Phil, you really know your stuff and as a weekend warrior on the trails, I really appreciate the in-depth info about MTB skills and gear. You, Berm Peak, and Kyle & April are godsends to us casuals.
I was pretty disappointed when Adidas took over Five Ten, they ruined my favourite climbing shoe and approach shoe. But you might find it interesting that Unparallel are actually the original people from Five Ten and that's why their rubber is so damn good.
WAIT REALLY? if this is true, I do find that interesting. To the googles! Update: I found this "Unparallel were founded in 2017 by former Five Ten development and production boss, Sang Lee. Lee, amidst Five Ten’s Adidas takeover and ensuing switch to Chinese production, took over and restored Five Ten’s discarded Redlands, California shoe manufacturing base. Here, he assembled an A-list team of ex-Five Ten climbing shoe gurus, with over 20 years of experience, to conceive - at the time of writing - the newest name on the climbing shoe market, Unparallel." Source rockrun.com/blogs/the-flash-rock-run-blog/unparallel-brand-profile That's very cool, thanks for the information. :)
@@SkillsWithPhil No worries! I thought you'd find it interesting. I found out when I looked through their climbing shoe line and they looked exactly like the old 5.10s, then went digging.
I bought some addias terrex with Stealth soles,,,didn't last as half as much as my FiveTen Impacts....FiveTens for mtbing and Addidas for walking I reckon..Ha !!
I'm so happy that you've gone through so many of the shoes and talked from your personal preferences. It's unusable when reviewers are saying these are the best shoes based on arbitrary measures and numbers. So thank you. Helped me decide which to go for.
Im missing the good old five ten when they were made of real leather and stiched solid. They last five seasons at least. Adidas messed up by changing them with cheaper materials and glue. Now a days, most bike shoes barely last two seasons, and end up in the landfill. It’s a shame!
Thanks for this video - it's a really comprehensive guide to the things you have to take into account when choosing a shoe. I've recently started trying to add soles to MTB shoes myself, both because of recent problems with the availability of good shoes, but also because I hate the idea of throwing away a relatively new shoe because my pedal pins have quickly torn up the rubber sole. I'd bought an expensive MTB-specific shoe (Giro) which managed to combine hard, non-grippy rubber with fragility - the sole tore through very quickly and was effectively ruined after a few weeks of riding. I've done a few experiments and I'm now very confident that I can find a way of patching torn soles so that they perform better and last longer than the original. This is what I've learned so far: (1) To attach a sole patch, I've had great success using a construction silicone adhesive called 'CT-1.' (I'm in the UK, but you will be able to find an equivalent in your country via a Google search.) I degrease and abrade all the areas to be glued with sandpaper, and once stuck like this, it stays. (2.) I've bought 3mm thick rubber sheet from Amazon to use for the patches. This works brilliantly in terms of grip - your feet do not budge, however they are very fragile, so the rubber is badly torn up after 10 rides or so. (3.) Another problem is that this is completely smooth rubber, so you have vitually no grip when walking - not good if you need to get off your bike on steep muddy trails. My next experiment will be to cut up some old mountain bike tyres to make new patches. These will hopefully keep you planted on the pedals, last longer and (if I fix them so the grip-side is down) should provide decent grip when walking around. Apart from not having to throw away otherwise-perfect shoes, this will also be a way of making use of old bike (and maybe car?) tyres, which currently just go to landfill.
I run the 5 10 Trailcross Mids. I absolutely love them, the higher ankle support, flat pedal shoe, and the neoprene sleeve around the ankle keeping dirt and pebbles out is absolutely perfect for how I ride.
Some time ago I switched to flat pedals on my hardtail mtb. Since I previously only used shoes for clipping in both on my mtb and a racing bike I didn't have mtb specific shoes for the flats. Unsure of what to wear and with a limited budget at the time I tested whatever was at hand. I quickly realised that my running shoes didn't feel right at all and tested a pare of relatively new safety shoes instead. The safety shoes are actually much better than I had hoped and have never failed me. I like them since they are very stiff and they have proper grip on the flats I use. Feel free to call me a weirdo but I regularly use these on my local trails. Works like a charm!
I've heard they are a huge improvement over the first generations. Hailey had the originals versions and didn't like them, but recently got the ride concepts wildcats and seems to really like them.
Thanks for the honest and experienced-based review. Like you, I am a show guy, and also like you I wear shoes for purposes and expect them to perform. Based on this review, I've ordered FiveTen Freeriders for riding my hybrid with clips and straps.
I never had MTB shoes for awhile and then I started riding about every other day with my new bike and got biking hot foot. Bought some 510s and that stiff sole and wide toe box is a dream! Thanks for the vid man!
1st time in my life I've watched a 20 min video about MTB shoes! 😄👍 As a result I just removed from my Amazon shopping cart the Crank Brothers shoes...😋 Thanks Phil for the advice!
Another advantage of flat pedals is that its easier to get back on when you're on steep terrain. Also, 100% agree about skate shoe aesthetics. I'm currently wearing 5/10 FRPros for proper rides but I'm a big fan of Es skate shoes for casual wear (and ride) purposes. I have fairly narrow feet so it limits my options but I'll defo be checking out the Etnies.
I’ve always loved my vans for grip but never thought about sole thickness. You have really put it into perspective by saying foot getting tired, which I never related to my shoe type and always related it to just riding. Going to look into those Etnies thank you
I’ve been riding the Etnies Marana Cranks for a few years and very happy with them. I haven’t tried any alternatives because I have no complaints, they look good and stick well to the pedals.
