Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA Review

Analysis and Test Results

A wise person once said, “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.” The legendary Five Ten Freerider Pro certainly wasn't broken but Five Ten added a BOA closure system to it and now we have this Freerider Pro BOA. As you might imagine, this shoe offers superb levels of grip, a nice stiff sole, and a dialed fit at an impressive weight. We loved the Freerider Pro BOA and it should be a tremendous option for many trail and enduro riders.

Grip

The Freerider Pro BOA uses Five Ten's Stealth S1 rubber. This supple rubber compound offers legendary grip and has long been an industry standard. It is hard to feel with the bare hand, but this rubber compound is a tried-and-true recipe for success that's just a little bit softer than some of the competition. This supple rubber is where these shoes really make their money. The sole features raised dots that protrude approximately 2-3mm off the sole of the shoe. The Stealth rubber sole extends from the sole to the trim that connects the upper materials to the sole.

On the bike, the pins on our PNW Range pedals engage the sole and bite into the rubber sole. You can feel just a tiny bit of give where the pedal pins sink into the rubber. Some of those pedal pins miss the dots and settle into the grooves between the raised dots on the sole. This really delivers a locked-in feel. Whether we are charging down gnarly, choppy trails or motoring through flow sections, the shoes felt extremely well connected to the pedals. This is very confidence-inspiring.

Repositioning your foot on the pedal requires a bit of attention, as the superb grip can work against you as you try to twist or bounce your foot into the correct position.

Fit and Comfort

The Freerider Pro BOA offers a consistent fit. These shoes fit true-to-size. This shoe should work with most foot shapes, although riders with wider-than-average feet should try these on before pulling the trigger. We would call the fit medium-volume trending a little towards the narrower side of the spectrum.

Throughout testing, we didn't experience any hot spots or problematic areas. The BOA system cinched down the cable system beautifully and consistently. It was super easy to fine-tune the fit and find just the right amount of tension. The tongue was very comfortable against the top of the foot, and we could not feel the BOA cables at all. When perched in the saddle, it is easy to reach down and give the BOA dial an extra turn to snug things up. This is a clear advantage over the traditional lace system.

Rigidity and Power Transfer

The Freerider Pro BOA delivers best-in-class power transfer. The sole is notably stiffer than most of the test class. As you might expect, it shares the same sole as the Freerider Pro. As a result, they posted identical scores in this metric. When you stand up and smash the pedals, the power transfer is direct. There is very little, if any, power lost into sole flex. This is very beneficial for maximizing climbing and pedaling efficiency.

When charging over rough, chattery surfaces, the rigidity of the Freerider Pro BOA protects your feet from trail feedback. Some shoes in this test class really translate the trail surface to your feet. The Freerider Pro BOA is protective and dampens the trail without feeling too dead.

Breathability

The Freerider Pro BOA breathes well enough. This isn't the coolest shoe in the test class, but it is also far from the warmest. The perforations on top of the toe box and mesh-like material on the tongue are designed to allow heat and moisture to escape. It can be difficult to determine exactly how well these features work. That being said, the average levels of cushioning/padding deliver average ventilation and breathability.

If you are looking for the most breathable shoes for extremely warm climates, you would be better off with other options in this test class. Some of the lighter, less padded shoes might be a better choice if grip is a key consideration, as this shoe is all about grip.

Durability and Weight

The Freerider Pro BOA weighs 392 grams (13.8 ounces) per shoe. This makes this one of the lighter shoes in this review. This relatively low weight, paired with the unrivaled grip and impressive rigidity, should make these shoes a serious contender for a ton of riders.

Throughout testing, we observed no signs of premature material breakdown or wear. The rubber on the sole shows signs of use, but doesn't appear chewed up. The BOA system is a hot topic for some riders. Traditional laces are reliable and simple, and can always be rigged to work in a trail-side fix. BOA systems definitely add a level of complexity compared to laces. There is simply a mechanical element with more moving pieces. We have found these BOA systems to be reliable, but any failure can be catastrophic. Our testers have smashed the BOA dials on rocks in the trail and have seen the BOA cable guides break. This can be a ride-killer, as you lose tension in the shoe, and you will finish your ride with a very loose fit. It should be said that manufacturers have always been quick to warrant any failures. The longer we have seen BOA systems on shoes, the more reliable they have been.

Should You Buy The Shimano Freerider Pro BOA?

Yes, there is a good chance you will love the Freerider Pro BOA. This shoe delivers best-in-class grip and power transfer, and the BOA system is extremely intuitive, quick, and simple. Sure, they are a tiny bit more expensive compared to the regular Five Ten Freerider Pro, but we feel the slight price increase is justified.

What Other Mountain Bike Shoes Should You Consider?

Some riders are hesitant about purchasing a shoe with a BOA system. No problem. The obvious choice would be to look to our Editor's Choice, the Five Ten Freerider Pro. The Freerider Pro and Freerider Pro BOA are essentially the same shoe, differing only in their closure systems.