Bottom Line
The kids’ version of the Five Ten Freerider Mountain Bike Shoes is an excellent choice for young riders who split their time between pedals and playgrounds. They offer the same quality design, materials, and steeze as the time-tested adult Freerider.
We found them especially impressive on mixed terrain rides where our kiddo frequently hopped off the bike to hike or explore—the grippy Stealth rubber sole sticks to flat pedals like glue but also handled rocky trails and slick surfaces surprisingly well. The fit is secure and supportive without feeling bulky, and the reinforced toe area gave us peace of mind, especially when our child repeatedly kicked a giant boulder as hard as he could for no apparent reason at all.
These aren’t the most breathable shoes we tested, and they take a while to dry out after getting wet, but their durability and all-around performance more than make up for it. If you’re looking for one shoe that can handle biking, hiking, and everyday kid wear and tear, this one’s a great choice.
Check out our guide to the best hiking shoes for kids to see how it stacks up against the competition.
How We Tested
Our mini gear analyst wore the Five Ten Freeriders just about everywhere—on hikes, bike rides, at the bike park, and climbing around playgrounds across the U.S. and Canada. We saw how they performed on everything from dry, dusty Colorado trails to wet, root-covered paths in the White Mountains. These shoes got a real workout.
Quick Specs
Five Ten Freerider Mountain Bike Shoe
Best Mountain Biking Shoe
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $75
Type: Bike Shoe
Weight (Pair): 14.6 oz.
Pros
- Velcro closure
- Versatile
- Steezy
- Stiff & grippy sole increases stability
- Durable
Cons
- Too stiff for long-distance hiking
- Doesn't vent well
- Long dry time
Comfort
These shoes do a good job of balancing stiffness for biking and flexibility for hiking and playing. Our kid never once complained about sore feet—even after long trail rides or full afternoons running around the playground. As parents, we’d like to see a little more flexibility in a shoe when we’re hiking, but our test subject doesn’t seem to mind at all. The padded tongue and collar add a nice level of cushion without making the shoe feel overly bulky.. Break-in time was virtually nonexistent, which is always a win with kid gear—our tester put them on straight out of the box and was off riding within minutes.
All the extra padding in the Freerider adds to the comfort, but it can make the shoe feel a bit warm compared to more breathable options. The fit is secure with enough room in the toe box for natural movement. It runs slightly narrow overall, so kids with especially narrow feet might find the fit a bit loose. That said, the shoe softens and molds to the foot over time without ever feeling sloppy.
Traction
The grip on the Five Ten Freerider Kids is what really sets it apart for biking. The Stealth rubber sole is incredibly sticky. Our tester’s feet felt locked onto flat pedals, even on bumpy descents and root-filled trails. At one point, while barreling downhill, he shouted, “My feet are glued to the pedals!” That kind of grip can be a real confidence booster for young riders still getting used to technical terrain.
Off the bike, the Freerider is less impressive. The Stealth S1 rubber isn’t designed for traction on slick rocks or wet roots, and we noticed a few more slips compared to dedicated hiking shoes. They’re not bad by any means, just not top performers when it comes to hiking-specific grip. But for families who prioritize biking and want a shoe that can handle occasional trail time and transition seamlessly to post-ride playground sessions, the Freerider still gets the job done.
Durability
The Freerider Kids are built like tanks, and that’s exactly what you want in a shoe designed for rough-and-tumble riding, hiking, and everyday chaos. Our pair has survived months of hard use, including bike park wipeouts, playground abuse, creek crossings, and plenty of toe-dragging, without showing major signs of wear. The suede and synthetic upper holds up well to scuffs, and the reinforced toe box does a solid job protecting against bumps and rock kicks (which, let’s be honest, are daily occurrences with kids).
The sole has stayed grippy even after all that use, and we haven’t seen any early signs of delamination or breakdown. Stitching and glue lines are still intact, and nothing is peeling or coming apart.
