Five Ten Kestrel - Review
The Kestrel is the newest entry into Five Ten's line of clipless pedal shoes, one that looks dramatically different from the skate-shoe inspired designs of the company's previous models. Developed with input from Nico Voulliouz and Lars Sternberg, the shoe is aimed at enduro racers and all-mountain riders, with a carbon infused shank that Five Ten says makes this the stiffest shoe in their line. Two different compounds of the company's famous Stealth rubber are used on the sole, with a harder compound surrounding the cleat, and a softer, grippier compound used everywhere else. The use of a harder compound is meant to ensure that the shoe doesn't hang up or stick to the pedal body when clipping in or out.
The toe box is touted as being 'weatherproof', and in addition to warding off rain showers, there's an extra layer of material on the outside of the foot, as well as a rubber toe bumper to provide protection from rocks or other trail hazards. A mesh upper liner and perforated tongue are designed to allow for maximum breathability on hot, sweltering rides. Five Ten has gone with a ratcheting BOA closure system for the shoe, which allows one handed tightening and loosening of the coated stainless steel cable the criss-crosses over the midfoot. Sizes: US 5-13, 14. Weight: 526 grams (size 11). MSRP: $180 USD. www.fiveten.com, @FiveTen.
The BOA closure uses a ratcheting wheel to tighten or loosen a coated steel cable.
There was plenty of room to achieve the desired cleat position, and the sticky rubber proved useful for off-bike traction.
A 'weatherproof' toe box helps keep your toes dry and cozy.
The Kestrel has much lower profile look than Five Ten's other cycling shoes.
Pinkbike’s Take:
 | The fit of Five Ten's latest shoes varies widely from model to model, and where their Impact VXi flat pedal shoes have a boxy, roomy fit, the Kestrels are much more form fitting. The width worked well with my foot shape, and I've spent the last few months pedaling and tromping around in them without any hot spots or discomfort. On the bike, the stiff sole provides plenty of support and excellent power transfer, and the harder rubber around the cleat meant there weren't any issues clipping in or releasing with the set of Shimano pedals I was running. The BOA closure has been trouble free, although there is a downside - it's not possible to fine tune the tightness of the shoes the way you would be able to with a multi-strap style configuration. There were a handful of times I would have liked to loosen up the shoes only in the forefoot, but wasn't able to due to the single means of adjustment. The addition of a velcro strap towards the front of the shoe seems like it would be an easy way to accomplish this. Off the bike, there was a bit more heel lift than I would have preferred, due to the low cut ankle and a shallow heel pocket. Those two traits plus the stiff sole caused my foot to lift slightly with each step on extended hike-a-bike sections. Of course, foot shape varies from rider to rider, so this may not be an issue for everyone. As with any footwear purchase, trying on a pair before buying is highly recommended. The Kestrels accompanied me on a number of rainy winter rides, perfect conditions for testing their wet weather performance. The weatherproofing around the toe box worked as advertised, keeping light rain and the occasional puddle splash from seeping through. The low overall height of the shoe does make it easy for water to enter around the ankle, and after a couple of deep puddle crossings the weatherproofing is a moot point. However, even when they're full soaked the Kestrels do an excellent job of managing that moisture - it never felt like my feet were wrapped in soggy sponges, a sensation that can arise with shoes that use thicker foam. The overall construction of the shoes has proven to be top notch, and even after all those muddy rides the exterior isn't any worse for wear, and their have been no durability issues to speak of. For riders in search of a pair of kicks with the stiffness of an XC race shoe, but with a sole that offers more traction for hiking and a little extra protection from the elements, the Kestrel could be the answer. There's room for some fit related improvements, but overall these shoes are a decent addition to Five Ten's already strong line of mountain biking footwear. - Mike Kazimer |
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And, btw:
SAM HILL !
I think stiffness in a bike shoe is a important aspect though, and I'm guessing a bouldering/approach construction would be much more flexy in nature.
Why?
There's no tread pattern underneath. As soon as you unclip in british glom mud you are going onto your arse.
The last time I wore my freeriders with the same pattern on a trip in the alps I was slipping and sliding around I felt about as well equiped for the terrain as you would when approaching Mount Everest in a bathrobe and leather loafers.
Come on smarty-pants engineers at Five Ten, slap some real profile onto those kicks and they will be at least 300% more amazeballs than they are right now.
*their
*holes
#grammarnazi
seriously, look good.
how's the sizing?