The Five Ten Guide Tennie is a legendary approach shoe renowned for its durability, comfort, and exceptional grip. Designed for climbing and scrambling, it features a robust nubuck leather upper and Stealth C4 rubber outsole, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and climbing guides worldwide.
Design and Features of the Five Ten Guide Tennie
The Five Ten Guide Tennie features a durable nubuck leather upper for protection and a Stealth C4 rubber outsole for unmatched grip on various surfaces. Its cushioned collar enhances comfort during long hikes.
2.1. Key Components: Upper, Midsole, and Outsole
The Five Ten Guide Tennie is built with a durable nubuck leather upper for long-lasting protection and a snug fit. The midsole provides excellent support and stability, making it ideal for uneven terrain. Its standout feature is the Stealth C4 rubber outsole, known for exceptional grip on rock surfaces. These components work together to deliver a shoe that balances durability, comfort, and performance for climbing and hiking adventures.
2.2. Weight and Durability
The Five Ten Guide Tennie weighs approximately 0.99 kg, offering a lightweight yet durable design. Its nubuck leather upper ensures long-lasting protection against rough terrain, while the Stealth C4 rubber outsole provides unmatched grip. Built to withstand rigorous use, the shoe is ideal for climbers seeking a balance between performance and durability. Its robust construction makes it a reliable choice for challenging outdoor adventures, ensuring it remains a trusted companion for years of exploration and climbing.
Performance of the Five Ten Guide Tennie
The Five Ten Guide Tennie excels in grip and traction, thanks to its Stealth C4 rubber outsole, delivering reliable performance on both wet and dry surfaces for climbers and hikers.
3.1. Grip and Traction on Various Surfaces
The Five Ten Guide Tennie shines with its exceptional grip and traction, thanks to the Stealth C4 rubber outsole. This specialized rubber compound ensures a secure foothold on rock, dirt, and uneven terrain, making it ideal for scrambling and light climbing. The shoe’s dotted sole pattern enhances grip on both dry and wet surfaces, while the wrapped rubber around the toe provides added protection and traction during technical moves. Users praise its reliability on various surfaces, though it performs best on dry or slightly damp conditions.
3.2. Stability and Comfort for Long Approaches
The Five Ten Guide Tennie excels in stability and comfort during long approaches, thanks to its padded cuff and robust midsole. The shoe’s wide, cushy heel provides excellent support, reducing fatigue on uneven terrain. Its nubuck leather upper ensures durability while maintaining flexibility for long hikes. Users praise its ability to handle heavy packs and technical scrambling with ease. While some find it slightly heavy for pure hiking, the balance of support and cushioning makes it ideal for extended outdoor adventures.
User Reviews and Feedback
Climbers praise the Five Ten Guide Tennie for its exceptional grip, durability, and comfort. Many highlight its reliability on technical terrain, though some note it feels heavy for casual hiking.
4.1. Pros: Why Climbers Love the Guide Tennie
The Five Ten Guide Tennie is widely praised for its exceptional grip and traction, thanks to the Stealth C4 rubber outsole, making it ideal for technical terrain. Climbers appreciate its durable construction, with a robust nubuck leather upper that withstands rough conditions. The shoe offers outstanding comfort during long approaches, featuring a cushioned heel and supple suede uppers. Its versatility shines in both hiking and light rock climbing, while the padded cuff provides additional support. Many climbers also commend its reliable performance on steep, rocky surfaces. These attributes make it a top choice for climbing guides and enthusiasts alike.
4.2. Cons: Limitations and Drawbacks
While the Five Ten Guide Tennie is highly regarded, it has some drawbacks. Some users find it heavy and clunky for casual walking, and its taller toe profile can reduce precision in tight cracks. Additionally, the shoe may feel less comfortable during long hikes, particularly with a heavy pack. The Stealth C4 rubber performs less effectively on wet surfaces, which can be a limitation. While excellent for scrambling, it may not be the best choice for everyday hiking comfort.
Comparison with Other Approach Shoes
The Five Ten Guide Tennie stands out for its exceptional grip and durability, often compared to hiking boots for stability and running shoes for lightweight comfort. Its Stealth C4 rubber outsole and robust design make it a preferred choice for climbers seeking reliable performance on rocky terrain, distinguishing it from competitors in the approach shoe market.
5.1. Guide Tennie vs. Hiking Boots
The Five Ten Guide Tennie is lighter and more flexible than traditional hiking boots, making it ideal for scrambling and climbing approaches. While hiking boots offer superior ankle support and waterproofing for long treks, the Guide Tennie excels in technical terrain with its Stealth C4 rubber outsole for unmatched grip. Climbers often prefer the Tennie for its agility, while hikers favor boots for multi-day comfort and protection. The choice depends on the balance between weight, support, and terrain demands.
