Summary
We spent 6.5 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what cyclers think:
8 reasons to buy
- A vast majority of the owners describe the shoe as very comfortable to wear.
- This Five Ten MTB trainer breathes well, says almost all of the wearers.
- A high number of consumers love how easy it is to wear, adjust, and take off.
- Many cyclists are impressed with the stiffness of the sole unit because no pedaling power gets lost.
- According to numerous outdoors aficionados, this model also provides excellent traction for hiking.
- Plenty of shoppers mention that this product looks suitable for casual wear.
- A lot of folks welcome the addition of a strap at the forefoot.
- Multiple testers appreciate that there’s room for toe splay, but the heel fits snugly.
3 reasons not to buy
- Several people claim that this pair of cycling shoes need to be broken in.
- A few users feel that it is too heavy for a mountain bike shoe.
- An expert reviewer was disappointed that the outsole detached after a few weeks of rigorous use.
Bottom line
The skate-inspired style of the Kestrel Pro BOA appeals to a lot of buyers. If it weren’t for the cleat system, one could easily mistake it for a pair of sneakers. Aside from the looks, it is also adored for its comfort, secure lockdown, and ease of use. Its stiff sole allows for maximum pedaling power but is still ready to accommodate hikes.
Facts
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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85 / 100 based on 6 expert reviews
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Steep price of the racy Five Ten Kestrel Pro Boa is somewhat offset by great aesthetics and the shoe feeling very slim and light on your foot.
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I haven’t found a whole lot to complain about with the Five Ten Kestral Pro Boas. They’re comfortable, vent well, are easy to get on and off, and are stiff and stable. Oh, they look really good too. For me, this is all the shoe I need no matter what kind of riding I’m getting into
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The Five Ten Kestrel Pro Boa is our Top Pick for Enduro Racers and those partaking in regular extensive hike-a-bike sections
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Overall, the Five Ten Kestrel Pro Boa combines a comfortable fit, solid pedaling platform, overall durability as well as having just plain good looks. It’s a complete package that’s hard to match for $200.
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All of this brings us back to the $200 price point, which as I already noted is a bit on the higher side. The Boa Lacing System always adds a bit more to the price, but it has been my experience that it is well worth it. These shoes also feel very durable and comfortable to wear as well, which isn’t always something you get in a bike shoe.
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The new shoes are different from the last iteration, but still keep the sleek aesthetics and industry-leading stiffness and performance. They are high-end clipless shoes that I don’t mind wearing for most of my rides, and that’s coming from a former flat pedal devotee. Sure they could hike better, but honestly, if you’re walking up or down something while wearing these shoes, you have bigger things to worry about than the grip of the shoe on dirt.
This cycling trainer from Five Ten shares a lot of its features with the original iteration. However, the layout of the closure has been redesigned to deliver a better fit. The BOA system is now located much higher to better secure the instep. Meanwhile, the presence of the strap compensates for the adjusted placement of the BOA. The single strap allows for better fit adjustments near the toes.
Traction. The bottom of the Five Ten Kestrel Pro BOA is lined with Stealth C4. It is a durable rubber that is also innately grippy on various types of terrains. The Dotty tread pattern amplifies its traction, which is great for the hiking part of trail rides.
Pedal power. The sole unit also uses a carbon-infused shank. It reinforces the middle section, so it doesn’t bend when the person pushes down on the pedal. This construction ensures that no power transfer is lost.
Shock-absorption. The Stealth C4 rubber works well in decreasing the shock that travels up the foot. However, this trainer also features an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole that heightens shock attenuation to keep the foot comfortable for more extended periods.
The Five Ten Kestrel Pro BOA features a two-holed recessed cleat system. It is compatible with the following pedals: Shimano XTR M9020, Nukeproof Horizon CS CrMo, Crank Brothers Mallet E, DMR V-Twin, to name a few.
All-weather comfort. The Kestrel Pro BOA uses a weather-resistant top, making it suitable for the varied conditions experienced while trail riding. It is also quick-drying, so it is easy to keep the upper clean. There are micro-perforations on the vamp, allowing outside air to cool down the foot chamber.
The interior is lined with soft textile that prevents chafing. The tongue is covered in mesh, which aids in the ventilation of the footwear.
Lockdown. The Kestrel Pro BOA uses two types of closure: BOA and Velcro strap. The Velcro strap increases the support at the broadest part of the foot. As for the BOA, it allows for quick on and off action. The cable adjusts by merely turning the dial, applying even pressure on the instep.
The Kestrel Pro BOA is designed to fit like your street shoes. It uses two types of closure for fit adjustments, allowing wearers to fine-tune snugness and support.
Inside the trainer is an Ortholite insole. This thin layer works with the midsole to further attenuate shock. It also prevents the foot from moving too much inside the shoe.