Five Ten Impact VXi - First Look

Aug 19, 2013 at 16:55
by Mike Kazimer  
Five Ten's Impact shoe was in dire need of a makeover, as new sleeker offerings from other manufacturers were making the classic flat pedal shoe look a little dated. For 2014, Five Ten has done just that, putting the shoe on a diet and coming back with a revised design that is lighter, offers more toe protection, and is much quicker drying. The updated line of shoes will be called the Impact VXi – shoes with the VXi (shorthand for Five Ten Innovations) designation are the company's most full-featured offerings, with no corners cut to offer the highest performance possible. In addition to the flat pedal specific Impact VXi, Five Ten also revealed a version for clipless pedals, as well as a Freerider Kids shoe for all the hard-charging groms out there. All of the shoes are expected to be available by March 2014.

photo

Impact VXi
The flat pedal specific Impact VXi will be available in the blue Sam Hill edition shown above, as well as in a black and red colorway. The shoe uses Five Ten's Stealth Mi6 rubber, a compound that was originally developed to help Tom Cruise run on glass in the Mission Impossible 4 movie. In addition to offering excellent grip on smooth surfaces, the Mi6 compound also has better cushioning than previous versions, helping to absorb impacts and filter out vibrations from the trail. Hydrophobic foam is used throughout the shoe to improve drying properties, another welcome improvement for riders who ride in wet weather. MSRP: $140 USD.

photo

Impact VXi Clipless
Like the flat pedal Impact VXi, the Impact Clipless is lighter than ever before, weighing 30% less than Five Ten's Hellcat shoe. It shares many of the design features with the flat pedal version, including the use of Mi6 rubber, an EVA midsole, and hydrophobic foam. A strap over the top of the shoe protects the laces along with offering further adjustability. The cleat mount on the bottom of the shoe has been extended 20mm further back, which lets riders who are accustomed to riding flat pedals have a similar foot position when running clipless pedals. The Greg Minnaar pro model is shown above, and there will be two additional color offerings, black/red and a black/grey/red version. MSRP: $180 USD.

photo

Freerider Kids
Today's little rippers are riding harder than ever - just witness the incredible skills of Whistler's Jackson Goldsone and Finn Finestone who helped inspire this shoe. The Freerider Kids uses the same Stealth rubber compound found on the adult-sized Freerider, and will be available in three colors in kids' sizes 10-3. MSRP: $70 USD.


www.fiveten.com

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200 Comments
  • 242 33
 They look awful.
  • 37 17
 But I bet they'd feel awesome
  • 107 9
 $180 for a pair of shoes is a bit expensive imo
  • 20 2
 im feeling the clip less, but first show me those other color options because damn that yellow just hurts
  • 27 20
 i think they look absolutely dope, i dont know what you are all talking about. if they werent so expensive i would be replacing my hellcats immediately.
  • 16 2
 I saw these in the flesh a few weeks ago, they really look horrible compared to the previous models, somehow they look cheaper and more plastic, the strap on the clipless version looks like something off a 1970s old shoe that is in my parents cupboard.... apparently the old models will still be available....
  • 37 3
 ...they need to hire better designers... they look like the velcros that elderly people wear with some color thrown on
  • 58 4
 This is what happens once bought out by Adidas...
  • 4 0
 wheres the boot ? and have they stopped them taking on water like the titanic ? theyre awesome dont get me wrong i love my original impacts and the impact 2s but waterproof socks are a must in the winter
  • 27 2
 Fucking clown shoes...
  • 5 1
 Yeah the Ronald McDonald colorway is a bit much. But the show looks good, love my impacts but they are heavy, and they are like sponges in the rain.
  • 14 2
 I'm keen but only if they come in a stealth black version rather than these gaudy monstrosities.
  • 6 4
 Finally, someone gets it that some people want their cleats further back. I've been redrilling my shoes for 15 years to get my cleats back to where I would put my foot with a flat pedal which takes me an hour or more to drill and trim to make it work. 510, I will be in your shoes next. Can't believe it's taken this long, but better late than never.
  • 13 1
 Definitely look cheapish... Not the kids ones, those look sweet!
  • 9 3
 they worth only 20$ in my opinion !
  • 7 7
 It's 180 for a pair of shoes that should last you for a LONG LONG time (also, if you pay retail for something, you are a sucker and deserve it). I blew through 60-70 dollar pairs of "mtb" shoes and other shoes in like 2-3 months before, sometimes less. My last pair of 510's lasted me almost two years (and I only paid 90 for them), with nearly daily riding, all year round spring, summer, fall, even winter.