Watching this video made me go through my own shoe inventory... turns out I have a pair of Five Ten Impact Pros I don't think I've worn yet. When I'm not running clipless, I have two pairs of Impacts I rotate through. Low top and high top. And a pair of Impacts I've had for close to 20 years, but are still in good condition. Yes - Impacts do seem to collect trail debris. In the winter or when riding DH, I mitigate this by wearing riding pants that are long and have enough of a cuff they cover the tops of the shoes. My first pair of biking flat pedal shoes were a couple of pairs of AXO mid tops. Racing in the Northeast, I learned having two pairs of shoes for wet races was a good thing to have. I still have these, but the toe protection is lacking, so they were retired some years ago.
oh wow, yeah!!!! the best video and most honest, real info about shoes coming from someone who has years of experience and has tested options. I feel bummed as well cause I also purchased the crankbros stamp boa shoes and love the boa and fitment just hate the soles and how my feet come off. used 510s free riders before and never slipped a pedal. also noticed the crankbrothers soles get even harder and less grippy the colder the weather gets.....what a bummer for such a neat shoe. also used etnies for years when skateboarding and always loved them, I think I will for sure be trying a set of etnies as my next mtb shoe and keep 510 close to my heart!
I just picked up a pair of culverts and can’t wait to test them out. I’ve been wearing Sleuth dlx since last spring and not only are they great for DH, bike park etc, they are amazing when you stand on concrete floors 40hrs a week. I hurt my ankle early this past summer and wanted that extra bit of protection, so I went with the culverts
Also, check out shadow conspiracy insoles. They give you impact protection and sole stiffness so you can use skate shoes as bmx shoes. They are slightly thicker, so would work best in a more spacious shoe
It seems a shoe with a really soft and thin-ish rubber sole and a stiff midsole could be interesting. The thin rubber would keep the shoe light and the midsole (maybe fiber-reinforced) provides stiffness and protection.
This video is great. It is mid winter in Vermont and I am preparing for the next riding season. It is also time for new shoes. I have some Five Ten Freeriders and they have been great but my feet do get tired on long or technical rides. You review seems pretty unbiased and provides some good options. Thanks.
I have a pair, I can confirm that they’re the best MTB shoes I’ve ever had and I’ve run 510s for years and have tried Crankbrothers and Ride Concepts. The Etnies have similar grip to the OG 510s and are much more durable. Plus, coming from a skateboarding background I’m pumped to be back in Etnies!
Hey Phil, awesome channel man! I live on Beech Mtn f/t and my 12 y/o son practically lives at the resort biking and skiing. We also short term rent out a private guest suite at the house that's 5 mins from the resort. If you ever want a free weekend in exchange for shredding a few hours w/ my son, just let me know. He'd love it and I'm sure he can learn a ton from you. All the best!
I would say keep an eye on Unparallel. Some of their engineers/team are from Fiveten and they started making their own shoes after Adidas took over the Fiveten brand. As a rock climber I have loved Fiveten, but it definitely hasn’t been the same since the company was bought.
came here to say the same. 5.10 have gone downhill since adidas bought them (for climbing at least). unparalleled was started by a bunch of 5.10 engineer and designers that wanted to to keep working when they moved the 5.10 hq from CA to germany.
Agreed. I'm honestly not a fan of Adidas which has been the motivating factor to try to find alternatives. I also just learned that the product designer left 510 after Adidas and took a team with him to reopen the original 510 factory in cali. Sounds like their heart is in the right place and that means a lot.
cool review Phil! Skateboard background here, so I got 510's Freerider from the start but the darn things just won't wear out! Got them since 2018. I just recently saw those Etnies on Tom Cardy's channel, very cool!
I would suggest the sppecialized 2fo roost shoes they are by far the best shoes I have ridden in. i don't know If you can review a specialized product due to your GT sponsor but hey. Its the best I have tried.
Love my Etnies Culvert Mids, prefer them over my 510’s 100% agree with the velcro strap, I hate lacing and unlacing so being able to loosen the strap to put the shoes on is perfect!
I have Impact Pro. Phil is 100% correct they are heavy but Awesome, mine are 4 years old and still rocking, they have also saved me from broken toes on a few occasions.
I've been on Ride Concepts now for a couple of years. Best shoes on the market for me... trail and enduro. I never had a problem with the laces. I'm riding the Powerline and the Wild Cat and they're all Half Price right now for the 2021 models. They are doing a complete re-design for 2022.
I also race BMX and also used to wear clip pedals doing BMX and wore flat pedals when dirt jumping and mountain biking. But USABMX cancelled flat pedals for 12 and under. I enjoy flats a lot more its easier to save your self when you almost fall. I love your videos, keep it up :)
I‘ve had the previous generation of the gr7 (the clear blue ones) for around 3.5 years and they’ve been quite good grippy enough for my taste (I haven’t tried any 510s yet) with a stiff enough sole and I haven’t experienced any issues whatsoever. Since I’ve ridden them with the exact same pedals for nearly all of the 3.5 yrs of ownership they have some rubber missing where the pins rested on the sole but they still work like a charm and they doesn’t look beaten up just the cords but they provided another pair in the box
Nice video Phil ! Timely for this guy. Ecco track II boots - Work, play, night on the town, and mtb. Rented an mtb on vacation recently with the modern flat pedals - so much better than the cage pedals that came on my bike. I suspect a pedal upgrade will at least equal mtb shoes- both are in my future. (P.S. only pair of bike shoes I’ve owned and still have are my wood soled Duegis - purchased used in 1980 and ride them on my road bike with toe straps. Unless, of course, I’m wearing my boots. )
I have some ES Kelly Hart skateboard shoes I use in drier weather, make all my MTB shoes look like rubbish. If the weather is bad I still have some original 510 impacts that keep my feet dry, I don't tend to get out anywhere in bad weather recently as my riding partner who drives keeps chickening out. And anything a bit more urban and I get the sweet vans out, they are a bit more the 80s suede trainer type rather than the canvas basketball shoe and they feel like wearing slippers.
Excellent comparison Phil, good to hear your thoughts on the Ride Concepts vs Unparallel, the two I've been considering to replace my Impact Pros. Hadn't considered the Etnies but look to be a good option as well
I love my Ride Concept Livewires but you’re spot on about the laces! Snapped mine after 2 weeks and put in some spare Adidas running shoe laces and still going strong a year in. I find my 5/10s are dry weather only as when wet weigh a ton and take forever to dry.
