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 Who should NOT buy the shoe, 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
- Lack of protective toe cap
- Efficient power transfer
- Great walkability
- High quality
- Water-resistant
- Cheaper than average
Cons
- Quite difficult to clean
- is perfect for gravel and light mountain biking
- Lack of protective toe cap
Grippy Stealth phantom rubber
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
- is perfect for gravel and light mountain biking
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 Cleat compatibility of the One special edition DLX or the Trailcross LT.
Grippy Stealth phantom rubber
The One special edition DLX 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 stick to me so 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 One special edition DLX
The One special edition DLX is a flat MTB shoe that works excellently with the following mountain bike flat pedals: Spank Oozy Trail, Exotic Thermoplastic, and Nukeproof Horizon Pro.
Lack of protective toe cap
Most reviewers agree that the One special edition DLX 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 One special edition DLX's closure features the traditional lace-up system. It offers a lashed fit without pressure points.
Excellent quality-to-price ratio
The $120 asking price of One special edition DLX 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!"
