FIVE TEN TRAILCROSS CLIP-IN SHOES £140

The Five Ten Trailcross flat pedal shoe was designed for adventure. So the marketing bumf said anyway. The idea was you could just as easily hike up a mountain in the Trailcross as you could bomb down the other side. Just so happens those madmen had a point, the shoe proved super comfy off the bike, and locked on when you were riding it.

Now riders who prefer clip-in pedals can get in on that action too, with the Trailcross SPD. The new shoe uses a textile upper that proved much more breathable and quicker drying than our go-to shoe, the Freerider Pro. Five Ten has added a hook and loop closure to this clipless version to improve the power transfer from riding spuds.

Flip the Trailcross Clip-in over and you’ll find Five Ten has used the same lug layout from the flat pedal shoe, with dots for grip and ridged heel and toe sections for hike-a-biking.

Naturally there’s a window chopped out of the rubber for a recessed cleat, and the compound is now Stealth® Marathon rather than the grippier stuff you’ll find on the flat shoe. It still feels tacky to the touch though, presumably for hike-abiking sections or slippy pub floors.

Riding clipless is arguably more efficient than flat pedal riding, but it’s never been exactly easy when you’re carrying your bike up a mountain or hunting firewood for the bothy. The Trailcross SPD hopes to be the first shoe to flip that on its head and Five Ten reckons the shoe is still flexy enough to walk in, yet has the stiffness required from the EVA midsole for decent power transfer.

You’ll also be doing less environmental damage with these pumps too – 25% of the upper is made with a minimum of 50% recycled material – Five Ten claims. But there’s only a 10% chance of that. adidas.co.uk

PURPLE PATCH

Poc’s latest stylish piece of protection is called the Otocon Race MIPS. It’s a full face helmet that weighs a scant 750g but features MIPS Integra, both EPS and EPP padding, and packs in tracking features from Recco and the NFC medical ID chip. £300, pocsports.com

DECENT EXPOSURE

With a two-layer waterproof and windproof outer shell and a fleece lining, the Nukeproof Robe is aimed at stopping the post ride car park bottom flash. It uses a full length zip, 3/4 sleeves, inside chest pocket, two hand pockets, and comes in two sizes. £90, nukeproof.com