Editors’ Choice: (Almost) a favourite: The Five Ten Freerider Pro has one drawback

BIKE testers get to try out lots of different products, whether they’re brakes, rucksacks or knee pads – only by comparing them can they tell whether a product is top-of-the-range or not. BIKE editor Laurin tests the Five Ten Freerider Pro Flat Pedal Shoes for quite some time now. He values her – but there are still a few things to grumble about.

Five Ten Freerider Pro: Almost Perfect

After a good year’s use, this classic model – reissued in 2025 – has taught me one thing: white shoes and mountain biking aren’t just stylish – that goes without saying. But they don’t have to be a flash in the pan. The stylish white finish holds up surprisingly well – provided you brush the shoes clean after a ride. And yes, I’ll admit it: in particularly muddy conditions, I deliberately opted for different shoes – for fear of ruining my ‘Fivetenies’.

The Stealth sole with its distinctive dot design is an old favourite – and remains as reliable as ever. The pedal pins literally grip into the rubber. The result: a connection between foot and pedal that doesn’t waver, even on rough, bumpy sections. Control and safety, even when the trail turns into a vibrating plate.

The fit is as comfortable as ever – Five Ten really do know how a shoe should fit. However, the sizes run a little small, and the two-thirds increments don’t exactly make choosing any easier. Our advice: it’s better to go a size up rather than end up with squashed toes.

Stiff sole for efficient power transfer

Compared to older models such as the Freerider High or the Danny MacAskill, the sole has become noticeably stiffer – and that’s good news. The direct power transfer to the pedal is particularly noticeable on long climbs and during high-intensity sections. You benefit from this on the downhill too: combined with the grippy sole, you feel as though you’re literally at one with the bike.

Favourite shoes? Almost. There’s one drawback.

The BOA closure is brilliant – but one simply isn’t enough here. Without a second closure, it lacks that final bit of support that takes a shoe from being a near-favourite to a genuine favourite. It’s a shame, because otherwise the Freerider Pro would be a clear contender for me.

In a Nutshell

• ​Price: 170 euros >> e.g. Available here at a reduced price
• Weight: 801 g (size 46)
• Sizes: 38 2/3–50 2/3; in 2/3 sizes
• Facilities: Boa twist lock; toe cap; asymmetrical lacing
• Fit: consistently medium-width, comfortable fit; difficult to choose the right size

Are you still looking for some good shoes for flat pedals? In my opinion, the following models have proven their worth: Fox Union Canvas with a double BOA fastening or the lace-up trainers with a sneaker-style design: First-Degree Seeker.
Laurin Lehner, BIKE tester