Summary
We spent 8.6 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what cyclers think:
7 reasons to buy
- The Five Ten Freerider Elements is comfortable to use for both cycling and hiking, says a vast majority of reviewers.
- Much like other Five Ten mountain bike shoes, almost all of the owners claim this model is very durable.
- The outsole is so grippy that many cyclists compare it to having super glue on their feet.
- According to numerous outdoor biking enthusiasts, their feet are kept protected by the reinforced toe and heel sections.
- A lot of people like that there is ample space in front, so their toes don’t get crushed when going downhill.
- Plenty of wearers love the casual style of this trainer because it is suitable for everyday use.
- Multiple individuals are pleased that using this footgear doesn’t make their feet feel too hot even during summer.
3 reasons not to buy
- Several buyers wish for better arch support in this pair of cycling shoes.
- A few users have noted that it is only water repellent to some extent since the tongue is covered in mesh fabric.
- Some folks state that it is stiff and needs a short break-in period.
Bottom line
The Five Ten Freerider Elements can easily be mistaken for skate sneakers because of its construction and style. But a quick peek at the bottom shows that it is a flat pedal cycling trainer.
What makes it very appealing to cyclists is the grippy outsole. They feel like they are wearing clipless cycling shoes, but getting off is less of a hassle. Overall, its versatility and comfort add to its appeal to both mountain bikers and urban riders.
Facts
| Base model: | Five Ten Freerider |
|---|---|
| Use: | Mountain |
| Cleat design: | Flat |
| Closure: | Lace |
| Feature: | Water-resistant |
| Collection: | Five Ten Freerider |
| Price: | $130 |
| Weight: | Men: 15oz |
| Brand: | Five Ten |
| Colorways: | Black |
| Special editions: | 1 special editions |
Rankings
Expert Reviews
Experts are cyclers, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
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98 / 100 based on 8 expert reviews
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Stealth Rubber tech was life-changing coming from skate shoes
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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?
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These shoes have not missed a beat for me during any of those days out. The flat sole just works, thanks mainly to the super sticky platform that makes your feet feel like they’re actually a part of the pedal. The beauty here is when things go wrong and I need to hang a foot out, the shoes don’t stop me from moving my foot off the pedal.
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I’ve used these for all my recent off-road riding, from short nighttime blasts around the Surrey Hills to multi-day bikepacking trips on the South Downs Way. If I cleaned off the mud, they’d look as good as new. I can’t recommend them enough.
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despite the stiff sole, they are comfortable to walk in.
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if you are looking for your first pair of “proper” mountain bike shoes and you don’t want to use cleats then these are definitely the answer.
If going clipless is too much of a hassle or hazard for you, the Freerider Elements may just be what you need. This Five Ten cycling shoe is designed to provide grip on flat pedals as well as uneven surfaces. It prevents slippage, so no power transfer is lost even on the most treacherous terrains. And because it doesn’t lock in place, your foot can pivot when needed.
Meanwhile, the construction of the upper offers protection against damp conditions. It is also reinforced so you won’t have to worry about stubbed toes.
Shock-absorption. The bottom of the Freerider Elements is protected by the Stealth S1 rubber. This thick compound is engineered to attenuate shock, perfect for when you need to get off your bike and do a bit of hiking or walking. It is also hard-wearing, so it won’t easily get worn down regardless of the terrain it is used on.
Traction. Stealth S1 is inherently grippy, while the Classic Dotty tread pattern enhances it. The flat surface of the dots makes full contact with the pedal. Meanwhile, the studs on flat pedals fit perfectly in between the circles, locking the outsole in place. Though it is very grippy, it still allows the foot to pivot when needed.
Foothold. This trainer features a molded cupsole construction. The top of the sole unit slightly extends up, forming a wall that contains the foot to prevent in-shoe slippage.
The Five Ten Freerider Elements features a flat outsole. It works best with flat pedals such as the Crank Brothers 5050 xx, the Twenty6 Predator, the Nukeproof Electron, the Race Face Chester, the Shimano Saint MX80 Flat Pedals, to name a few.
The advantage of using flat cycling shoes is that wearers can easily plant their foot on the pedal and just as quickly remove it when they need to. There are no cleats to worry about if you suddenly need to disengage your foot from the pedal to avoid any untoward incidents.
Protection against the elements. The top of the Five Ten Freerider Elements is made of DWR-treated leather, which is responsible for its water-resistant properties. The synthetic panels also contribute to keeping the foot warm and dry in wet conditions. The material is also fast-drying.
Comfort. The interior of this cycling shoe is lined with PUR foam. This thin layer of foam provides a comfortable wrap that also maintains a warm environment in cold weather.
Lockdown. The low-top construction allows for a full range of ankle movement. Meanwhile, fit adjustment is afforded by the lacing system. The panels at the forefoot and near the collar integrate with the lace-up structure. When the shoestrings are tightened, the lateral hold is amplified.