Five Ten Kestrel Lace Mountain Bike Shoes Women's, Grey, Size 6.5 Review
The Five Ten Kestrel Lace Women's Mountain Bike Shoes are specially designed for all-mountain biking enthusiasts who demand both performance and style. Featuring a stealth® C4™ outsole, these shoes offer unparalleled grip and traction on various terrains. The wider cleat interface ensures compatibility with all types of SPD pedals, making them a versatile choice for any cyclist.
Constructed with a nylon shank, the Kestrel Lace provides just the right amount of stiffness—about 15 percent less than its predecessor, the Kestrel—allowing for better flexibility without compromising on support. Additionally, an EVA midsole adds superb shock absorption, which is essential for those longer rides over rugged trails.
Five Ten, a family-owned company with a legacy dating back to 1985, has combined high-performance footwear with innovative designs that cater to outdoor lovers. With a strong reputation built on their rock climbing heritage, you can trust that their mountain biking shoes maintain the same level of quality and craftsmanship.
Features
- Compatible with clipless pedals
- Fast-drying synthetic upper
- Rubber sole material for superior grip
- Nylon outer material for durability
- Hook & Loop closure type for secure fit
Pros
- Excellent traction and grip on varied surfaces
- Comfortable EVA midsole for enhanced cushioning
- Wider cleat interface increases compatibility with different pedal systems
- Stylish design suitable for both cycling and casual wear
Cons
- Less stiff compared to other high-end models may not suit all riders
- Limited color options available
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Five Ten Kestrel Lace | Specialized 2FO Cliplite | Giro Rumble VR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Material | Rubber | Studded rubber | Rubber |
| Closure Type | Hook & Loop | Lace & Velcro | Lace |
| Weight | Lightweight | Medium weight | Lightweight |
| Compatibility | SPD pedals | SPD/Crankbrothers | Flat and clipless |
Detailed Review
The Five Ten Kestrel Lace Mountain Bike Shoes stand out in terms of comfort and versatility. Their fast-drying synthetic upper is especially beneficial for long rides where weather conditions can change unexpectedly.
When it comes to performance, the stealth® C4™ outsole really shines, providing exceptional grip whether you're navigating tricky trails or dismounting quickly. Users have noted the effectiveness of the wider cleat interface, which reduces shoe-to-bike pedal interference during rides, ensuring a more secure connection.
In terms of fit, the hook and loop closure allows for easy adjustments, ensuring that the shoes stay snug throughout your adventure. However, some may find the reduced stiffness slightly limiting if they prefer a very rigid shoe for maximum power transfer. That said, the EVA midsole compensates for this by offering excellent shock absorption, keeping your feet comfortable even on bumpy routes.
Overall, the Five Ten Kestrel Lace shoes are an impressive blend of style, performance, and comfort, making them an excellent choice for women seeking reliable mountain biking footwear.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Excellent cushioning and fit for prolonged use. |
| Traction | 10/10 | Outstanding grip on various terrains. |
| Durability | 8/10 | High-quality materials that withstand heavy use. |
| Style | 7/10 | Modern design but limited color choices. |
User Reviews
stiff soles and heavy duty shoe great for mountain biking
True to size and comfortable shoe! Great price
Nice wide toe box. I got these as a replacement for my other cycle shoes b/c though I have narrow to reg width feet I have a Morton's Neuroma that is really painful if there isn't room in the toe box. This is perfect and I do love this brand. I am using these as my indoor spin shoes but I have this same brand (different model) for my mountain biking shoes and love those too. Well made. A bit stiff around the ankle but it got better as I wore them in.
I use these for spin class not road biking but my next pair of biking shoes would be lighter weight.
I have a narrow foot and these are definitely wider than I’m used to but I like the style. Very stiff at first, but thinking that they’re finally breaking in after about 5 rides in…
I recently started mountain biking but have some muscle and nerve damage in my right leg. I bought these shoes along with the Maglock pedals and it has been lifechanging!!! The shoes fit perfect and with the attached magnet I can ride with no problems. The shoes and pedals together give me increased confidence and makes riding such a joy!!
I grind 2000+ gravel miles per year on avg and these shoes are my go to for my clip in cycle/pedals. I go off beaten path type trails so those studded/namby pamby cycle shows don’t work for me when I’m dodging rattlesnakes and copperheads on rock ledges. All around great cycle shoe for clipless and/on clip in IMHO.