Unparallel flat shoes have soles even stickier than the stickiest Five Tens

James Bracey

Unparallel's new MTB range is up and running

Unparallel is a relatively new American shoe brand should be one to watch out for now it’s launched a new MTB flat pedal specific range.

>>> The best mountain bike shoes of 2018

Why should you take note? Well, the word on the street is Unparallel (also known as UP) has been formed by a group of 5:10’s ex-employees. There’s rumours that these employees are the engineers responsible for some of the most popular models of mountain bike and climbing shoe and it claims to have a rubber compound to rival Five Ten‘s famous Stealth (which is patented by Five Ten’s owners, Adidas).

If this proves to be true Unparallel could well be the brand that could legitimately knock Five Ten off the top of the shoe tree.

The mountain bike range is small but well thought out with all bases covered. Simply made up of three models including flat pedal specific, clip-in version and a harder wearing high-top, each has distinctive features.

unparalleled dust up

Unparallel Dust Up

The flat pedal specific Dust Up uses a super soft rubber to provide grip. An interesting point to note is this rubber has a softer durometer rating than even Five Ten’s stickiest Stealth Mi6 sole, rated at 45-50a compared to 52a for the Stealth Mi6 found on Five Ten Impact shoes.

Super soft and sticky rubber for the most tenacious of flat pedal grip.

  • Compound RH outsole perimeter: 4.0 mm thickness, 75-80 durometer.
  • Compound VD outsole centre tread: 3.5mm thickness, 45-50 durometer.
  • Midsole stiffness: medium.
  • Fit: low volume.
  • Low cut upper height.
  • Lace cover Velcro strap.
  • Available in three two-tone colours: Black/Black, Grey/Grey and Grey/Turquoise.
  • Price: $149.95.
Unparallel West Ridge

The techno looking West Ridge high top.

Unparallel West Ridge

High top, flat pedal specific shoe. Harder durometer rubber for a more durable sole.

  • Compound RH outsole perimeter: 3.7mm thickness, 75-80a durometer
  • Compound VC outsole centre tread: 4.2mm thickness, 58-63a durometer, non-marking
  • Midsole stiffness: medium soft
  • Fit: low volume
  • Mid-cut upper height
  • Velcro instep cover
  • Lock down TPU heel strap
  • Three colours: Grey/Black, Black/Black, Blue/Black.
  • Price: $139.95.
unparalleled up link

Using the same rubber compounds as the Dust Up, the Up Link adds SPD compatibility.

Unparallel Up Link clipless shoe

The best flat and clip-in pedals for mountain biking

The clip-in shoe.

  • Compound RH outsole perimeter: 4.0mm thickness, 75-80a durometer.
  • Compound VD outsole centre tread:3.5mm thickness, 45-50a durometer.
  • Cleat plate internal mounting
  • Stainless steel hardware
  • Cleat plate: firm
  • Fit: low volume
  • Low cut upper height
  • Lace cover Velcro strap
  • Available in Black/Charcoal Grey or Charcoal Grey.
  • Price: $169.95

UK distribution is still to be announced but we’re hoping these will soon be available in the country.