Got the same and they are fantastic. Shoulda contacted RC about the laces. I had an issue and they were happy to replace and make me happy. Even sent me slides!
Dude, haven't watched your videos in ages! I just wanted to blurt out that your public speaking has noticeably improved since I've last watched one of your videos.
I love my 5 year old free rides , i also have the contacts. Which I like and use for gravel rides mostly, they fit a little tighter in the toe then freerides
Just sharing my experience so far after riding about 8months, up to ~40 miles a week of single track. I started out with the FiveTen Sleuth which were OK, but have a very slime and not so stiff sole. They also started pealing/delaminating at the toe within 5/6months. Most importantly to most of us likely; offer very little protection against impacts. This is a very soft shoe, especially after breaking in and weathering. Next I tried the FiveTen FreeRider (reg - not pros) and they are not comfortable at all for my feet. There is no arch support - practically no ergonomics or support for the form of my feet. My foot is essentially on top of a flat board, which results into hotspots and pressure points, fatiguing my feet 30mins into a ride. I'd also add that the lacing tension has to be exactly right everytime, or else pressure points and numbness will start to arise in the middle of a ride due to circulation issues. Two good things that I can't skip over is the fact that they're definitely stiff and offer plenty of protection against impacts. Now I'm currently awaiting the Ride Concepts Hellion Elite to arrive and will give those a go. Kind of wish I knew about the Etnies before hand but got the RCs like 50%. My search for a good and comfortable MTB shoe continues.
I have a similar experience with how short soles of FiveTen's live. I have no issues with getting a few holes in my cheaper "summer" shoes and riding them for a while after that. But for winter, more expensive Freerider Pros, getting a hole means they let ice-cold water in. And that happens long before the upper part of the shoe starts showing any signs of wear. Adidas has stopped selling Stealth rubber in sheets, which means re-gluing a new sole is no longer an option, unless one buys Vibram sheet rubber instead. Gluing the holes with shoe goo helps for about two/three rides until the pins eat their way through it. Sadly, for the next winter I had to buy a product of another brand.
As yet another person looking for an alternative to 5.10 this is a great resource. I like the fit of the FR Pros (roomy toe box), but never liked the revised dotty pattern. I tried Ions which have a great sole, but are too narrow for me, and just picked up a pair of Endura flat pedal shoes. Probably going to order some Etnies now to compare. Thanks for the review.
Good stuff Phil, i have many of those shoes as well and about 60lbs heavier. I never find the soles too thin an issue and the thickies give me vague pedal feel. Hard to review (recommend) the feel compared to grip, toe protection, durability, laces etc..
Love my 510 Pro’s! I clipped a rock 🪨 at speed with my toe and the hard edge saved my toe from any damage. Time will tell how durable they are, always glad to have more alternatives 🤘
Which ones do you have the freerider pros are impact pros? The Impacts pros have been incredibly durable, the freerider pros have been kind of a bummer but I also run super aggressive pedals
@@SkillsWithPhil I have one ride on my freeriders and can see pin marks...but they have grip! Not sure how I feel about them compared to old regular skate shoes but we'll see this season.
@@SkillsWithPhil freeriders :’( they are the Prime Blue version. Is it just the compound on the bottom that gave out because of aggressive pedals / pins? I’ll keep the Impact Pro in mind when I’m in the market again and check out those Etnies (They have a special place I my heart, love the style of their regular shoes)
Tried to like Ride Concepts, but all their shoes run on the narrow side - oh well. Right on about the freerider series having thin soles - I ended up strategically removing pins on my pedals where the pins poked thru the sole. I develop an identical hole, usually at the front outboard-most pin location. Remove that particular pin, and the problem is gone (still have the hole in each shoe sole!) .....I'm currently trying the new freerider Pro primeblue (made from recycled ocean plastic) and find they are just as comfortable as the regular freerider shoe, but the sole is slightly stiffer (I like this better), and the sole seems just as grippy - and they are incredibly light. Time will tell if these develop any holes, but they've only had one winter season of sparse snow/wet riding so far....I usually get 3-4 seasons from a pair of 510's, and then they're relegated to crappy riding conditions 'mud/rain' day use!
I’ve been using $30 hiking boots off of Amazon, I got my first pair 2 years ago then it got a small tear inside after a year so I bought new ones. The new ones lasted 3 months now the inside and rear is all torn up and I switched back to the first pair, which hasn’t gotten any worse and I don’t mind the little tear at all. I’m actually wearing them right now in class lol
Same! Sticky enough but I can move my foot around, quick lace pull string, lace cover. For trail riding my favorite, but not for park riding, my feet get tired.
Personally, the Ride Concepts Wildcat is easily the best shoe I've used to date. It's a high top, has a stiff, sticky and durable sole as well as a very robust toebox. Everything you could ever want in a shoe. As well as that, I'm personally a huge fan of how they look, even with the velcro strap
I forgot my bike shoes one time and only had my whitewater shoes in my car. I wore those instead, and haven't wore my bike shoes since. Astral Brewers are ultra sticky, light, and very breathable. When I say ultra sticky they are designed to grip on wet rock. They also look more like skate shoes. The soles are a little thin. I don't mind that, but I am not even close to the level Phil is at either. I'm not riding big jumps.
Just got back in to riding after lots of years 😂 I got 510 free rider shoes for Christmas and like the way they feel … I went for a ride with stock pedals and had a bunch of slip issues… one being downhill and at that point I lost all confidence… next day I got some Chester pedals for my bike so I don’t break a leg next ride … figure I will most likely get clipless pedals after I wear out these shoes … I rode clips for years but with getting a new bike and not riding for years I didn’t want to just jump in to clip pedals
Good video. I'm similar to you in the sense I don't like retying shoes. I added X-pand laces to my RC Hellions using their quick release version which you see on some hiking or trail running shoes. They have been working great and elastic so they expand to help get in and out of the shoe easy, but still stay snug when riding. Also curious to see what Ride Concepts has cooking up right now since it seems like they are offloading everything in their stock. It worried me that maybe they were maybe going under, but they assured me they have new models coming soon. I may give those Etnies a try in the mean time as my friend just picked them up and enjoys them too.
