First Look: Prototype Five Ten Maltese Light SPD Shoes 10

Remember when adidas acquired Five Ten back in November 2011? During our conference call with the two companies, one of the most exciting aspects of the acquisition was the fact that Five Ten would be able to utilize the technologies and resources available at adidas. Exactly what that means is a well-kept secret, guarded behind closed doors in adidas's Germany headquarters. The other day on the trail we spotted one of the first pairs of Five Tens to really benefit from the partnership - the Maltese Light SPD shoe.

We were told that this prototype version, which features a Stealth Rubber outsole, weighs 10% less than the Maltese Falcons, a considerable drop given the shoe's intended use. Other improvements include a sealed toe box for wet days, mesh uppers for improved breathing, bonded joints, a more water resistant insole, molded heal cup, an additional Velcro strap to help keep things tidy, and a freshly tuned shank for better performance on and off the bike. Keep an eye out for the final version to hit shelves this Fall.

The company is also playing with a stickier rubber option on their upcoming Freerider VXI shoes. Good stuff!

Now that's a focus group! At the World Champs in Leogang last year, Five Ten sat down with their athletes to discuss the new Maltese. Greg Minnaar, Sam Hill, Stevie Smith, Brook MacDonald just to name a few of the talents in the room that day.