We’re pretty much all agreed that there isn’t as much kit out there for girls that shred as there should be. However, never keen on dwelling on the negatives, we were pleased to hear that the offering is growing in the flat shoe department.

Last year, Five Ten released their new women’s fit Freerider. The range was (and still is) available from US size four to ten, with a narrower heel fit designed for women.

Review: Five Ten Freerider VXi MTB flat pedal shoe

The women’s fit Freerider must have been a success, because the all mountain, gravity and dirt shoe manufacturers famous for their impeccable grip on flat pedals have added women’s fit Freerider Contact (pictured above) and Kestrel Lace versions (below) to their range for 2016.

The shoes, announced just before the Eurobike trade show, have been shaped to fit narrower feet and will be available in smaller sizes that the men’s range.

The Freerider Contract will be available from October, and features a Stealth Mi6 rubber sole, stiff mid-sole, and added toe protection.

The Kestrel Lace is new for men and women, and is an addition to the existing Boa version of the SPD compatible shoe. The sole is made from EVA foam and features rubber on the front and rear, with a harder rubber around the cleat pocket to make clipping in and out easier. You’ll have to wait until March for these, but we’ll be nagging Five Ten for a pair to review ASAP.

Five Ten sponsor World Cup downhill racers Tracey Hannah, Emmeline Ragot and Jill Kintner, who were involved in the design process, so we know the shoes have been tried and tested.

Not sure if you want flat or clipless? Check out the pros and cons of flat vs clipless pedals for mountain biking.