FIVE TEN TRAILCROSS GORE-TEX WATERPROOF FLAT-PEDAL SHOES

£150 | www.adidas.co.uk

Based on Five Ten’s lightweight Trailcross XTs but with an added GORE-TEX membrane and other tweaks, these are the brand’s (and the industry’s) first fully-waterproof flatpedal shoes. The membrane covers the shoe’s upper and tongue, up to the horizontal line of stitches halfway up the neoprene ankle gaiter. Above this is a hook-and-loop cuff, while the sole is made from Five Ten’s lauded Stealth Phantom rubber. Our pair of UK 8s (EUR 42) weighed 850g.

The Trailcross GTXs resisted water penetration successfully during our 20-minute submersion test, and on the trail, our feet remained dry for the entire duration of every ride. They stayed warm as long as they were dry, too, even in some of the harshest conditions we’ve ventured out in. When the water depth exceeded the height of the GORE-TEX membrane, damp did soak down through the internal layers of the shoe, wetting the inside. However, this only occurred in full-submersion scenarios, such as during bottom-bracket-deep river crossings.

As with any waterproof footwear, we found that to stay dry we had to wear waterproof trousers with ankle openings that were tight enough to stop water splashing onto our socks, then draining down into the shoes. With the Trailcross GTXs, the trousers also have to be long enough to cover the part of the ankle gaiter above the membrane. If the shoes get wet inside, water is unable to drain out and they take a long time to dry.

In terms of fit, the Trailcross GTXs are sportier and narrower than Five Ten’s Impact Pros, but slightly more generously proportioned than the non-waterproof Trailcross XTs. We didn’t need to size up to be comfortable, and appreciated the well-supported feel. Grip is impressive, blending the outright stuck-to-your-pedals feeling of the Impact Pros with the slightly lower traction levels of the Trailcross XTs. It was possible to move and adjust our feet on the pedals, but they didn’t slip when we wanted them to remain still. The high-top design and lace closure make it easy to adjust the fit around the ankle. We found that adding extra tension improved support, boosting confidence and control, without our ankles ever feeling like they were going to roll over. The slightly bulkier and better-padded upper means these shoes are more protective than the Trailcross XTs.

Overall, the Trailcross GTXs are a milestone product, adding effective waterproofing to the famous Five Ten flat-pedal grip, and ensuring that our feet remained dry and warm in even the grottiest of conditions. Alex