Thanks a lot! Perfect vid for me. I tried a lot of shoes, loved the 5-10s impact and I'm lazy with shoe lacing aswell ^^ My RC TNT soles did only last 4 a year, so I'll try the Etnies. Hope their soles are more durable than the RCs. Thx a lot again! Ride on 🤙🏽
Great video. I too tried the Crank Brothers. Their fit was awesome and I wanted them to work, but the grip is terrible. I'll try some of those others. Five Ten's good for now
I raced in the mid 90s when clips were just starting in BMX. I bought a sick pair of airwalk clips and rode them for about a week before I snapped my chain and hit the ground. I'm not going to say I was too strong for that chain but I'm not not saying that either. I switched back to my Crupi squares after that
Airwalks were the coolest shoes the the time! I was young at the time and I remember a bunch of parents making DIY shoes out of baseball/soccer cleats. Weird times.
@@SkillsWithPhil ok cool, I don't remember seeing any of those but I can see using those old Mcgregor style cleats. Man, my favorite would be if Vans made a half cab style riding shoe
Really great info and thanks for the comparison. I’m new to sport after 20 years of being out of it. Any chance you can make a video that talks about safety equipment (knee/elbow pads/helmets) to be wearing while trail riding compared to downhill bike parks.
This was very informative. I'm in the market for new shoes. My Five Ten Freeriders are getting to the point my feet are getting fatigued from trail riding through tech. Thanks for the info 👍 Hey, Phil. Since you're a GT rider, have you considered getting back on a BMX bike? It'd be cool to get your input on BMX bikes and how you would set them up for races. And do BMX tricks
Great video! I bought the pearl izumis and they were really poor cycling shoes. The rubber is really touch and the shape isn't conducive to gripping pedals without center pins. I bought another pair of new balance skate shoes and they're still my favorite
This video is much appreciated 🙏 I currently have the crankbrothers shoes and have had the same issues as you. I have been thinking seriously about buying the pearl izumi but the etinis were also on my list. Thanks again!
Basically anything by Fiveten, Ride concept, and shoes using Michelin rubber such as the Etnies culverts will be safe. I've heard good things about the new Specialized 2f0s as well from people I trust.
@@SkillsWithPhil the 2fo dh has a nice thick sole and is stiff. It's comparable to an impact pro, but lighter. I am a big fan. My feet were cramping in RC Hellions and I switched to the 2fo DH this year. They are a solid option.
I had a pair of forsake hiking boots that had a vibrum sole that is similar to the 5 tens and I found them to be super grippy. They would lock into the pins and my feet wouldn’t slip or move. The soles didn’t seem thin to me.
Great video! I have struggled with finding a good flat pedal MTB shoe. However, I found the Harsh Arabica to be an amazing shoe for the money. Only $22 from Big-5 and have lasted two years. Stuff sole has grip and wears well
I looked those up, the sole pattern is identical to Mike Escallima's signature Etnies Rooftop model. I used to BMX in those and like them quite a bit. I might actually be wearing them in the photo at 2:47 www.amazon.co.uk/Etnies-Rooftop-White-Taille-Trainers/dp/B005BBXVC2
Phil you should try the fiveten sleuth dlx shoes, they are my go-to shoes when it's not super wet or muddy. Nice skate shoe style and mega comfy with the great grip you expect from fiveten.
I couldn't get my hands on any Etnies when I was shopping for my last pair, being a life-long skater I wanted to give them a chance. Instead I grabbed a pair of the Ride Concept Wildcats, very similar look to the Etnies Culvert, and I love them, there is not one thing about them I would change. I especially like the D30 insole for heavier impacts.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey Phil this info is Gold!! Your knowledge about the subject is incredible! I love my FiveTens!
Phil, you really know your stuff and as a weekend warrior on the trails, I really appreciate the in-depth info about MTB skills and gear. You, Berm Peak, and Kyle & April are godsends to us casuals.
I was pretty disappointed when Adidas took over Five Ten, they ruined my favourite climbing shoe and approach shoe. But you might find it interesting that Unparallel are actually the original people from Five Ten and that's why their rubber is so damn good.
WAIT REALLY? if this is true, I do find that interesting. To the googles!
Update: I found this
"Unparallel were founded in 2017 by former Five Ten development and production boss, Sang Lee. Lee, amidst Five Ten’s Adidas takeover and ensuing switch to Chinese production, took over and restored Five Ten’s discarded Redlands, California shoe manufacturing base. Here, he assembled an A-list team of ex-Five Ten climbing shoe gurus, with over 20 years of experience, to conceive - at the time of writing - the newest name on the climbing shoe market, Unparallel." Source rockrun.com/blogs/the-flash-rock-run-blog/unparallel-brand-profile
That's very cool, thanks for the information. :)
@@SkillsWithPhil No worries! I thought you'd find it interesting. I found out when I looked through their climbing shoe line and they looked exactly like the old 5.10s, then went digging.
I bought some addias terrex with Stealth soles,,,didn't last as half as much as my FiveTen Impacts....FiveTens for mtbing and Addidas for walking I reckon..Ha !!
Five Tens now run smaller than the old ones. Not as wide.
I'm so happy that you've gone through so many of the shoes and talked from your personal preferences. It's unusable when reviewers are saying these are the best shoes based on arbitrary measures and numbers. So thank you. Helped me decide which to go for.
Im missing the good old five ten when they were made of real leather and stiched solid. They last five seasons at least. Adidas messed up by changing them with cheaper materials and glue. Now a days, most bike shoes barely last two seasons, and end up in the landfill. It’s a shame!
Thanks for this video - it's a really comprehensive guide to the things you have to take into account when choosing a shoe.
I've recently started trying to add soles to MTB shoes myself, both because of recent problems with the availability of good shoes, but also because I hate the idea of throwing away a relatively new shoe because my pedal pins have quickly torn up the rubber sole. I'd bought an expensive MTB-specific shoe (Giro) which managed to combine hard, non-grippy rubber with fragility - the sole tore through very quickly and was effectively ruined after a few weeks of riding.
