ProView – Five Ten Women’s Freerider Pro

Fit/Comfort 

Working as a mountain biking instructor, I often found myself stopping and starting frequently to wait up for riders, which is why I’ve always preferred flats over clipless. Up until this past season, I’d been riding old school with traditional trail running shoes over flat pedals. When I was given the option to review the Five Ten Freerider Pros, I jumped at the opportunity. Now that I’ve tried them, I’m kicking myself for not diving in sooner– talk about a game-changer. If you don’t read any farther than this, leave knowing that I couldn’t recommend these shoes more. They’re the raddest. 

This season I invested in a full suspension, and, as a result, ended up riding a lot more on my own than I have in the past. I do the majority of my riding in the front range of Colorado, rotating from a couple of classics in Lyons, to a few favorites in Fraser and Winter Park. My sweet spot is cross- country mixed with some light downhill. These shoes exceeded all expectations on the terrain. 

Fit

Before receiving the Freerider Pros, I’d read some reviews that they ran large. I hover between size eleven and an eleven and a half (don’t get me started on how hard it is to find shoes that fit). I took note and went for the ten and a half. I’m super happy I downsized because they fit perfectly. 

Comfort

There was no break-in period required for these shoes. They fit comfortably like sneakers from the first time I put them on, and I never experienced any rubbing or pressure from the shape. I would recommend these to anyone looking for an easy transition shoe that is comfortable to walk in. I effortlessly transitioned from bike to car without fussing around with them. I even forgot to take them off one drive from Winter Park back to the front range.

When I first rode in them, I was wearing thicker biking socks and found that my feet overheated pretty quickly. I switched for lighter, more breathable socks and the issue went away. These shoes ventilate very well. The pros use a fast-drying synthetic upper, which is durable and sturdy while not sacrificing comfort. 

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Performance

The Freerider Pros utilize a grippy Stealth® Phantom rubber outsole, and it’s so effective that it’s almost frustrating to readjust when you misstep on your pedal. I didn’t slip once. The sole is stiff, which is great because the more flex you have, the harder I find it is to get good footing.  

The toe box is Impact resistant, so I didn’t worry when I had low feet, because I felt confident the shoes would hold up to anything I put them through or any rocks they came into contact with. I imagine myself using these shoes for at least 2-3 seasons before investing in another pair. If you’re in the market for a new pair of flats for the 2020 season, don’t look any further than the Five Ten Freerider Pro.

Shop the Five Ten Women’s Freerider Pro on Outdoor Prolink. Not a member? Apply today!