Five Ten Kestrel Lace and Freerider Elements Bike Shoes

The Five Ten Kestrel Lace mountain bike shoe is an all-weather clipless shoe. As the name implies, the Kestrel Lace features lace closures but is also available with the Boa System should laces be too old school for your tastes. At the top of the tongue, a hook-and-loop top strap locks the heel. 

The perforated tongue material is EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) and features a mesh overlay. EVA has low-temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, waterproof properties, and is UV resistant. The midsole is also made with a durable, lightweight EVA, and the uppers are synthetic and weather resistant with micro-perforations.

A carbon-infused nylon shank creates a stiff build for maximum power transfer to the pedals. Five Ten’s Stealth C4 rubber outsole needs no introduction and provides next level grip both on and off the bike.

The Five Ten Kestrel Lace has a clipless design so they remain low profile but still offer the cleat system. Below you can see them working with the Magped Magnetic Pedals, hence the magnetic plate on the bottom of the shoe.

The Freerider Element mountain bike shoe is meant for any conditions and to be worn anytime. Less stiff than the Kestrel Lace, the Freerider Element offers a more comfortable wear both on and off the bike. 

These shoes also feature a classic lace closure but do not need the added hook-and-loop closure due to their more flexible nature.

• Regular fit
• Lace closure with hook-and-loop top strap
• Synthetic weather-resistant micro-perforated upper
• Perforated EVA tongue with mesh overlay
• EVA midsole
• Stealth C4 rubber outsole
• Carbon-infused nylon shank
• Textile lining
• Clipless design

• Regular fit
• Lace closure
• Polyurethane-coated leather and synthetic upper
• Textile lining
• One-piece molded cupsole
• Stealth® S1 with Classic Dotty™ tread
• Medium-flex molded EVA midsole

Five Ten Kestral Lace
Textile/Synthetics
Sole: Stealth® C4™ 
Closure style: Classic lace with a hook-and-loop top closure

Five Ten Freeride Element
Textile/Synthetics/Leather
Sole: Stealth® S1 with Classic Dotty™ tread
Closure style: Classic lace

Five Ten makes great shoes, and these two mountain bike shoes are no exception. Well featured, reasonably priced, and backed by a strong brand known for quality.

The Kestral Lace is a bomber all mountain and enduro shoe that looks casual while offering performance while pedalling. The weight of the shoe may throw some people off, but this weight packs excellent foot protection and durability.

The stiffness of the shoe provides maximum power transfer, but does make walking around off the bike a little awkward; they look casual but are definitely a performance shoe. That said, the grippy soles and flex in the toe do help with walkability. The stiffness of the shoe makes the heel want to lift, but the hook-and-loop straps hold it down and in place. These straps sometimes rubbed the top of my ankle which could get annoying, so make sure to test these out before you buy and make sure they are a good fit for your foot. If you like the Kestral but the ankle rub annoys you then maybe try out the Kestral with the Boa System.

The Freerider Element is the Freerider with added weather-proofing. The Freerider is a tried, tested, and true all mountain shoe that has been popular amongst mountain bikers for years. The weatherproofing is a great addition and not only helps to keep your feet dry, but offers a bit more durability and longevity to the materials. 

This all-mountain freeride shoe is less stiff than the Kestral and offers a little more versatility. The soles are a bit softer but just as grippy, if not more. 

Both of these shoes bring a lot to the table. Impact protection, abrasion resistance, double stitching, weather resistance, supportive heel cup, and stiff soles for efficient pedalling. Five Ten shoes tend to fit a little bigger, so keep that in mind when trying them on. Pick the one that best suits your style and you’ll be on your way to having a good time.