I've done a few experiments and I'm now very confident that I can find a way of patching torn soles so that they perform better and last longer than the original. This is what I've learned so far: (1) To attach a sole patch, I've had great success using a construction silicone adhesive called 'CT-1.' (I'm in the UK, but you will be able to find an equivalent in your country via a Google search.) I degrease and abrade all the areas to be glued with sandpaper, and once stuck like this, it stays. (2.) I've bought 3mm thick rubber sheet from Amazon to use for the patches. This works brilliantly in terms of grip - your feet do not budge, however they are very fragile, so the rubber is badly torn up after 10 rides or so. (3.) Another problem is that this is completely smooth rubber, so you have vitually no grip when walking - not good if you need to get off your bike on steep muddy trails.
My next experiment will be to cut up some old mountain bike tyres to make new patches. These will hopefully keep you planted on the pedals, last longer and (if I fix them so the grip-side is down) should provide decent grip when walking around. Apart from not having to throw away otherwise-perfect shoes, this will also be a way of making use of old bike (and maybe car?) tyres, which currently just go to landfill.
I run the 5 10 Trailcross Mids. I absolutely love them, the higher ankle support, flat pedal shoe, and the neoprene sleeve around the ankle keeping dirt and pebbles out is absolutely perfect for how I ride.
Some time ago I switched to flat pedals on my hardtail mtb. Since I previously only used shoes for clipping in both on my mtb and a racing bike I didn't have mtb specific shoes for the flats. Unsure of what to wear and with a limited budget at the time I tested whatever was at hand. I quickly realised that my running shoes didn't feel right at all and tested a pare of relatively new safety shoes instead.
The safety shoes are actually much better than I had hoped and have never failed me. I like them since they are very stiff and they have proper grip on the flats I use. Feel free to call me a weirdo but I regularly use these on my local trails. Works like a charm!
Great to hear you like our shoes Phil!
The new specialized 2FO roosts are also worth a checkout for five-ten competitors
I've heard they are a huge improvement over the first generations. Hailey had the originals versions and didn't like them, but recently got the ride concepts wildcats and seems to really like them.
The new specialized are incredible I've tried every other brand. They are the best hands down the stickiest.
Seconding this. I got the 2FO DHs and they are great. Like a lighter version of the Impact pros.
I also just got the 2FO roosts and really like them, but I don't have much to compare them to, tbh. Would love to hear your thoughts on them Phil!
These super solid, stiff, grippy, and very good looking!
I’m liking the cleaned up look (beard trimmed and short hair). Also thanks for the info on mtb specific shoes.
Thanks for the honest and experienced-based review. Like you, I am a show guy, and also like you I wear shoes for purposes and expect them to perform. Based on this review, I've ordered FiveTen Freeriders for riding my hybrid with clips and straps.
Gotta keep it classic. I ride with vans chukka mids with plantar insoles. Awesome ankle support, grip, and arch support. Keep shredding 🤙
I’m on etnies now too I really like how much room my foot has
I never had MTB shoes for awhile and then I started riding about every other day with my new bike and got biking hot foot. Bought some 510s and that stiff sole and wide toe box is a dream! Thanks for the vid man!
my feet are so wide 510’s have a tight toe box :(
Dude, your speech sounds seriously improved, have you been doing something or is it just the progression of the videos? Good on ya!
1st time in my life I've watched a 20 min video about MTB shoes! 😄👍
As a result I just removed from my Amazon shopping cart the Crank Brothers shoes...😋
Thanks Phil for the advice!
Another advantage of flat pedals is that its easier to get back on when you're on steep terrain. Also, 100% agree about skate shoe aesthetics. I'm currently wearing 5/10 FRPros for proper rides but I'm a big fan of Es skate shoes for casual wear (and ride) purposes.
I have fairly narrow feet so it limits my options but I'll defo be checking out the Etnies.
I’ve always loved my vans for grip but never thought about sole thickness. You have really put it into perspective by saying foot getting tired, which I never related to my shoe type and always related it to just riding. Going to look into those Etnies thank you
Try the Vans BMX Old Skool; much more beefy soles and outsoles.
Thanks for the depth bro. You actually mentioned 3 shoes that were on my mind, and you helped guide my decision making. Cheers!
I’ve been riding the Etnies Marana Cranks for a few years and very happy with them. I haven’t tried any alternatives because I have no complaints, they look good and stick well to the pedals.
Watching this video made me go through my own shoe inventory... turns out I have a pair of Five Ten Impact Pros I don't think I've worn yet. When I'm not running clipless, I have two pairs of Impacts I rotate through. Low top and high top. And a pair of Impacts I've had for close to 20 years, but are still in good condition.
Yes - Impacts do seem to collect trail debris. In the winter or when riding DH, I mitigate this by wearing riding pants that are long and have enough of a cuff they cover the tops of the shoes.
My first pair of biking flat pedal shoes were a couple of pairs of AXO mid tops. Racing in the Northeast, I learned having two pairs of shoes for wet races was a good thing to have. I still have these, but the toe protection is lacking, so they were retired some years ago.
Top 5 @ 18:30. wanted the Unparallel, probably getting the etnies for the toe room or the RC.
oh wow, yeah!!!! the best video and most honest, real info about shoes coming from someone who has years of experience and has tested options. I feel bummed as well cause I also purchased the crankbros stamp boa shoes and love the boa and fitment just hate the soles and how my feet come off. used 510s free riders before and never slipped a pedal. also noticed the crankbrothers soles get even harder and less grippy the colder the weather gets.....what a bummer for such a neat shoe. also used etnies for years when skateboarding and always loved them, I think I will for sure be trying a set of etnies as my next mtb shoe and keep 510 close to my heart!
Love my Carver 510's, they were my first MTB shoe's. With all the padding they are great for the cold, wet winter rides!
i had my eyes on the culvert mid for so long, and i just knew it the moment i saw them that i had to buy em. Now you pushed me over the edge Phil!
