pair is surely wrong. Still not too heavy.
  • 1 0
 Yep, no way they’re even 414g for one of those beasts.
  • 2 1
 Sorry but these shoes look more like Avril Lavigne !
  • 1 0
 Water proof socks are avai
  • 2 1
 Lame! Adidas turned these into pointy toed impractical blah
  • 1 0
 My happiness is not invulnerable to Henry and his bloody double negatives
  • 1 0
 For $200 USD they most definitely should have Boa.
  • 1 0
 intense 5.10 shoes were the shit back in the day.
  • 1 0
 Huge decline in offerings since Adidas acquisition years ago.
  • 4 5
 Aesthetically though, they're basically old man shoes with some neoprene slapped on. Sorry guys, it's a no for me.
  • 1 1
 high heels for mtb? not good
  • 1 0
 @Y12Sentinel: it'll help to accentuate the calves
  • 3 4
 Looks like a plastic Walmart shoe you'd see lying on the ground by a bus stop.
  • 1 1
 These with clips would be the perfect shoe, pleeeeease!!!
  • 1 0
 they already exist. hell, I see an ad for them in the top banner
  • 2 2
 Clipless version coming?
  • 1 0
 they already exist
  • 1 0
 @pmhobson: really I can't find them online.
  • 1 0
 @rsmisko: JFC kid, Google waterproof clipless shoes. Other than these, waterproof flat pedal shoes do not exist. You have a vast selection of waterproof clipless shoes.
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