They certainly aren't that pretty though. They remind of like a playdoh shoe.
  • 2 5
 @cyrix, I'll give you the solid durability for sure. I've been on the Maltese Falcon's with clips for two seasons now, they still feel awesome- despite their reputation of wearing out early. Before that I ran Shimano DX shoes for 3 seasons of daily riding... You totally get what you pay for. Hopefully by March folks who want to pay for 'em can get them in nicer colors! Razz
  • 2 4
 I never understood why they don't have color options. My red Barron's still rock!
  • 6 19
flag JejQ (Aug 20, 2013 at 8:48) (Below Threshold)
 Just buy any "skate" type shoes, and they will do just fine. Im riding with Airwalk.
  • 7 2
 And there was me thinking when Adidas bought out 5-10 they would bring out some stylish shit like their classic high tops , massive disapointment
  • 5 1
 They are expensive, if you can ge them in the sale like i did i got them for 100$CAD. They are soo much more grippy then any other shoe ive used biking, my feet have never once slipped a pedal in a whole season of whistler
  • 6 0
 Ugly Shoes
  • 9 1
 "guys they look too much like other skate shoes, we need our brand to be more unique and give a bolder statement about the wearer"

- 5.10 board meeting 6 months ago
  • 6 0
 Fugly ,too much adidas input!, kids shoe looks cool.
  • 3 1
 Weird world, saying to buy different shoes makes people - minus. I guess, you cant think on your own nodadays, just have to blindly follow companies and praise them to heavens.. for releasing [e.g.] 180$ shoes.
  • 3 2
 The shoes are pretty ugly, but I'm more disappointed to hear five ten was bought out by adidas.
  • 2 0
 They look like plastic, nurse on the run, shoes. Payless $15 knockoffs.
  • 2 0
 Red and yellow. Goes great with 2014 Enduro Evo... Or McDonalds. Big Grin
  • 2 4
 how do these shoes affect your riding? i just where my normal shoes and they work fine. i understand the clip shoes thing but how do these help on flats
  • 3 2
 why is everybody complaining that much about the looks?
functionality is much more important in my opinion...
after 2 days of riding in saalbach with pouring rain and thunder I'd pretty much give anything for some shoes that dry fast and don't get wet easily.
even if they are as ugly as those f*uckers
  • 2 1
 if it aint broke, don't fix it....
  • 2 0
 Doesn't it say $140 above?
  • 3 1
 Adidas must think mtb people have the same color tastes as runners do.
  • 2 0
 I was totally in on the cover pic of the blue ones, until I saw the inside curve, where it looks like it took a rattle-can blast from a misguided child.
  • 2 0
 so true panaphobic, runners in my area have weird tastes in everything, lucky for me though, im in a college town so the babes tend to look good in anything
  • 1 0
 Well the blue and yellow are Sam Hill's team colors ... I dont get the red and yellow...
  • 1 0
 I will stick with my old Sam hills
  • 2 0
 No way, just this morning I decided I was going to write to 5.10 and ask for this, I want to ride spds but keep falling over because I'm so used to where my foot is placed on the flat pedal that I get the corners wrong. People tend to look at me strangely when I say this so I'm glad I'm not alone in this problem and that it has been addressed by a major shoe manufacturer! I'm getting some! (Assuming they come in size 37.5, which is my other problem...)
  • 2 0
 ill stick with my 20 dollar etnies i got from the thrift store
  • 1 0
 I got my Sam hills for $20
  • 4 0
 Im having SPD cleats surgically implanted in my feet. Barefoot action.
  • 1 0
 Bumping this old fella up.
Im pretty keen on the red/black pair they drop 300grams from the previous shoe. If the Mi6 is as good as the marketing would have us believe they are a pretty good show over the old one. Anyway. Anyone know if these have been tested yet by someone lucky enough to get a early pair before consumer production? Keen to read some reviews.
  • 34 3
 my opinion 2012 free riders are still the best
  • 6 2
 Agreed still love mine .these new ones are ugly eeeeeeeeeeee
  • 5 2
 Same opinion
  • 4 1
 Yep
  • 4 1
 Agreed!
  • 2 1
 I've heard the reason 510 changed to the VXi sole was because people complained about the normal sole being too grippy. What's the point of buying a new pair if they look ridiculous and grip your pedals less anyway?
  • 1 0
 I cut 2 of the rubber circles of mine just where I like my feel to be it allows more movement . JOB DONE
  • 1 0
 nice mod superbikes, sounds like a very good fix - any chance of a pic out of interest as Id be worried about how deep the stealth rubber sole really is - I somehow suspect my cackhandedness could somehow result in a holed shoe!
  • 1 0
 Simply look at the bottom of the shoes you should see marks where you like your feet on the pedals . Simply remove the circle that closest to the marks . Only cut the circle down to the flat part of the sole. I used a Stanley blade to slowly cut . Be carfull with those cackhands don't want to loose those finger do we :-)
  • 1 0
 ahh - I was imagining using pliars similar to the ones people use to trim tyres (wire stripper style short nose) but a stanley blade makes far more sense! Cheers
  • 26 3
 Not the prettiest of things, I like the rugged look of the old freerider that looks like a skate shoe- so you can wear it out if needed- but rides so well
  • 12 3
 Kind of like the look of the kids' version...
  • 3 1
 they wear better, too: all my suede 5.10s look like new after seasons of abuse, but every one I've gotten with regular leather? something (not always the leather) starts cracking or peeling within a month of getting them.
  • 6 0
 Yo, FiveTen, wanna do us big fellers a favour and make them in bigger sizes, or at least make them in big sizes to order, not just a flat out "no" for people with bigger feet? Cheers.

Im wondering who is going to wake up to themselves first, you, or TEVA. Hopefully its you.
  • 3 0
 I don't have a problem with sizing but 5 10 could you give the impact shoe the ability to breathe? My feet always get hotter than Satan's a$$ in these shoes!
  • 6 1
 Will 5 10 ever make a shoe that actually looks good? The soles are amazing and my last Sam hill pair were very comfortable but they are spending zero on how the shoe looks. Please just make better looking shoes. Bet they work well but there frigging awfull to look at and shame as I need a new pair. The kid's grey and neon yellow is the best of a bad bunch blurgh
  • 4 0
 Applaud the effort, sincerely.

But if it ain't broke... why do companies do that? (Using Tom Cruise as a selling point is going to be lost on this crowd, btw). The only issue I had/have with my Impacts are the rubber peeling off the toe. Fix that, and it would be the perfect shoe.

LEARN from companies like Adidas & Puma: Shoes like the Suede, Clyde and Shell toe are classic designs that have remained largely unchanged for decades. Yeah, they do introduce different colorways, but they understand - they got something "right" and keep producing them.