I just picked up a pair of culverts and can’t wait to test them out. I’ve been wearing Sleuth dlx since last spring and not only are they great for DH, bike park etc, they are amazing when you stand on concrete floors 40hrs a week. I hurt my ankle early this past summer and wanted that extra bit of protection, so I went with the culverts
Also, check out shadow conspiracy insoles. They give you impact protection and sole stiffness so you can use skate shoes as bmx shoes. They are slightly thicker, so would work best in a more spacious shoe
It seems a shoe with a really soft and thin-ish rubber sole and a stiff midsole could be interesting.
The thin rubber would keep the shoe light and the midsole (maybe fiber-reinforced) provides stiffness and protection.
An mtb video about shoes..?! Only Phil could make that interesting and enjoyable 🙏🏼
As a person who also skated and now rides in Etnies, I'm happy to hear that the Culverts are a good shoe. Will definitely give them a go.
This video is great. It is mid winter in Vermont and I am preparing for the next riding season. It is also time for new shoes. I have some Five Ten Freeriders and they have been great but my feet do get tired on long or technical rides. You review seems pretty unbiased and provides some good options. Thanks.
I have a pair, I can confirm that they’re the best MTB shoes I’ve ever had and I’ve run 510s for years and have tried Crankbrothers and Ride Concepts. The Etnies have similar grip to the OG 510s and are much more durable. Plus, coming from a skateboarding background I’m pumped to be back in Etnies!
I wear etnies too. Not just my MTB shoes, which I love, but many of my other pairs too.
Hey Phil, awesome channel man! I live on Beech Mtn f/t and my 12 y/o son practically lives at the resort biking and skiing. We also short term rent out a private guest suite at the house that's 5 mins from the resort. If you ever want a free weekend in exchange for shredding a few hours w/ my son, just let me know. He'd love it and I'm sure he can learn a ton from you. All the best!
I would say keep an eye on Unparallel. Some of their engineers/team are from Fiveten and they started making their own shoes after Adidas took over the Fiveten brand. As a rock climber I have loved Fiveten, but it definitely hasn’t been the same since the company was bought.
came here to say the same. 5.10 have gone downhill since adidas bought them (for climbing at least). unparalleled was started by a bunch of 5.10 engineer and designers that wanted to to keep working when they moved the 5.10 hq from CA to germany.
Agreed. I'm honestly not a fan of Adidas which has been the motivating factor to try to find alternatives. I also just learned that the product designer left 510 after Adidas and took a team with him to reopen the original 510 factory in cali. Sounds like their heart is in the right place and that means a lot.
cool review Phil! Skateboard background here, so I got 510's Freerider from the start but the darn things just won't wear out! Got them since 2018. I just recently saw those Etnies on Tom Cardy's channel, very cool!
I would suggest the sppecialized 2fo roost shoes they are by far the best shoes I have ridden in. i don't know If you can review a specialized product due to your GT sponsor but hey. Its the best I have tried.
Love my Etnies Culvert Mids, prefer them over my 510’s
100% agree with the velcro strap, I hate lacing and unlacing so being able to loosen the strap to put the shoes on is perfect!
Did you order the same size as your fivetens or is the fit slightly different
@@toddj7960 I went true to size with no complaints. I'm a bit flatfooted as well
I have Impact Pro. Phil is 100% correct they are heavy but Awesome, mine are 4 years old and still rocking, they have also saved me from broken toes on a few occasions.
I've been on Ride Concepts now for a couple of years. Best shoes on the market for me... trail and enduro. I never had a problem with the laces. I'm riding the Powerline and the Wild Cat and they're all Half Price right now for the 2021 models. They are doing a complete re-design for 2022.
Those Etnies are sick I was checking them out at Snowshoe. Plus Etnies did the RAD collab this year so I'd like to support them.
I also race BMX and also used to wear clip pedals doing BMX and wore flat pedals when dirt jumping and mountain biking. But USABMX cancelled flat pedals for 12 and under. I enjoy flats a lot more its easier to save your self when you almost fall. I love your videos, keep it up :)
I‘ve had the previous generation of the gr7 (the clear blue ones) for around 3.5 years and they’ve been quite good grippy enough for my taste (I haven’t tried any 510s yet) with a stiff enough sole and I haven’t experienced any issues whatsoever. Since I’ve ridden them with the exact same pedals for nearly all of the 3.5 yrs of ownership they have some rubber missing where the pins rested on the sole but they still work like a charm and they doesn’t look beaten up just the cords but they provided another pair in the box
Hands down,feet down,the best video on the subject.
Nice video Phil ! Timely for this guy.
Ecco track II boots - Work, play, night on the town, and mtb.
Rented an mtb on vacation recently with the modern flat pedals - so much better than the cage pedals that came on my bike. I suspect a pedal upgrade will at least equal mtb shoes- both are in my future.
(P.S. only pair of bike shoes I’ve owned and still have are my wood soled Duegis - purchased used in 1980 and ride them on my road bike with toe straps. Unless, of course, I’m wearing my boots. )
very professional my dude. killed it
Shoez with Phil! thanks for the in depth reviews!!
Phil! You're ALWAYS a pleasure to watch! ♥️
Love semenuk pro shoes, I use them dh, Enduro, everything, super comfy
Bro thank you i know someone who likes to ride in pumas thank you you just saves him
I have some ES Kelly Hart skateboard shoes I use in drier weather, make all my MTB shoes look like rubbish. If the weather is bad I still have some original 510 impacts that keep my feet dry, I don't tend to get out anywhere in bad weather recently as my riding partner who drives keeps chickening out. And anything a bit more urban and I get the sweet vans out, they are a bit more the 80s suede trainer type rather than the canvas basketball shoe and they feel like wearing slippers.
Excellent comparison Phil, good to hear your thoughts on the Ride Concepts vs Unparallel, the two I've been considering to replace my Impact Pros. Hadn't considered the Etnies but look to be a good option as well
This was an awesome overview! I'm a newbie and really appreciate this. Thanks!
