Test of the adidas Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA — the benchmark grip goes BOA!
17 août 2026 / Redac , Author
If there is one shoe you see a lot on enduro spots and in bike parks, it’s the Five Ten Freerider. It’s hard to miss since its grip has become a reference over the years.
With this new Freerider Pro BOA, adidas takes a recipe we already know well, but replaces the laces with a BOA closure system. On paper, the evolution might seem quite simple. On the ground, though, it changes quite a few things. As an enduro and DH rider, this is exactly the kind of detail I wanted to test. Laces do a great job, but being able to adjust your tightness in a few seconds before a special stage, or just tighten your shoe during a ride, is pretty cool.
BOA is a small change that makes a difference
The main novelty of this version is obviously the BOA Li2 system. No need to redo your laces, look for where to tuck them, or wonder if they’re going to end up in the drivetrain. You just turn the dial to adjust the tightness and above all, the adjustment is very precise.
For pedaling, you can keep a comfortable setting, then tighten it slightly before a more demanding descent. The tightness stays well spread across the foot. You don’t get the feeling of having a lace particularly tight in one spot and less in another. Style-wise I think the BOA gives the shoe a more modern look.
The Five Ten Grip
This is obviously the point you expect from a Freerider. The Stealth S1™ Dotty outsole is still there, with what has made Five Ten famous for years, a truly impressive grip on flat pedals. Under the foot, the EVA midsole provides a bit more comfort and cushioning, especially when your rides get longer.
Once your foot is on the pedal, it moves very little. Even in sections where it really shakes, your foot stays well in place and you can focus on your line instead of your position on the pedal. Personally, I often ride clipless pedals, but here I felt confident very quickly thanks to the grip and the shoe’s stability. The Freerider Pro remains a reliable choice, the BOA brings innovation, but adidas hasn’t changed what made this model interesting in the first place. The Freerider Pro BOA is not a soft shoe. It offers good foot support while remaining comfortable enough to spend several hours on the bike.
For enduro, this is an important point, you’re not only looking for a shoe that performs well for five minutes on a descent, you also need to be able to pedal with it and handle long days on the bike. The shoe remains comfortable enough to wear during times when you get off the bike. Obviously, it’s not a hiking shoe, but walking a few minutes between runs or around the bike park is no problem at all.
Comfort and support for long rides
The Freerider Pro is also designed to handle the demands of mountain biking. The construction inspires confidence and the various reinforcement zones protect the foot from small impacts and rubbing you might encounter on trails. It’s also a shoe you’re not especially afraid to get dirty because it cleans very easily.
For which rider?
To me, the Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA is mainly for flat pedal riders looking for a versatile shoe with real support and grip. It will be especially interesting for:
- enduro riders
- DH and bike park riders
- those who regularly ride flats
- those looking for precise foot support
- riders who want to easily adjust their tightness
It can also work very well for someone who rides several hours and doesn’t want to have to choose between pedaling comfort and support on descents.
What to take away from this test of the adidas Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA
With this BOA version, adidas Five Ten evolves the Freerider Pro without touching what makes it successful. And honestly, that's a pretty good thing. The grip obviously remains the shoe's main strength, but the BOA adds a real little plus for everyday use. The tightening is quick, precise, and above all super easy to adjust. After a few rides, you quickly get used to turning the dial rather than re-lacing your shoes.
I also really liked the brown colorway, it changes things up a bit from the traditional black and white and really gives the shoe a nice look. And a big plus for maintenance, despite rides in dust, mud, and splashes, it cleans very easily. A quick sponge or spray and it quickly regains a clean appearance.
Redac
Author
The Alltricks editorial team: passionate experts sharing blog tests and advice on running (10k to marathon), trail, outdoor activities, and of course, all types of cycling.
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