For $140, I'll be looking for Vans Gravels to replace my Impacts, which I got for about $100 even.
  • 3 0
 Five ten seriously needs to invest in some new group of designers! all their shoes have always been horrible! no style whatsoever, they have got the function thing dialed in but, God are they ugly sometimes. Can't imagine how much more of a monopoly they would be if they hired a couple of good designers. And also, I think its common sense that biking shoes should have a cover for shoe laces ALWAYS! (like the karvers or Shimano clipless DH shoes) since it is a pain in the ass to clean the laces from mud, or even dust all the time.
  • 5 1
 OOOO Tom Cruise , Mi6 rubber !!! I now follow Scientology , and fully understand how i can now run on broken glass. Glass hurdle track coming soon..
  • 3 1
 I think these ugly kicks come from the same planet mr cruise thinks he originated from ...
  • 2 0
 The price is way off. The quality of 5.10 went down. I had to change 4 pair of Impact 2 high in less than a year and I'm not the only one with the problem. They didn't replay on the email I send. Bottom line, I'm very disappointed and they will not get another chance from me.
  • 3 1
 I was able to touch some of these Skatemichaeljacksonthrillerbacktothefuture shoes at vallnord last month. Let me tell you, I live in gran canaria and these shoes have NO BREATHING AT ALL!! Im already cooked in my impacts so is a NO NO for these. Anyway they look fine for...cold wearher floodings?? Haha. modern design and lots of colours are welcome if older are still available
  • 16 0
 The waterproof abilities were actually requested by Tom Cruise as he thought that he should be able to walk on water (as well as pulling nifty tricks with bread and wine).
  • 2 1
 I live in Granada and iam not having any breathing issues with them, seriusly. Theese are not a specific shoe for pedal 80km, like a XC rider. Theese are a gravity shoe
  • 7 1
 "Damn he got the velcros"
First impression of the Impact Vxi
  • 3 1
 wow it's like someone re-issues mid 90's Kastel skate shoes. Heres what I want. All spitfires, slightly stiffer, different materials for added longevity. If I want the new Kobe's i'll go to Sneaker village or town or whatever megamall footwear outlet there is.
  • 2 0
 I think I will stick with my Astral Brewers. They look good, cost less, and have been better than any 5.10s I have ever owned. Check them out! Best shoes ever. Not to mention they cost a lot less.