I love my Ride Concept Livewires but you’re spot on about the laces! Snapped mine after 2 weeks and put in some spare Adidas running shoe laces and still going strong a year in. I find my 5/10s are dry weather only as when wet weigh a ton and take forever to dry.
Got the same and they are fantastic. Shoulda contacted RC about the laces. I had an issue and they were happy to replace and make me happy. Even sent me slides!
Dude, haven't watched your videos in ages! I just wanted to blurt out that your public speaking has noticeably improved since I've last watched one of your videos.
Great video! I just ordered a pair of the livewires and can’t wait!
I love my 5 year old free rides , i also have the contacts. Which I like and use for gravel rides mostly, they fit a little tighter in the toe then freerides
Just sharing my experience so far after riding about 8months, up to ~40 miles a week of single track. I started out with the FiveTen Sleuth which were OK, but have a very slime and not so stiff sole. They also started pealing/delaminating at the toe within 5/6months. Most importantly to most of us likely; offer very little protection against impacts. This is a very soft shoe, especially after breaking in and weathering.
Next I tried the FiveTen FreeRider (reg - not pros) and they are not comfortable at all for my feet. There is no arch support - practically no ergonomics or support for the form of my feet. My foot is essentially on top of a flat board, which results into hotspots and pressure points, fatiguing my feet 30mins into a ride. I'd also add that the lacing tension has to be exactly right everytime, or else pressure points and numbness will start to arise in the middle of a ride due to circulation issues. Two good things that I can't skip over is the fact that they're definitely stiff and offer plenty of protection against impacts.
Now I'm currently awaiting the Ride Concepts Hellion Elite to arrive and will give those a go. Kind of wish I knew about the Etnies before hand but got the RCs like 50%. My search for a good and comfortable MTB shoe continues.
I'm happy see so many people sharing their experiences. Thanks for taking the time to write this up. :)
Great vid. Very informative for those without much experience with this topic.
Thanks Phil, so helpful. I am on the look out for a cold weather shoe that is as wide as possible. Would love to hear everyone’s thoughts.
I have a similar experience with how short soles of FiveTen's live. I have no issues with getting a few holes in my cheaper "summer" shoes and riding them for a while after that. But for winter, more expensive Freerider Pros, getting a hole means they let ice-cold water in. And that happens long before the upper part of the shoe starts showing any signs of wear. Adidas has stopped selling Stealth rubber in sheets, which means re-gluing a new sole is no longer an option, unless one buys Vibram sheet rubber instead. Gluing the holes with shoe goo helps for about two/three rides until the pins eat their way through it. Sadly, for the next winter I had to buy a product of another brand.
Awesome video Phil. Great information!
Love my ride concepts i have the same red and black ones i also have a set of newer 5 tens and i rarely use them 🤣
Great vid as always man 🤘
As yet another person looking for an alternative to 5.10 this is a great resource. I like the fit of the FR Pros (roomy toe box), but never liked the revised dotty pattern.
I tried Ions which have a great sole, but are too narrow for me, and just picked up a pair of Endura flat pedal shoes. Probably going to order some Etnies now to compare. Thanks for the review.
Good stuff Phil, i have many of those shoes as well and about 60lbs heavier. I never find the soles too thin an issue and the thickies give me vague pedal feel.
Hard to review (recommend) the feel compared to grip, toe protection, durability, laces etc..
so funny the home shopping network 360 degree shoe angle.
Love my 510 Pro’s!
I clipped a rock 🪨 at speed with my toe and the hard edge saved my toe from any damage.
Time will tell how durable they are, always glad to have more alternatives 🤘
Which ones do you have the freerider pros are impact pros? The Impacts pros have been incredibly durable, the freerider pros have been kind of a bummer but I also run super aggressive pedals
@@SkillsWithPhil I have one ride on my freeriders and can see pin marks...but they have grip! Not sure how I feel about them compared to old regular skate shoes but we'll see this season.
@@SkillsWithPhil freeriders :’( they are the Prime Blue version. Is it just the compound on the bottom that gave out because of aggressive pedals / pins? I’ll keep the Impact Pro in mind when I’m in the market again and check out those Etnies (They have a special place I my heart, love the style of their regular shoes)
Tried to like Ride Concepts, but all their shoes run on the narrow side - oh well. Right on about the freerider series having thin soles - I ended up strategically removing pins on my pedals where the pins poked thru the sole. I develop an identical hole, usually at the front outboard-most pin location. Remove that particular pin, and the problem is gone (still have the hole in each shoe sole!) .....I'm currently trying the new freerider Pro primeblue (made from recycled ocean plastic) and find they are just as comfortable as the regular freerider shoe, but the sole is slightly stiffer (I like this better), and the sole seems just as grippy - and they are incredibly light. Time will tell if these develop any holes, but they've only had one winter season of sparse snow/wet riding so far....I usually get 3-4 seasons from a pair of 510's, and then they're relegated to crappy riding conditions 'mud/rain' day use!
I’ve been using $30 hiking boots off of Amazon, I got my first pair 2 years ago then it got a small tear inside after a year so I bought new ones. The new ones lasted 3 months now the inside and rear is all torn up and I switched back to the first pair, which hasn’t gotten any worse and I don’t mind the little tear at all. I’m actually wearing them right now in class lol
My favorite are the Shimano GR9. They have a high grip MICHELIN rubber outsole now. Better than Fiveten outsole, in my opinion!
Same! Sticky enough but I can move my foot around, quick lace pull string, lace cover. For trail riding my favorite, but not for park riding, my feet get tired.
Personally, the Ride Concepts Wildcat is easily the best shoe I've used to date. It's a high top, has a stiff, sticky and durable sole as well as a very robust toebox. Everything you could ever want in a shoe. As well as that, I'm personally a huge fan of how they look, even with the velcro strap
I forgot my bike shoes one time and only had my whitewater shoes in my car. I wore those instead, and haven't wore my bike shoes since. Astral Brewers are ultra sticky, light, and very breathable. When I say ultra sticky they are designed to grip on wet rock. They also look more like skate shoes. The soles are a little thin. I don't mind that, but I am not even close to the level Phil is at either. I'm not riding big jumps.
