At first glance, the two-in-one concept of the Five Ten Tailcross appears unusual for an MTB shoe: The new Trailcross Mid Pro is supposed to be suitable for both mountain biking and hiking... Why??
On second glance, this concept makes sense: How often have you wished for a shoe that works both for biking and walking - or vice versa? We tried out the new shoe developed in cooperation with Adidas and Five Ten. Here we reveal whether it really brings the promised versatility to the road. Or better: to the trail.
General Information about the Five Ten Trailcross Mid Pro
One thing is clear before our test begins: This shoe is full of interesting details that are the result of close collaboration between Adidas and Five Ten. It’s no wonder the new Trailcross Mid Pro has already won a Design & Innovation Award. So what makes this shoe so versatile?
What are the best features of the Trailcross Mid Pro?
Hard to say! Picking out individual details that define this model is practically impossible. It's the overall concept that convinced us.
- The entire shoe is relatively lightweight.
- There is a very airy, breathable upper material, providing a pleasant foot climate even without airstream.
- For good grip while hiking and biking, the proven Stealth sole is designed to provide optimal grip on the pedal in the middle part, while the heel and toe areas are optimized for best grip, comfort, and shock absorption when hiking.
- For good protection while biking, the high ankle area with D30 protector is intended.
- The highly raised neoprene sock is mainly to ensure that stones, dust, or twigs do not end up in the shoe while running.
Sure, there are also features that simply belong to the basics of a shoe, because - if we're honest - no one reinvents the wheel when it comes to shoes!
Plain old shoelaces close the Five Ten Trailcross - no magic closures, BOA, or Velcro. The shoe is breathable but uses neither warming nor waterproof material. And last but not least, it is not designed for use with clipless pedals. It is clearly an all-rounder, not a specialist.
The Facts at a Glance
- Regular fit
- Upper material made of textile and mesh
- High-cut mountain bike shape with D30 ankle protection
- Shoelaces
- EVA midsole
- Stealth Rubber sole
- Sizes: 38 2/3 to 49 1/3
- Colors: Feather Grey/Core Black/Signal Coral
The Five Ten Trailcross Mid Pro in the Test
Does it really make sense to wear a shoe that is suitable for hiking and biking? We say yes, because there are many situations where you wish for a shoe that can do both.
When does the MTB/hiking combo make sense when buying shoes?
Often, it's quite simple occasions where the shoes reach their limits. You know "Just quickly go shopping with the bike" and then you find yourself – completely involuntarily, of course – on the home trail. But also more specific plans (like bikepacking trips, an alpine crossing or trail building) require switching between pedals and ground. Situations where you're on the bike and then have to walk a few steps. Especially when the terrain is difficult, pure MTB shoes often do not provide enough support.
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Particularly exciting are, as experience shows, off-road carrying passages. With the additional weight of your bike on your back, shoes that are not comfortable to walk in are a real nuisance! |
And for all these situations, the new Adidas/ Five Ten Trailcross Mid Pro seems tailor-made. There is only one major limitation upfront: The shoe only works with flat pedals, mounting clipless pedal cleats is not intended.
When first slipping into the Trailcross, it makes a really comfortable impression. The outer material is pleasantly airy and the shoe does not constrict the foot in any area. You barely notice the raised ankle area. The shoe just fits well – perfect for wearing all day long.
Our Bike Shoe Test Terrain
Let's start with the bike. We want to ride a technically demanding round that makes a detour into rocky terrain. There, it's time to dismount, and the bike needs to be pushed or even carried a bit.
On the Bike – the Grip of the Trailcross MTB Shoe Convinces!
Even at the first contact with the pedal, the tried and tested Stealth sole from Five Ten becomes noticeable: The shoe practically sticks to the pedal, allowing us to pedal securely and efficiently. Even on descents, the grip is excellent and the ankle protection with D30 protector conveys safety even on loose sections where the stones fly.
Does it run with you?
What about when you have to dismount and walk? The good impression remains. It is extremely comfortable to run in the new Trailcross. The grip is excellent while running, and we climb safely and confidently even with a bike on our shoulders over any steep rock passage. The neoprene socks apparently serve their purpose: small stones, leaves, mud, or sticks must stay outside.
Is the Trailcross Mid Pro waterproof?
What happens when it rains or you step in a puddle? It's simple: your feet get wet. The MTB shoe offers no protection against water – it can't and doesn't want to. There is no membrane, GoreTex, or anything like that. Instead, the manufacturer follows a different concept: It is built so airy, that water immediately runs out of the shoe and everything dries quickly again. Of course, the Trailcross is not the optimal shoe for continuous rain. But if you are surprised by a shower on the way, it's no problem. The water runs out of the shoe, and the feet dry quickly again. In an emergency, waterproof cycling socks help!
Our conclusion on the Adidas/Five Ten Trailcross Mid Pro MTB shoe
How do you know if a shoe works well? By forgetting it and only being reminded of it after the tour when taking it off. With the new Adidas/Five Ten Trailcross Mid Pro, that was exactly the case. It fits perfectly and comfortably and is so pleasantly airy that you simply forget it and don't want to take it off. This makes it ideally suited for everyone who loves long bike tours, who has no room for a second pair of shoes on bikepacking trips, who plans an alpine crossing, or who simply wants to be as flexible as possible. This shoe is also very suitable for a somewhat special purpose: trail building. Here, too, you switch between bike and walk mode and benefit from a shoe that can handle both! Basically, there are only a few real limitations: Anyone who wants to ride with click or is looking for a pure "bike specialist" has to look for another model. Also, if you feel particularly comfortable in a rainy bike park, the Trailcross might not be optimal. We warmly recommend this Five Ten bike shoe to all other adventurers.
Relevant categories in the BMO online shop
MTB Shoes | Five Ten Brand Shop | MTBs | eMTBs
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