FiveTen ‘Five Tennies’ approach shoes review
Cost
★★★★☆
Performance
★★★★☆
Overall Score
★★★★☆
Overall Score ★★★★☆
Verdict: Brilliant shoes for bikepacking, scrambling, approach and on unstable terrain where grip is really needed - in cool, bold colours!
The Adidas Five Ten Five Tennies are a simple yet cult classic that continues to impress us with their blend of style, comfort, and durability (these are now almost 4 years old!).
These shoes may look unassuming, but their performance on both rugged trails and everyday activities sets them apart from many other approach shoes.
Designed for versatility, they’re equipped with the Stealth S1 outsole, offering impressive grip and traction, even on challenging terrain. Whether scrambling over rocks, riding North Shore style trails, or navigating city streets, the Five Tennies provide excellent support and stability without sacrificing style or comfort. Their wide-fitting toe box and lightweight construction make them ideal for all-day wear, keeping your feet comfortable whether you're tackling rough paths or running daily errands.
What makes the Five Ten Five Tennies so special is their unique balance between technical precision and casual comfort.
Built with real suede and leather, combined with a stretchy, sock-like upper, they are durable yet breathable, offering a snug fit that moulds to your feet. The bold colours and retro-inspired design have garnered a loyal following, and they’re just as at home in an outdoor adventure as they are in a more urban, fashion-forward setting. For those who need a reliable approach shoe for mountain biking, climbing, or simply exploring the outdoors, the Five Tennies stand out as a reliable option.
With added eco-friendly touches like recycled fabric in the upper, these shoes are not only practical but forward-thinking, ensuring they remain a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts for years to come.
The BTWin 520 Double Bike Frame Bag 2L, (made and sold by Decathlon), is an excellent storage solution for mountain bikers and bikepackers on the road or trail.
The Camp Drymit’N Waterproof Outer Gloves are an essential piece of gear for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable protection against wet and cold conditions.
A compact and highly portable (and potentially lifesaving) tool designed to provide safe drinking water when travelling and adventuring.
The Rab Logo Beanie is a stylish and functional hat, made from a blend of soft and durable materials and designed for adventures and casual uses alike.
The rear light of the ELOPS FL 920 set is a versatile and efficient USB-rechargeable LED designed to enhance visibility and safety during night riding.
The Rab Neutrino Jacket is a high-performance insulated down jacket designed for mountaineering, cold-weather expeditions, and general winter use.
The Riverside (a Decathlon brand) 1.5 L Frame Bag ACTV 100 is a useful piece of kit designed to enhance your bikepacking experience by providing convenient storage for those essential items.
The Inesis (a Decathlon brand) MW500 Sleeveless Down Jacket is a well-designed midlayer that combines warmth, mobility, and practicality, making it an excellent choice for adventures when the weather gets chilly.
The Fjällräven Rib Hat is a versatile accessory that combines style, functionality, and sustainability, giving that cool adventure look with less environmental damage.
The Mountain Equipment Karakoram Mountain Men's Pant is a premium outdoor trouser engineered for high-altitude, cold-weather and extreme mountain adventures.
The Maxxis Fat/Plus 26” Fatbike Inner Tube is designed to meet the specific needs of fat bike tires, offering exceptional durability and reliability for extreme terrain at a really good price!
The Icebreaker Merino Beanie Hat is a performance-driven winter accessory designed to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable in a variety of conditions.
The Itiwit 30L Waterproof Duffel Bag in orange is a versatile and durable bag designed for water sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, such as ocean rowing (the reason we bought it).
The Icebreaker Men's 260 Tech Long Sleeve Half Zip Base Layer is a versatile and reliable mid or base layer designed for cold-weather adventures.
The Quechua 650-ml food box is a highly versatile and practical container designed for outdoor activities or everyday use.
The Quechua MH140 Category 3 Hiking Sunglasses, designed by Decathlon, strike an excellent balance between affordability and quality, making them an accessible choice for us millennial adventurers.
The Helly Hansen Rigging Coat is a versatile and robust jacket designed for individuals seeking strong protection against harsh weather while maintaining a sleek, professional appearance.
The Endura Road Overshoes are designed to provide cyclists with superior protection and performance in wet and chilly conditions
The Rab Mountain Cap, now crafted under Rab's Lowe Alpine brand, is designed to handle the worst that winter can throw at you and holds its ground as an outdoor essential for those who prioritise functionality over fashion.
The Pelago Commuter Front Rack (large) is a sturdy, well-crafted piece of equipment, designed to carry everything from daily essentials to more adventurous loads. Although designed as a front rack, with some creative adjustments, we modified for rear use, even on unique setups like the Kona Wo fatbike with its 26” wheels and 4.8” tyres!
The Fjällräven Keb Trousers are renowned for their durability and practicality, making them a strong choice for hiking and trekking in cooler conditions, particularly outside of the summer months.
A few years old and now succeeded by the Force Tee, this lightweight, quick-drying technical base layer from Rab still holds its own for outdoor enthusiasts.
The North Face Back-To-Berkeley IV sneaker boots (we’re divided on how to refer to them!) are a solid choice for those seeking both style and function in their winter footwear.
The Montane Atomic Waterproof Pants are a great, lightweight option for bikepackers, fastpackers and generalist adventurers seeking reliable protection in wet conditions, at a decent price.
The Rab Men’s Microlight Vest strikes a solid balance between warmth, mobility, and eco-conscious design, making it a versatile choice for us outdoor enthusiasts.
The Bontrager Sport Saddle is a good choice for adventure seekers and everyday riders looking for comfort without breaking the bank.
The JBL Endurance Run 2 Wireless headphones offer a solid choice for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts looking for reliability, comfort, and durability in their headphones.
The Adidas Five Ten Five Tennies are a simple yet cult classic that continues to impress us with their blend of style, comfort, and durability (these are now almost 4 years old!).
The FL920 bike light by Decathlon’s ELOPS is designed for both visual efficiency and versatility, making it effective for use in bike-borne adventures.
Engineered by the Swiss brand On Running, Cloud 5 Waterproof trainers are designed to offer the great combination of comfort, performance, and weather protection for those urban exploring adventures we all need!
About the Author:
Chris is the founder of Hiatus.Design, a strategic branding, design and communications company that works with clients all over the world.
He is a former Royal Marines Commando officer, former risk advisor to the BBC and is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS).
Chris has travelled in over 60 countries, achieved his second Guinness World Record for an Atlantic Ocean rowing expedition, a Marathon des Sables finisher, and has worked with Hollywood actors, world–renowned musical artists and TV personalities.