Just got back in to riding after lots of years 😂 I got 510 free rider shoes for Christmas and like the way they feel … I went for a ride with stock pedals and had a bunch of slip issues… one being downhill and at that point I lost all confidence… next day I got some Chester pedals for my bike so I don’t break a leg next ride … figure I will most likely get clipless pedals after I wear out these shoes … I rode clips for years but with getting a new bike and not riding for years I didn’t want to just jump in to clip pedals
I know this is a stretch but I think a lot of people would love to see another Bolton Valley skiing video.
My first time buying a propper bike and kit was a few years ago, went FiveTen and definitely don't regret it 😅
Good video. I'm similar to you in the sense I don't like retying shoes. I added X-pand laces to my RC Hellions using their quick release version which you see on some hiking or trail running shoes. They have been working great and elastic so they expand to help get in and out of the shoe easy, but still stay snug when riding. Also curious to see what Ride Concepts has cooking up right now since it seems like they are offloading everything in their stock. It worried me that maybe they were maybe going under, but they assured me they have new models coming soon. I may give those Etnies a try in the mean time as my friend just picked them up and enjoys them too.
Thanks a lot! Perfect vid for me. I tried a lot of shoes, loved the 5-10s impact and I'm lazy with shoe lacing aswell ^^ My RC TNT soles did only last 4 a year, so I'll try the Etnies. Hope their soles are more durable than the RCs.
Thx a lot again! Ride on 🤙🏽
Great video. I too tried the Crank Brothers. Their fit was awesome and I wanted them to work, but the grip is terrible. I'll try some of those others. Five Ten's good for now
i run the 510 freeride pros whorth every penny went from vans to them. best upgrade i ever made
I raced in the mid 90s when clips were just starting in BMX. I bought a sick pair of airwalk clips and rode them for about a week before I snapped my chain and hit the ground. I'm not going to say I was too strong for that chain but I'm not not saying that either. I switched back to my Crupi squares after that
Airwalks were the coolest shoes the the time! I was young at the time and I remember a bunch of parents making DIY shoes out of baseball/soccer cleats. Weird times.
@@SkillsWithPhil ok cool, I don't remember seeing any of those but I can see using those old Mcgregor style cleats. Man, my favorite would be if Vans made a half cab style riding shoe
If you haven't checked out Sheperd Mountain in Ironton Missouri, you should it's a lot of fun. Also it's new.
Thanks Phil, very informative video. I am also super picky about my riding shoes 😀
phiiiillllllll where's the videos mannn?! haha I needs me some skills with Phil
Really great info and thanks for the comparison. I’m new to sport after 20 years of being out of it. Any chance you can make a video that talks about safety equipment (knee/elbow pads/helmets) to be wearing while trail riding compared to downhill bike parks.
This was very informative. I'm in the market for new shoes. My Five Ten Freeriders are getting to the point my feet are getting fatigued from trail riding through tech. Thanks for the info 👍
Hey, Phil. Since you're a GT rider, have you considered getting back on a BMX bike? It'd be cool to get your input on BMX bikes and how you would set them up for races. And do BMX tricks
Great video! I bought the pearl izumis and they were really poor cycling shoes. The rubber is really touch and the shape isn't conducive to gripping pedals without center pins. I bought another pair of new balance skate shoes and they're still my favorite
I've been riding the Vans BMX line, currently the Cult BMX Old Skools, and they have been killer
Rad vid 👍
Fun trip down memory lane with all the old five tens 👟👍
I'm now on the RC's, probs won't go back to five ten
Excellent video. Very informative.
This video is much appreciated 🙏 I currently have the crankbrothers shoes and have had the same issues as you. I have been thinking seriously about buying the pearl izumi but the etinis were also on my list. Thanks again!
Basically anything by Fiveten, Ride concept, and shoes using Michelin rubber such as the Etnies culverts will be safe. I've heard good things about the new Specialized 2f0s as well from people I trust.
@@SkillsWithPhil the 2fo dh has a nice thick sole and is stiff. It's comparable to an impact pro, but lighter. I am a big fan. My feet were cramping in RC Hellions and I switched to the 2fo DH this year. They are a solid option.
I had a pair of forsake hiking boots that had a vibrum sole that is similar to the 5 tens and I found them to be super grippy. They would lock into the pins and my feet wouldn’t slip or move. The soles didn’t seem thin to me.
Would you recommend any upgrades to the GT force carbon elite? e.g, brakes, suspension, gears, etc.
Great video! I have struggled with finding a good flat pedal MTB shoe. However, I found the Harsh Arabica to be an amazing shoe for the money. Only $22 from Big-5 and have lasted two years. Stuff sole has grip and wears well
I looked those up, the sole pattern is identical to Mike Escallima's signature Etnies Rooftop model. I used to BMX in those and like them quite a bit. I might actually be wearing them in the photo at 2:47 www.amazon.co.uk/Etnies-Rooftop-White-Taille-Trainers/dp/B005BBXVC2
Phil you should try the fiveten sleuth dlx shoes, they are my go-to shoes when it's not super wet or muddy.
Nice skate shoe style and mega comfy with the great grip you expect from fiveten.
first MTB shoes i ever got was the Karvers. still got those chunkers
I couldn't get my hands on any Etnies when I was shopping for my last pair, being a life-long skater I wanted to give them a chance. Instead I grabbed a pair of the Ride Concept Wildcats, very similar look to the Etnies Culvert, and I love them, there is not one thing about them I would change. I especially like the D30 insole for heavier impacts.
I'm riding adidas zx750 on Saint pedals with 4mm pins I sourced, I am blown away with the grip I have now. They are regular low-tops.
When will the snowboarding vids be coming out?
Brilliant review !
My line kings and freeriders both have holes through the bottom so I use the freeriders for gravel. Impacts seem to work the best for me for mtb..
What's your opinion on all the French Canadians that ski in Vermont?