Review

The Lab | FiveTen Maltese Falcon Clipless Shoes

04.06.2015
by

Five Ten are the goliath of the clipless riding shoe market, with thick, dense rubber soles that offer no flex to incorporating the easy close BOA dial into its line. Christoph got his hands on the Maltese Falcon’s to give them a test, but little did he know they’d turn from a lab test, to his most worn riding shoes. This article features in issue #015 and if viewing all of the products in our lab tickles your rib cage, just have a read!

Through thorough use, ranging from hard fought enduro races to a quick spin around the trails, all seams have stayed intact and the leather’s condition is still first-rate. Working for the magazine, you can expect that we do both a lot of riding and walking. Shooting and re-shooting images, so walking up hill is always an admittance to the job, but due to too many walking and carrying sections on Alpine climbs, the soles have started to wear away and the cleat’s adhesive has slowly come unstuck.

We all know FiveTen's cost a fair whack, but they are forever justified with their long lasting build quality and awesome looks!
We all know FiveTen’s cost a fair whack, but they are forever justified with their long lasting build quality and awesome looks!
All seems have stayed intact through thorough testing, with the leather keeping a quality, un-weathered look. Pardon the mud!
All seems have stayed intact through thorough testing, with the leather keeping a quality, un-weathered look. Pardon the mud!

Carrying on with Five Ten tradition, the sole has a good balance of stiffness and comfort seeming to reside within average temperatures. On warmer days the shoe did turn a bit too warm for his liking, but in comparison to sticking your feet under the hairdryer when you get in from a freezing ride in winter, it’s a sacrifice that has to be made.

From one too many Alpine climbs off the bike, the sole has worn away a tad, but after two years of riding them everyday, could you expect anything more?
From one too many Alpine climbs off the bike, the sole has worn away a tad, but after two years of riding them everyday, could you expect anything more?

Price: $130.00
Testing Time: 2 years
KM ridden: Countless

For more info, visit: FiveTen.com

Words: Andrew Richardson & Christoph Bayer Photos: Christoph Bayer

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