Five Ten's Freerider EPS mountain biking shoe is winterized version of their popular downhill and enduro shoe for those riding flat pedals, and in case you're wondering, the EPS stands for Elements Primaloft System.
If you prefer the foot freedom of riding flat pedals, rather than SPDs or other pedals that require you to clip into them with cleats on your shoes, then Five Ten's reputation demands a look.
The Freerider EPS take Five Ten's usual solid build quality, generous padding - especially around the ankle and on the top of the foot - and stiff, super-grippy Stealth S1 rubber sole... and then add Primaloft insulation from the instep forward, including the tongue.
Mimicking the insulation properties of goose down, Primaloft is a synthetic insulation fill with a competitive warmth-to-weight ratio to its natural cousin - especially once wet. The Freerider EPS uses top-of-the-range Primaloft Gold which is additionally treated with a water-proofing agent to improve performance.
Other cold and wet-beating features include a forefoot that is made from one piece of leather to reduce leak-vulnerable seams, a fully gusseted tongue, and a heat-reflective footboard. Do note that there is nothing the Freeriders can do about water splashing in over the top or running down your leg into them. The mid-height model will help a bit but both are still shoes - with all the advantages and limitations that come with them.
Although the sole is stiff enough for good pedalling efficiency, it is not so stiff that you couldn't hand around the trail park in them comfortably before or after your ride. But Five Ten's calling card is the way the Stealth S1 rubber compound of its soles sticks to flat pedals like glue - without excessive wear.
In terms of fit and feel, the Freerider EPSs are supremely comfortable and supportive, with the tough leather outer parrying stones and undergrowth, as well as proving easy to clean. We're not fans of the dark green colour our pair came in but there are other colourways available.
The Freerider EPSs are a solid, grippy, cold-weather, flat pedal rider's mountain bike shoe that should give many winters of trail burning fun.
