Ok, so I'm two rides into my 2FOs so I thought now would be a good time to give my two pence worth (before they are all I can remember).
Previously I had Five Ten Freeride VXi and was very happy with them.
I went with the 2FOs on this occasion because it was all I could get from lbs (Grips) and didn't have time to order Five Tens again - I did order some but they felt too small when they arrived so I returned them...
Anyway, the 2FOs...
Strait out of the box I liked them, except for the silly blue laces and blue eye at the top - but that's a colour preference thing so I swapped the laces over (provided with shoes) and moved on.
Feel: Have to say they felt just like trainers, where the Five Tens always felt like clogs. It took me a little time to get the tension right on the laces but when I did they were very comfortable.
Support: I was worried that as they didn't have the 'clog' feel about them that they wouldn't provide support on the pedals but I'm pleased to say they do, in fact they seem to allow a little bend in my foot that seems to be preferable over the super tough Five Tens. Add to this they have padding around the ankle that offers a little protection.
Grip: They didn't feel as grippy on the sole as the Stealth Five Tens - the feeling of resistance when you rub the sole or put them on and walk wasn't there - again I was worried... But on the bike/pedals they are sweet, in fact I'd go as far as to say they seemed to lock onto the pedal pins better than my Five Tens.
Now it's worth noting that my Five Tens were absolutely dead when I threw them away... So my memory of them may not be fair!
Last word: After taking them round Cannock on a dry fastish ride and then round Bedgebury after 2 days or rain and so nice and sloppy I can only say that they have elevated Specialized in my eyes a little... I got them on the basis I needed them rather than 'wanting them' but now I have them I'll be honest and say I'm happy. Only downside I think they'll have is they are more breathable that Five Tens so for winter riding I'm not sure how much I'll like them on wet days... Sealskinz will keep my feet dry but my old Five Tens used to keep them dry for a small ride where the 2FOs definitely won't.
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