Best in test Five Ten Freerider Elements
Five Ten shoes are synonymous with flat pedal riding and the Stealth S1 sticky rubber sole is the benchmark for traction, if not longevity. The Freerider Elements is Five Ten’s nod to winter; it’s not a fully waterproof unit but with no perforations on it’s DWR treated upper, it will protect your feet from much of mud and water encountered in an average Winter ride. The unit isn’t sealed and has no flap to protect your laces so water will find its way in eventually.
The fit is roomy, so plenty of allowance for thick socks and comfort levels are slipper-like, so much so that we’d be happy to kick about in them all day. Once on the bike they have the perfect amount of stiffness and feel and they stick to your pedals as the Paparazzi did to Princess Diana. The Stealth sole remains tacky in even sub-zero conditions and water has no effect on grip whatsoever. The flip side is that: once planted, your feet are not moving without ripping chunks out of your sole, so you have to wait for a corner to reposition your foot if it’s not in the sweet spot.
After Five Ten’s previously poor performance on our wet tests, we expected a disappointing show from the Freerider and were pleasantly surprised by the results! Not only did the Freerider Elements show the least percentage weight increase, but it also dried the quickest, even outperforming the high performance and expensive clipless shoes! So, riders who routinely soak their sneakers would do well to check these bad boys out.
Conclusion
With the Freerider Elements, Five Ten have kept their place at the top of the flat pedal rider’s wish list. Sticky, comfy and now quick to dry, what’s not to like?
Weight: 1060 g
Price: € 141
Info: fiveten.com
Strengths
– S1 Stealth sole is the grippiest on test
– Water resistant
– Excellent drying time
Weaknesses
– No laces cover