www.astraldesigns.com/products/brewer.php
  • 2 0
 lots of comments on how ugly they look. it looks like they work awesome though. After they got bought by Adidas, function over form perhaps? STOKED that they came out with an Impact SPD though. i always thought the ruggedness of the Impact would be great in a clipless version. I love the cushy feel of the Impacts and don't really like how rigid the Minnaar's seem to be.
  • 2 0
 I like the innovation, I like those, black/red will be ok. But please 5-10, we're bikers, not millionares. $140 -$180 is too much for a pair of shoes that you'll destroy easy. The current models are strong against the trail work. I know you are the designers, and of course have knowledge and work with the pro's feedback, so I would spec that this shoes should kill the current versions in performance and durability, if not, you're doing wrong.
  • 2 0
 See these in person and try them on/ride in them... Actually compared to the old Impacts they are lighter, feel just as comfortable (to me), don't get as water logged, and dry FAST. Just spent a week riding DH at Whistler with the VXi and they are my new fave for free-riding. I had no idea all you male downhillers were so caught up on looks... I thought bitching about aesthetics was supposed to be the job for us ladies?
  • 5 0
 They look like they were made by nerf
  • 2 1
 The price for this one is way to high. And also, I don't think I'll give 5.10 another chance. In less than a year I had to change 4 pairs of Impact 2 high, luckily under warranty. I'm not the only one who has a problem with their recent quality .
bikebook.si/2013/08/five-ten
  • 4 2
 I kind of like the colours... I get so bored of always seeing black and gray shoes. But I do like bright coloured shoes, as I'm wearing bright green Etnies right now and I'll be sad when I have to retire them.
  • 1 0
 If a 510 designed one good looking shoe that you could pass off as a cool looking trainer to even a non biker they would sell so many more. Yes they have the best rubber, but god they are soooooo ugly. I have 2 sets and the grip is awesome! Now Adidas are involved you would think they would sort there styling out!
  • 1 0
 Looks aren't everything for me; yeah these might not be the best looking shoe but I had a chance to demo the VXi's and I'm sold - they have a bit more grip than my Spitfires and actually did seem to have some dampening characteristics......never thought I would be saying that about a shoe.
  • 1 0
 Yes, my Impacts let water straight in, then feel like sponges, then take ages to dry. Good that they made them easier to dry out but why let the stupid water in in the first place? Sombrio Shazam has lace cover, like Shimano clipless DX, and lets a fraction of the water in in the first place. Open laces seem dumb for mountain bikes to me. For UK anyway.
  • 3 0
 Quite possibly the ugliest shoes ever!!! Gonna have to stock up on old 5.10s
  • 3 0
 But they'll match my new Specialized Enduro Expert Evo with the Ohlins shock...
  • 5 1
 Finally a shoe company that moves the cleat positioning back!
  • 2 0
 The previous cleat position was one of the reasons for me to change from clipless to flat.
  • 4 1
 They actually look quite comfortable but will need to go to the spray booth first.
  • 1 0
 VXi are brand new.. and they already making a new ones?? they seem a little hot... no ventilation. And biggest difference from VXi to others 5.10 is the soul... why no photos????
  • 2 0
 Freerider VXi's are brand new. These are the Impact VXi's.
  • 2 0
 Ugly colorways on these new 5/10's.
Also looks like the design has been dumbed-down.
