Our verdict
The Freerider DLX derives from the classic flat pedal best-in-the-game flat pedal. The shoe offers the same pedal control and off-bike walkability as the original shoe. But what makes it different is the water-resistant upper which has helped many bikers stay dry and warm in the cold and rainy season.
Pros
- Great power transfer
- Superior grip
- Well-made
- Water-resistant
- Five Ten Trailcross LT
- Little-to-no break-in
- Worth the price
Cons
- Not so walkable
- Lacks long-term durability
Who should buy the best-in-the-game flat pedal
Great power transfer iconic Freerider, the DLX inherits most of its well-loved features. You will appreciate this shoe if you are after the following:
- best-in-the-game flat pedal MTB shoe
- water-resistant shoe for cool and rainy weather (not fully waterproof)
Who should not buy the shoe
The Freerider DLX may not be enough if you need an aggressive MTB shoe for the harsh, technical terrain. In that case, you should go for the range-topping durability of the Five Ten Hellcat Pro or the Five Ten Hellcat Pro.
On the other hand, if you primarily ride in the urban scene, the Five Ten Sleuth DLX Based on the.
Rigid soles for long and efficient cycling
The Freerider silhouette has really cemented its place as one of the most reliable flat-sole bike shoes on the market.
A considerable number of cyclists have described the Freerider DLX’s sole as solid and plenty supportive for pedaling. Those who have worn the original Freerider claim that the DLX’s sole is slightly stiffer. Thanks to this, they felt comfortable riding long distances without getting their feet hurt.
The reviewers also say that the Freerider DLX has a stiffer and much more protective toe area than many other MTB shoes.
However, when it comes to walkability, the riders appear to disagree. Some say that the shoe is “stiff but still good to walk in” and “great for on and off the bike.” Others complain that the sole is too stiff at the bending line, “to the point of causing pain” and that “walking will never be the strongest point of these.”
Freerider DLX has a superb grip on both pedals and terrain
The brand’s signature Stealth S1 rubber paired with the Dotty tread is doing an amazing job of keeping the foot firmly planted, based on the general users’ feedback. They find the Freerider DLX as one of the grippiest among flat MTB shoes:
- “best-in-the-game flat pedal”
- “phenomenal grip”
- “as close as you can get to being clipped”
- “We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us”
Keeps your feet nice and dry
Those who have tested the Freerider DLX in wet conditions are quite happy with the shoe’s water-resistant capacity. They report staying dry and warm after riding in the snow at -6°C, after a 2-hour wet spin through muddy forest trails, ripping through tall wet grass, and puddle splashes.
One of the reviewers mentioned that the DLX has a higher level of weather protection than the canvas and nylon shoes from Five Ten. For these reasons, this Freerider iteration has become many people's favorite winter bike shoe.
Five Ten Sleuth DLX Five Ten Trailcross LT for example.
Fairly durable but not the toughest one
Even though the coated leather adds a tangible level of longevity to the Freerider DLX, some people still didn’t find it enough for many months of use and abuse. For one avid rider, the shoe “completely fell apart” in less than 10 months. He mentioned that the upper started to crack in the area where the toes bend. Another person reported that an eyelet tore while he was lacing up the shoe.
On the bright side, some people were still happy with the overall quality of the shoe:
- “Lacks long-term durability”
- “they just ooze quality”
