Team Tested: Five Ten Maltese Falcon LT clipless shoes review
Five Ten sent us over a few pairs of their now massive selection of riding shoes, but this was definitely the model we were most interested in, specifically designed around the needs of the Enduro rider. Five Tens have been known to be big heavy cumbersome things, which soaked up the wet stuff like a sponge! These riding shoes were more suited toward the DH racers who haven’t a care in the world when it comes to weight and pedaling efficiency.
Normally for the weight conscious riders, there is only really a choice of the goofy looking XC shoes, these things are never really up to the hardcore rigors of a days full-on Enduro, they can either break or offer nothing in the form of water resistance or protection. Five Ten have really thought this Maltese Falcon model out, the weight is certainly not heavy at 475g each and (although not waterproof) their water resistance is great. This is down to how the plastic toe cap is stitched and sealed to the Stealth S1 rubber surround, making a great wet-stuff repellent. The Stealth S1 rubber is their own technology, offering superior grip, hard wearing and shock resistance
Also being based around All Mountain riding, these shoes have been designed around having amazing drying qualities, as they are made from non soakable materials. Underneath they have the standard twin slotted sliding cleat fasteners for multi positioning and up-top the closure is done neatly with use of a lace then Velcro straps to keep things closed. I have been using these for several months now on many types of rides, the grip is still spot on, they are stiff, light and comfy, they really do repel water and dry fast. As for looks they are not along the cool lines of Vans or DC pumps, but also don’t go down the road of the dorky looking XC pixie shoes, more in the middle of the two. They have form and function and serve their purpose perfectly.
Sizes 38-46
Colour mono grey/red
Price 115GBP
Words Jim Buchanan Pics Doc Ward, Jim Buchanan
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