5.2. Guide Tennie vs. Running Shoes
The Five Ten Guide Tennie differs significantly from running shoes in design and purpose. While running shoes prioritize lightweight cushioning and breathability for speed, the Guide Tennie focuses on durability and grip for technical terrain. Its Stealth C4 rubber outsole provides superior traction on rocks, making it ideal for scrambling and climbing approaches. Running shoes, however, excel on smooth trails and roads but lack the Tennie’s ruggedness and support for uneven ground. The choice depends on whether the activity demands speed or stability and grip.
Sizing and Fit Recommendations
The Five Ten Guide Tennie offers a roomy toe box for comfort and a snug heel for stability. It’s recommended to try half a size down for a precise fit.
6.1. How to Choose the Right Size
Choosing the right size for the Five Ten Guide Tennie involves ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit. Try the shoes on with the same thickness of socks you plan to wear for climbing or hiking. If you prefer a roomier toe box for comfort, opt for your standard size. However, for a more precise fit and better performance, some climbers recommend sizing down by half a size. Pay attention to how the heel fits—it should feel secure without slipping. This balance ensures both comfort and support during long approaches.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Regularly clean the Five Ten Guide Tennie with mild soap and water to remove dirt. Apply a waterproofing treatment to the suede or nubuck leather for added protection.
7.1. Cleaning and Waterproofing
To maintain the Five Ten Guide Tennie, start by brushing off dirt with a soft-bristled brush. Use mild soap and water to clean the suede or nubuck leather, avoiding harsh chemicals. Rinse thoroughly and allow the shoe to air-dry. For waterproofing, apply a specialized spray or cream to the upper, ensuring protection against moisture. Regular cleaning and waterproofing extend the shoe’s lifespan and maintain its performance on the trail or rock. Proper care ensures durability and preserves the shoe’s breathability and grip.
Environmental Impact
The Five Ten Guide Tennie is made from durable materials like nubuck leather and suede, which reduce waste by extending the shoe’s lifespan. Its manufacturing process in China raises sustainability questions, but the brand emphasizes responsible material sourcing and production practices to minimize environmental impact.
8.1. Sustainability of Materials
The Five Ten Guide Tennie utilizes materials like nubuck leather and suede, which are durable but raise sustainability concerns due to their environmental impact. While the shoe is built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements, its production process in China and the use of non-recycled materials may contribute to a larger carbon footprint. The brand has not explicitly detailed its sustainability initiatives for this model, leaving room for improvement in eco-friendly practices. Durability, however, helps minimize waste by extending the shoe’s lifespan.
Cultural Impact
The Five Ten Guide Tennie has become an iconic choice among climbers, earning widespread respect for its reliability and performance. Its popularity has shaped the approach shoe market, making it a cultural staple in climbing communities worldwide.
9.1. Popularity Among Climbing Guides
The Five Ten Guide Tennie has long been a favorite among climbing guides due to its unmatched durability, grip, and comfort. Its Stealth C4 rubber outsole provides exceptional traction, making it ideal for technical terrain. Guides appreciate its versatility for both approaching and climbing, as well as its robust construction that withstands heavy use. This shoe has become a staple in the climbing community, trusted by professionals for its reliability and performance, further solidifying its reputation as a go-to choice for demanding outdoor adventures.
Alternatives to the Five Ten Guide Tennie
For climbers seeking options, Five Ten Camp Four and Anasazi models offer similar performance. Other brands like Merrell and La Sportiva also provide durable, grippy alternatives for various climbing needs.
10.1. Other Five Ten Models
For climbers seeking alternatives within the Five Ten range, the Camp Four and Anasazi series offer excellent options. The Camp Four excels in hiking and scrambling,
while the Anasazi provides a precise fit for technical climbs. Additionally, Five Ten offers the Arrowhead and Hiangle models,
catering to diverse climbing needs with their unique designs and Stealth rubber technology. These models maintain Five Ten’s reputation for durability and grip, making them reliable choices for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Five Ten Guide Tennie stands as a timeless choice for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering unmatched durability, grip, and comfort. Its Stealth C4 rubber outsole and robust design make it ideal for technical terrain. Widely praised by climbing guides and adventurers, it remains a benchmark in approach shoes. While other models exist, the Guide Tennie’s versatility and performance solidify its legacy as a reliable companion for both casual and professional climbers seeking excellence in their footwear.