The Ravens are FiveTen’s latest crack at clippy-in shoes and are aimed more towards gravity/enduro riding. It’s hard not to compare them to the Shimano AM45s – their Velcro lace-protecting overflap is the main similarity.
The skinny nylon laces ensure the Ravens can always be done up good and tight, and the higher cut around the inside of the ankle offers good additional protection. The flap is really effective at keeping mud and grot out of the shoe too.
The Stealth Rubber sole, with dotty tread pattern and leech-like grip, ensures you have plenty of purchase on pedals (especially when unclipped) and when pushing back up. Some testers needed to trim the sole around the cleat cutaway to achieve optimal cleat positioning and clearance though.
Weighing in at just 2g a pair heavier than the AM45s, the Ravens are sturdy shoes and won’t suit epic mile-munchers. The wide fit may be an issue for some too.
That said, there’s more than enough protection for when things start getting fast and that sole is the business.
This article was originally published in Mountain Biking UK magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.