Five Ten Sleuth DLX Mountain Bike Shoes Men's

Product Information

The adidas Five Ten Sleuth mountain bike shoes balance a casual everyday feel with the ride-gripping control that put Five Ten bike shoes on the map. Ha, we know — we are (and have been) trying to get our feet in a wider assortment of shoes, and the 2F0 is on that list. When I first saw the Powerline, I initially thought it was just a gravity shoe that I’d only use in the bike park. Adidas Five Ten regularly features in our list of the best mountain bike shoes, but the footwear king has an extensive and sometimes confusing range of options.

The Shift has a silhouette that will look very familiar to those who like to roll around on decks with four wheels, with a cotton upper, vulcanized rubber sole, and a literal bike-chain tread pattern.That suede (and internal cloth lining) will soak up a good bit of water and they don’t seem to want to part with it very quickly. Especially for a mid-height shoe with solid protection and decent weather resistance, I think the Powerline breathes quite well. From time to time carriers may deliver earlier or later, or on non working days however this is cannot be guaranteed nor should it be expected. Founded in 1985, Five Ten is dedicated to making the absolute best outdoor sports footwear available although initially focused on climbing they began developing models for alternative sports such as mountain biking and the rest, as they say, is history.

I am no materials scientist, but I do wonder whether the inclusion of plastic in the upper gives the shoe a greater tendency to hold onto moisture. As I touch on below in my review of the Sleuth DLX, I’ve actually ended up preferring the Powerline for most of my rides because it does not grip quite as much, but still grips as much as I personally want. The Shift’s midsole and outsole are extremely pliable and feel very thin underfoot, particularly under the ball of the foot.

As I just alluded to, the Sleuth DLX is not a super stiff shoe — it’s a bit softer than the Powerline but stiffer than the very flexible Sleuth and DZR Shift. As for fit, the Powerline feels a bit wider through the midfoot and toe box than the Five Ten Sleuth and Sleuth DLX, and the Powerline did a great job of securing my low-volume ankle and instep while still allowing enough space for my wider midfoot. Pick out the Five Ten Freerider Pro for quick drying and ultimate toe protection with gripped soles perfect for biking. And yeah, it is interesting how Stealth rubber has seemed to hold onto the title for most grip for so long, but we’re looking forward to comparing more options in the future to really test that. After spending many miles in it — and then trying several other options — I’d say it does live up to that claim, but to a notably lesser degree than the Sleuth DLX.

They are a bit stiff just below the ankle, but in the end they are comfortable enough to wear all day. The main point is that the Powerline does not feel as heavy, clunky, or bulky as I would think, given its increased coverage.As for durability, after about 30 days on the bike and many more than that off the bike, the Sleuth’s upper looks great but its sole is showing more wear than I’d expect, given its firmer / less grippy rubber compound. The slightly cushioned insole and die-cut EVA midsole provide enhanced in-step comfort and cushioning, ensuring a pleasant walking or biking experience. Freshen up your sportswear with a selection of Five Ten clothing, from t-shirts to cycling shorts, your next ride is covered. Stealth Phantom is almost identical to the Stealth S1 rubber you see on their less-casual-looking shoes like the Five Ten Freerider and Freerider Pro, with the main differences being that Phantom comes in different colors, it doesn’t scuff up your floor, and is a tiny bit stiffer / less sticky (reportedly 1 durometer difference between the two).

Another thing I’ve noticed about the Sleuth DLX Canvas is that they are not as breathable as I feel a canvas shoe should be. Please note that some assembly will be required, which we recommend be carried out by an experienced mechanic.Essentially a clipless pedal version of the Five Ten Impact XVi, the new Hellcat is lighter and lower-profile than ever. The non-marking rubber won't leave a trace, whilst still providing a superior balance of grip and durability. While most mountain bike flat shoes have a more aggressive and beefy appearance, Five Ten says the Sleuth is the "lowest profile in our product line" and just a quick glance reveals this mission is accomplished. Just as I enjoy the comfort and walkability of the Five Ten Trailcross LT (see below), the Freerider Contact is on the other end of the spectrum. The cleat box is much bigger than the old Maltese Falcon, allowing more greater pedal compatibility as cleat positioning.