ABOUT THE FIVE TEN FREERIDER PRO BOA
Five Ten continues to set grip standards for flat pedal shoes, with the release of its new Freerider Pro BOA. Five Ten’s Stealth S1 Dotty tread rubber has become the outsole many have come to trust. Within the midsole, there’s EVA foam for additional support. The Freerider Pro BOA continues to sport a slimmer profile than the Freerider, with a 25mm midsole at the heel, dropping 8mm as it moves to the front of the foot.
The Freerider Pro BOA is constructed from a sturdy synthetic upper with a reinforced toecap, both meant to take abuse. Five Ten also tried to lessen impact on the environment with the new Freerider Pro BOA, making the shoe from at least 20% recycled material. And, of course, traditional laces are replaced with the BOA Fit System. The BOA dial itself has some protection near the bottom where rocks or other obstacles would most likely impact it.
Five Ten offers the Freerider Pro BOA in a massive 6–15 men’s size range, with half sizes from 6.5–12.5, and 5–11 in women’s, including half sizes. The shoes weigh 390 grams (size 10), and as of now, have two colorways — white and black, with a retail of $170.
THE DIRT
There is a reason many say that Five Ten’s Stealth rubber sets the standard for flat pedal shoes. Truly, Stealth outsoles are the grippiest I’ve used. Typically, when testing shoes, I use a variety of pedals, inevitably finding which pedal works best with a particular shoe.
In the case of the Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA shoes, every pedal worked just fine. The Dotty Stealth rubber is just that damn grippy! Where it may fall short, however, is during a muddy hike-a-bike. However, I will always compromise hiking traction for better pedal grip.
Five Ten’s EVA midsole was stiff and supportive, which is what I’m looking for in a flat pedal shoe. Many reviewers talk about a shoe’s comfort as a daily wearer. Don’t get me wrong, the Freerider Pro BOAs were comfortable and fit true to size, but I never use mountain bike shoes for casual wear. I prefer a stiff, supportive platform, which these shoes absolutely provided. Not quite XC disco slipper stiffness, but adequate to prevent foot fatigue on long and rough descents.
I also really like this current trend of BOA-equipped flat pedal shoes. For too long, only the clipless riders got the cool tech, so it is excellent to see flats getting some love. Since my mountain bike shoes are on and off at the trailhead, I prefer the quickness and ease of the BOA Fit System. BOA also locks the shoes solidly on my feet and makes it super easy to get them just a bit tighter if needed. I usually add a click or two once I start pedaling, which I can do on the bike, without stopping.
The Freerider Pro BOAs also stood up to the elements well. This weather resistance did make them a touch warm, however. But, again, it was a worthwhile compromise in my opinion. My only other gripe was the Freerider’s lack of total toe protection. The reinforced toe cap stopped at my pinky toe, leaving it exposed. Fortunately, my pinky toe didn’t find any rocks, but it seems like an omission not to extend the protection to the most vulnerable digit.
The Wolf’s Last Word
Yes, your next flat pedal shoes should be the Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA. The Stealth grip is unmatched, and the shoes checked off nearly every box. Despite their recent release, Adidas has even been running some sales on them, making the price that little bit easier to swallow too. The Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA shoes are some of the very best low-profile flat pedal shoes. 
Price: $170
Website: Adidas.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
The local boy — Travis was born and raised in Bend, OR. Skateboarding consumed his life until his high school years (yes, he can still kickflip), but was replaced by mountain biking…then rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and finally back to mountain biking. After a stint in the big city, Travis returned home, trading a teaching career to be an okay mountain biker and above-average journalist. He is an outspoken 90s grunge fan, cornering poor souls in conversations about the meaning behind the lyrics of Alice In Chains’ “Would.” Most days, Travis hopes to be outside, whether that is on an early morning ride or a hike with his family (the best days include both).
Rank: Contributing Writer
Size: 5’8” / 172cm | 195lbs / 88kg
Social: @travis_reill_writes
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