Author: Philip Rees

Five Ten changed the flat pedal game forever when it introduced its Stealth Rubber Impact shoes. Not surprisingly, Five Ten has raised the bar, yet again, with its new Freerider VXi Shoes. To accomplish this, the Freerider VXi combines Five Ten’s Stealth high-friction rubber with an all new tread pattern for optimized pedal grip. For the uppers, Five Ten employed action leather in high-wear areas in order to promote durability. Further along these lines, a brand new sole shape provides extra clearance between the upper and your crank arms, effectively increasing the shoes’ longevity. To keep them comfortable, Five Ten applied mesh panels to the toe and side panels. Essentially, this creates a positive airflow through the shoe, keeping your feet cool, dry, and comfortable. And the low profile shape, mid-stiff sole, and slightly narrower fit make the Freerider VXi more versatile than a true downhill-oriented shoe like the Impact. However, the most notable feature of the Freerider VXi is its new tread pattern. Unlike previous Five Ten soles, which maintain a consistent tread from toe to heel, the Freerider VXi features a flat section under the ball of the foot. And although it looks different, the Stealth Rubber and increased surface area provide the same otherworldly grip that you’ve come to expect from Five Ten. But, you might be asking, why mess with a good thing? Well, the benefit is that this smooth sole design takes the hassle out of repositioning your feet. If you’ve ever rode a set of Impacts, you know that once your foot is placed on the pedal, it’s there to stay. That characteristic is ideal for security, but it quickly becomes an inconvenience when your foot is in the wrong place on the pedal and you’re not able to move it. With the Freerider VXi, the smooth sole underneath your foot makes it easy to find the sweet spot for your feet. The Five Ten Freerider VXi Shoes are available in half sizes from 3-12, in whole sizes from 13 to 14, and in the colors…