Lacing
The Freerider Kids keep things simple with a three-strap velcro closure, and we’re big fans of how easy that makes getting out the door. No laces to tie, no toggles to adjust—just strap, stick, and go. Even our youngest tester could get them on and off without help, which is great for building independence (and saving parents a few minutes of morning chaos).
The velcro system keeps the shoes snug and secure, even during high-energy activities like biking and scrambling around playgrounds. We never had issues with the straps coming loose or wearing out prematurely during testing. Compared to traditional laces or bungees, this setup is way more kid-friendly and low-fuss, especially for riders who stop and start a lot throughout the day.
That said, older kids might eventually want something with a more grown-up look or finer adjustment, but for the younger crowd, this closure system hits the sweet spot of simplicity and security.
Style
Style probably isn’t the top priority when you’re choosing shoes for your kid, but it doesn’t hurt when they actually want to wear them. The Freerider nails the cool factor with a skate-inspired design that looks just as good on the playground as it does on the trail. Our tester was pumped to wear them every day, even when we weren’t biking or hiking, which is a good sign they pass the kid-style test.
Unlike some technical shoes that scream “gear,” the Freerider blends in well in everyday settings. They’re functional enough for outdoor adventures but stylish enough for daily wear, which means fewer arguments about what shoes to put on in the morning. If you’re looking for a versatile shoe your kid won’t fight you on, this one’s a win.
Breathability
Breathability isn’t the Freerider’s strong suit, but it’s not a total dealbreaker either. Truthfully, our little analyst is usually too busy enjoying life to be concerned about his feet being hot. The upper is made with a mix of leather and synthetic materials that prioritize durability and protection over airflow. On cooler days or during shoulder seasons, our kid never mentioned their feet feeling hot or sweaty. But on warm summer hikes and long days at the bike park, we definitely noticed their socks getting damp and the shoes holding in heat.
That extra padding around the collar and tongue adds to the comfort, but it also traps warmth. These aren’t the shoes we’d grab for scorching desert hikes or extended trail days in full sun, but for most casual rides and everyday use, the breathability is fine, just not standout. If you live somewhere hot or your kid tends to run warm, you might want to opt for a more ventilated shoe. Otherwise, the Freerider’s breathability is an acceptable tradeoff for its burly construction.
Should You Buy the Kids Five Ten Freerider Mountain Bike Shoe?
If your kid spends a lot of time on a bike—whether they’re cruising local trails, hitting the pump track, or just learning the ropes—the Freerider is a solid choice. The standout pedal grip, durable build, and everyday comfort make it one of the best bike-specific shoes we’ve tested for kids. It also transitions well to hiking, playgrounds, and casual wear, which adds to its all-around value.
That said, it’s not the most breathable or lightweight option out there, and it doesn’t offer the same trail grip you’d get from a dedicated hiking shoe. But if biking is the main focus and you want one pair of shoes to cover most adventures, the Freerider delivers. It’s especially worth it for families who want to invest in a shoe that can take a beating and still get passed down. For the right user, this is money well spent.
What Other Hiking Shoes for Kids Should You Consider?
For more great options, check out our full guide to the best hiking shoes for kids. If the Freerider isn’t quite the right fit, here are a few other standout picks that might suit your kiddo better:
Saucony Cohesion 14 Review: If you’re looking for a true hiking shoe rather than a bike-focused model, the Cohesion 14 is our top overall pick. It’s lightweight, flexible, and comes in tons of fun colors. We love how breathable and affordable it is, especially for growing feet.
Merrell Moab Speed Mid Waterproof Review: Need more ankle support or better wet-weather protection? The Moab Speed Mid is a great hybrid boot. It’s more structured and waterproof, making it ideal for longer hikes or variable conditions.
KEEN Chandler 2 CNX Review: For younger kids or those who need something super easy to get on and off, the Chandler 2 CNX is a flexible, lightweight trail shoe with big pull loops and a simple closure system. Great for day hikes and all-day play.
