Five Ten Women’s Karver – Ash Grey 2013
Reviews / Shoes
176,806
When I first picked up the Women’s Karver shoes I was surprised by just how chunky they seemed. These are definitely a biking shoe through-and-through, but then they’re not trying to be anything else!
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Once on your feet the chunkiness is forgotten and they feel snug and secure. Five Ten have created this women’s version of the popular men’s Karver shoe with a narrower fit and have taken into consideration the differences in women’s sizing.
The inside ankle is much higher to give you more protection and the tongue of the shoe is a wrap-around design which increases the protection and makes sure they stay on your feet. Although they do not claim to be waterproof, the integrated tongue and Action Leather uppers work well to keep out the elements, whilst remaining breathable. These shoes certainly feel study and once you’ve laced them up you know they mean business!
Furnished with Five Ten’s legendary Stealth Rubber there is no doubt that your feet are going to stay put when riding even the most rocky of trails. This Stealth S1 compound is super sticky and really does grip your pedals like Thornton’s toffee grips tooth fillings. It’s also designed to absorb more shock than traditional rubber and be extra durable.
The toebox, sturdy heel and plenty of padding in key areas reassure you that your feet are going to stay protected in the Karver even when dealing with the loosest of trails, sharpest of rocks and gnarliest of falls. The soles are stiff and solid which is what you want, but at the same time they stayed comfortable. The soft micro cord lining around the ankle also helps prevent any unnecessary rubbing by creating a smooth edge that mould nicely to your foot with the padding inside.
You won’t be putting the Karver on to meet your mates, or walk the dog, but you’ll definitely be reaching for them next time you’re heading out on your bike to challenge yourself. They really do give that extra bit of confidence with the sticky rubber soles, inside ankle support and all round stability. Essentially, they are body armour for your feet.
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This review was in Issue 21 of IMB.
For more information visit Five TenRelated
By Mary Booth
Mary Booth has been a keen mountain biker for decades; she grew up on the Purbecks in the South West of England and has spent thousands of hours on the trails in that area. She moved to the South East to work in the IMB office and regularly gets out to the Alps and the Surrey Hills where she loves to ride the more technical trails…
