Proper bike control is largely dictated by your contact points, so a good pair of shoes is an important piece of your riding kit. At Crankworx Whistler this year, FiveTen and Dainese had some new and soon-to-come MTB shoes on display.
FiveTen was showing some incoming shoes that will be released in Spring 2025. Most notably, the popular Freerider Pro shoe will be available with a BOA closure system! Dainese had several models of their shoes on display. The lineup includes two models for flat pedals, two for clip-in riders, and one incoming model designed for comfortable on or off-bike use.
FiveTen Freerider Pro BOA:
FiveTen was teasing upcoming products at Crankworx Whistler this year. Info is scant at this point, but the popular Freerider Pro shoe will soon be available with a BOA closure system. The Freerider Pro BOA is expected to launch in February 2025, so watch BikeRumor for future coverage when full details are available.
FiveTen has also revised the Hellcat shoe. CORRECTION! I just heard from FiveTen that I was given some incorrect information at Crankworx. The shoe pictured above is not a revised Hellcat, this is the current model Impact Pro.
Dainese Shoes – HG Acto and Acto PRO:
The Acto is a simple skate-style lace-up flat pedal shoe. It includes Dainese’s Z-Plate Bike insert in the sole which provides side-to-side support but allows flexibility front-to-back. The breathable upper fabric is reinforced with a rubber pattern on the sides for durability. TPU reinforcements on the heel and toe protect your feet.
Inside, an EVA midsole ensures comfort and pedal sensitivity. On the outside, a Vibram XS Ride outsole features a compound designed to provide solid grip, while allowing for easy foot repositioning when necessary.
The HG Acto shoe sells for $160. Color options are green/black or black/black, and US sizes range from 6-13.
Also designed for flat pedals, the Acto PRO shares the same Z-Plate Bike sole insert, EVA midsole, Vibram XS Ride outsole, and TPU heel and toe reinforcements as the Acto shoe.
The PRO model adds Dainese’s PER-FIT (Precision Elasticated Retaining System) lace system. It features four elasticated bands across the top of the foot and a quick sliding lace, plus a Velcro top strap to ensure a snug fit width-wise. Dainese says the system wraps the instep area snugly and applies uniform pressure on the foot.
The Acto PRO also gets side panels with an auxetic pattern cut into them. This pattern allows for plenty of flexibility and unrestricted foot movement.
Retail price for the HG Acto Pro is $190. It comes in black/black only (note: the colorway pictured is not showing on Dainese’s website), and in sizes 6-13.
This photo shows the Materia (clip-in) and the Acto (flat) soles.
HG Materia and Materia PRO:
For clip-in riders, Dainese offers the Materia shoe. The Materia is a low-top, lace-up shoe with several similar features to the Acto, but it offers a clip-in interface. The Materia gets an EVA midsole, and rubber side inserts to keep its breathable upper fabric protected from abrasions. It also includes TPU heel construction and a rubber toe cover. The Materia shoe gets a Groundtrax TCX outsole.
The HG Materia shoe sells for $180. Color options are green/black or black/black, and US sizes 6-13 are available.
The Materia PRO model gets upgraded with Dainese’s PER-FIT lace system. It also features dual-density EVA upper construction, with auxetic patterned side panels to provide protection while allowing excellent foot mobility. The PRO model uses a Groundtrax TCX outsole with a universal clip-in interface.
Features shared with the Materia model include an EVA midsole, TPU heel construction, and a rubber toe cover. MSRP for the Materia PRO is $199. They are available in black only, and sizes range from US 6-13.
HG Itinera Flat:
Coming next March is the trail/all-mountain focused HG Itinera Flat shoe. The Itinera offers a balance between stiffness for good pedal support and flexibility for comfortable walking when off the bike.
The midsole features Dainese/TCX’s ZPLATE BIKE technology. This tech places a Z-shaped thermoplastic support in the shoe that increases stability on the pedal by minimizing twisting or bending of the foot. However, the plate also allows for suitable walking flexibility.
An EVA midsole provides cushion and helps absorb impacts, and a 5mm thick Ortholite footbed ensures comfort through long rides.
The HG Itinera Flat features a Vibram Megagrip sole. The tread pattern was designed to allow excellent foot-to-pedal contact and to expel mud. Its high-performance rubber compound is very durable and provides excellent grip on pedal pins.
Three colorways of the HG Itinera Flat will be available: Black, Four Leaf Clover, and White Pepper. MSRP is $140.
