Five Ten is a well-known brand in the climbing and outdoor footwear industry, and its history is closely tied to the development of high-performance climbing shoes. Here's a brief overview of the history of the Five Ten climbing brand:
Founding: Five Ten was founded in 1985 by Charles Cole, a talented rock climber and outdoor enthusiast. Cole's goal was to create climbing shoes that would provide superior grip and performance on a variety of rock surfaces. The name "Five Ten" was inspired by the Yosemite Decimal System, where a rating of "5.10" represents a high level of difficulty in rock climbing.
Stealth Rubber: One of the most significant contributions made by Five Ten to the climbing industry was the development of Stealth rubber. This proprietary rubber compound was known for its exceptional stickiness, durability, and ability to provide excellent traction on both rock and plastic climbing holds. Stealth rubber quickly became a hallmark of Five Ten climbing shoes.
Innovations: Over the years, Five Ten introduced various innovations in climbing shoe design. They created models suitable for different climbing styles, including sport climbing, bouldering, and traditional climbing. Five Ten's Anasazi line and the iconic Stealth C4 rubber became particularly popular among climbers.
Expansion: Beyond climbing, Five Ten expanded its product range to include approach shoes and mountain biking footwear. The brand's dedication to high-quality rubber also made its mountain biking shoes popular among riders seeking superior grip on pedals.
Acquisition by Adidas: In 2011, Adidas Outdoor, a division of the sportswear giant Adidas, acquired Five Ten. This acquisition allowed Five Ten to benefit from Adidas's resources and distribution network while maintaining its focus on producing high-performance outdoor footwear.
Legacy: Five Ten has left a lasting legacy in the climbing and outdoor sports communities. Climbers and athletes across various disciplines have relied on Five Ten shoes for their superior grip and performance. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality cemented its reputation as a trusted name in the industry.
Five Ten's legacy as a pioneer in climbing shoe technology and its impact on the outdoor sports industry remain significant.