At first look, I thought these were new Teva's...
  • 3 0
 $140 for a pair of made in Vietnam shoes that look like they cost $20 at walmart?? No thanks.
  • 1 0
 Way to ruin the impact addidas... really FUGLY shoe! I need to go to the chive asap to get the ugliness out of my head. better buy a backup set of the current impacts while I can.
  • 1 0
 My god- now I understand why people were entering the whip contest in flip flops. I'd rather break my toes than wear these feckin things. How can they get it soooooo wrong? Crazy.
  • 1 0
 After 4 hard seasons on my Rennies, I'm ready to move on to something less clunky. However they're still in great condition so I can't justify replacing them! Hopefully the new models will last as long as the old ones!
  • 3 0
 They look like Justin Beaber style shoes!!! Blahhh!
  • 1 0
 Very agly shoes.The 2012 were the best I have Danny mcAskill edition and are very solid and confy.The new ones look very cheap...too bad.Even shimano shoes look better
  • 2 0
 For crying out loud, can't people just make things in black anymore....I don't want to look like a flippin Poweranger.....
  • 5 3
 they butchered the lineup! greg minnaar and sam hill shouldn't be forced to wear something that hideous!
  • 5 2
 star trek technology, looks horrible, but works good.
  • 5 2
 yeah, pretty ugly....jeeez.
  • 3 1
 adidas bought five ten and they created from air max and freerider the new aiiiiir riderrrrr!
  • 3 1
 No pic of the sole for the Sam Hill (ugly) model. Is that slick like the last iterations of Five Ten?
  • 4 1
 what a fuckin peace of shit for 180, they do look awful!
  • 4 1
 They look like something the special kids used to wear for P.E!
  • 3 1
 Yeah, from the market!
  • 1 0
 haha
  • 3 1
 Note to 5-10: Please make a high top platform shoe (NOT SPD) with a speed lacing system like BOA.
  • 3 1
 LMFAO, the Impact shoe looks worse then those cheap trainers you buy at the supermarket for a tenner.
  • 2 0
 Colorways look like shit... this is what you get when Adidas owns 5.10 It was just a matter of time....
  • 2 0
 I would rock those if I was paid $180 to wear them, but definately not the other way around!
  • 1 0
 Would love to try the Freerider Kids, but mine grow so fast, they'd only get a half season out of them. Any chance of hitting $50 price point?
  • 3 0
 Woah those look ridiculous
  • 2 0
 I'm sure someone asked, but does anybody know if those Impact will be available in High tops?
  • 1 0
 Nike, please step in. Five ten shoes just don't hold up. Poor glue, stiching. Why no water proof versions. Hate the 80s colors.
  • 1 0
 I've got karvers, which look a bit like a prescription shoe, but he perform very well. These new shoe designs make my karvers look cool.
  • 1 0
 Sorry when heard that Adidas were buying 510 i thought that was the end of good 510s looks like you need new designers
Let me know? I have some good ideas !!!
  • 1 0
 have very good looking these five ten, I have the karver for 5 years and are the best and tested, and these may be a candidate for change
  • 2 1
 Can you buy these at the same place you get those yellow Mavic shoes? Lego Land!
  • 2 0
 funny, I thought the blue/black and red/black were the kids ones
  • 1 0
 The Impact looks sleek, light and still protective. The kids Freerider is killer.
  • 2 0
 They look like specialty diabetic sneakers.
  • 2 0
 Why don't they add a strap also on the flat pedal specific model??
  • 1 1
 Agreed. My two biggest problems with riding flat pedals is that the soles of shoes are never stiff enough, and WTF do I do with the shoe laces? They need a ratchet lace system like Sidi uses.

