I’ve been riding in FLR shoes for a few seasons now, and I’ve always thought they strike a great balance between quality and affordability. Recently, I got my hands (or feet?) on the new FX-5 model, designed for MTB and gravel, and took them straight to my local testing grounds — the Kitsuma Trail.

If you’ve ever ridden Kitsuma, you know it’s the real deal — a true proving ground for both gear and rider. Steep, technical climbs, fast descents littered with rocks and roots… it’s a full-body experience where your equipment better hold up. After several rides in varying weather conditions, here’s how the FX-5s stacked up.

Out of the Box: Nothing Fancy — and That’s Not a Bad Thing

When you first unbox the FX-5s, they don’t exactly scream “next-level tech.” They look like your standard MTB shoes, built on what seems like FLR’s usual last. But honestly, that’s not a negative — FLR’s fit has always worked well for me. My older pairs are still holding up after seasons of riding, both on the road and on the trails.

The Fit: Whoa, That’s New

But once I slipped them on and hit the trail, I immediately noticed something different. FLR used a new last for this model — and wow, it works. The fit is snug and anatomical, like the shoe molds to your foot. No pressure points, no rubbing. Just solid, secure support all around. My longest ride in them so far was three hours — and I totally forgot I was wearing brand-new shoes. That says a lot.

On the Pedals: Stiff Enough to Push, Comfy Enough to Last

The FX-5s surprised me with how stiff they are when climbing. Not carbon-sole stiff, but definitely firm enough to efficiently transfer power without feeling like you’re losing watts. Whether I was hammering short bursts or grinding out long climbs, the sole handled it. On the descents — especially through rocky and rooty sections — I really appreciated the balance between stiffness and comfort. My feet stayed fresh, no fatigue, no “dead foot” feeling. The sole also has great damping, so it didn’t rattle my bones going downhill. Big win there.

Walking? Shockingly Good

Here’s the kicker: these shoes are crazy comfortable to walk in. They look like typical clipless MTB shoes, but they feel almost like solid hiking shoes when you’re off the bike.
FLR used a dense rubber outsole with STKGrip branding — and it really does grip. Wet roots, slick rocks, no problem. I didn’t feel like I was ice-skating, which can’t be said for some stiffer XC shoes I’ve worn in the past. Also, the contact area on the sole is larger than on previous FLR models, which I noticed right away — I’m a bigger guy, and outsoles usually take a beating when I hike-a-bike. Some big-name shoes I’ve tried literally fell apart in under two weeks on real mountain terrain. These feel way more durable.

Closure System: Classic, Reliable, Upgraded

FLR stuck with their go-to closure: a single ATOP dial with laces. I’ve always liked this setup — it’s easy to replace if you wreck it in a crash, and it holds well.
What’s cool is that this time, FLR swapped out the old steel cable for a high-quality nylon lace, like what you’d see on top-tier road shoes. Honestly, great move. The nylon is softer, more flexible, and gives a more precise fit. No more cable kinks or slipping issues.

Ventilation & Materials

The shoe upper is made from microfiber with decent ventilation and comes with a perforated insole. I wouldn’t say they’re ultra-breathable like those new knit models, but I didn’t feel like my feet were overheating either — and as we roll into fall, these are going to be right in the sweet spot temperature-wise.

Any Downsides?

If I had to nitpick, I’d say the toe box could use a bit more protection. For gravel and light MTB, it’s probably fine. But if you’re into aggressive enduro or downhill stuff, you might want a burlier front section. For what these are designed for — gravel, flow trails, maybe some non-race XC — they’re just right.

Overall, the FLR FX-5 feels like a smart, well-rounded shoe for serious riders who don’t want to drop $$$ on ultra-premium gear. Comfortable, efficient, hikeable, and durable enough for real adventure.
If you’re into gravel rides, long MTB days, or just want a pair of trail shoes that won’t let you down mid-ride — these are a solid pick. You’ll probably even snag a few Strava PRs in them.

Text and Photo: Vados