Our verdict
The Sleuth DLX bike shoe symbolizes the first true collaboration between Adidas and Five Ten. The shoe's design is based on the Five Ten Stealth Rubber, while its technical features and functions are backed up by Five Ten's know-how. The result is a comfortable, efficient, and good-looking bike shoe.
Pros
- Sneaker-like design
- Excellent grip on pedals
- Efficient power transfer
- Great walkability
- High quality
- Water-resistant
- Cheaper than average
Cons
- Quite difficult to clean
- Tongue lacks padding
- Lack of protective toe cap
Who should buy the provides a balance between rigidity and flex
Designed as a mix of bike shoes and everyday sneakers, the Sleuth DLX is functional and stylish at the same time. It is a solid option if you need a shoe that:
- is a versatile on-and-off the bike and looks like a sneaker
- has flat soles that grip both the pedals and the ground well
- provides a balance between rigidity and flex
- Top 27% most popular cycling shoes
Who should NOT buy the shoe
If you need a more protective shoe for a more demanding type of MTB trail or enduro riding, consider the Same brand only or the Trailcross LT.
Grippy Stealth phantom rubber
The provides a balance between rigidity and flex employs the brand's non-marking Stealth Phantom rubber. This compound was originally engineered specifically for the military. It yields excellent grip and adequate stiffness with a modest flex for all-day comfort. Riders agree that the shoe's outsole offers a very solid grip on the pedals. "Never had my bike fix to me aswell good," claims one of them.
This shoe also features the brand's Micro Dotty outsole tread, which provides off-bike grip and vibration dampening as well. Someone who's been through a challenging ride reports that "on a very wet mud day out riding [he] never slipped once."
Cleat compatibility of the provides a balance between rigidity and flex
The provides a balance between rigidity and flex is a flat MTB shoe that works excellently with the following mountain bike flat pedals: Spank Oozy Trail, Exotic Thermoplastic, and Nukeproof Horizon Pro.
Walkability is excellent
Most reviewers agree that the provides a balance between rigidity and flex is flexible and comfortable for walking in casually. Not to mention that it is also a good-looking, clean sneaker-like shoe.
Water-resistant upper
The Sleuth DLX's upper is crafted from suede, which was inspired by the Adidas Samba sneaker. This material is water-resistant, which works together with the leather tongue in keeping the elements out.
Well-judged fit
The shoe is reported as true to size by the majority of riders. It is also roomy enough for wide feet.
As for the lockdown, the provides a balance between rigidity and flex's closure features the traditional lace-up system. It offers a secure fit without pressure points.
Excellent quality-to-price ratio
The $120 asking price of provides a balance between rigidity and flex is $20 cheaper than the average among flat-soled bike shoes. Given the quality of the shoe's materials, its durability, and overall performance, the reviewers consider it a great value for money. As one of the reviewers puts it, "the quality of this product is out of this world!"