As far as the price, if they last, it's fine. My carbon Shimanos were $200+, but have lasted almost a decade, it's all relative.
  • 1 1
 Ah man those things look like the shoes my mom use to make me get from Grocery Store... I guess i will ask Teva to Sponsor me next year....
  • 3 1
 Glad I bought some new Teve shoes now! These are horrible...
  • 2 0
 Freeriders for 75 bucks sounds pretty good right now
  • 2 1
 Great idea spending $70 on kids shoes that'll have to replaced after about 2months of growing feet
  • 1 0
 Looks like my Karvers might be getting replaced with Tevas. I love my purple Links.
  • 2 0
 at least they will be able to sell the leftovers to basketball players.
  • 3 1
 Hydrophobic? Well I'm not buying shoes that are afraid of water.
  • 1 0
 ^ lol
  • 2 0
 5/10 are not for f*cking playing football!
  • 2 0
 they look like my spiderman shoes
  • 2 0
 Uh oh, the price of the old 5.10's is about to skyrocket
  • 1 0
 Fivetens are worth every penny, especially in the rooty, mucky Pacific Northwest.
  • 2 0
 Gross.
  • 1 0
 Time to buy more current models and stow them away for the future
  • 1 0
 These shoes sound awesome but that design...
  • 1 0
 They look like football boots!
  • 1 0
 You'll all be wearing these in six months .....fact !!!
  • 1 0
 I guess I'll be switching to Vans.
  • 1 0
 Owens Hi 2 are the best biking shoes on the planet. And are like 60 dollars retail.
  • 1 0
 if they changed out the laces for thinner ones then I might invest in them
  • 1 0
 Any news on the 2014 Maltese Falcon?
  • 2 2
 Forget that. Got myself some £5 Airwalks and spent my money on the actual bike
  • 1 0
 Guess ill have to go and stock up on the current ones, these look awful!
  • 1 0
 5.10, you're doing it wrong...
  • 1 0
 shite! I'll stick with the graphite Spitfires
  • 2 0
 Sale rack.
  • 1 0
 Black or white..... that's all we need
  • 1 0
 Nice, but I'll be hanging on to my Teva Links as long as I can.
  • 1 0
 Still no bigger shoe sizes... Someone other than Vans make a size 15!
  • 1 0
 5.10 I hope you're listening!
  • 1 0
 I'd rather take a weight penalty!
  • 1 0
 ya'll are crazy, these look good.....I'm gonna make them look good.
  • 1 0
 I wan Goretex with five ten!!!! Come on just do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 180 ... Lol's
  • 1 0
 They are ugly
  • 1 2
 They look awefull but interesting from a functional point of view. Sam Hill, or rather CRC edition? Trolloloooo
  • 1 1
 Really bad...I'll stick to the old design thanks.
  • 3 2
 Adidas + 5 10 = FAIL
  • 2 1
 I love it!
  • 1 0
 All black karver please
  • 1 0
 Sure ... it's ugly !!!
  • 1 0
 tevas the way to go now
  • 1 1
 They look like PRC
  • 1 0
 PRC looks better than that
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