Just in time to add to your lists to Santa, Pearl Izumi recently launched their new top-end road shoe, along with a new gravel shoe and others in the road line up. The new PRO Road v5 takes the helm as the range-topping road shoe with the Attack and Quest road shoes following. The new X-Alp Gravel adds something new to Pearl Izumi’s lineup. The X-Alp Canyon and All-Road v5 are also new, but a new top-end mountain shoe has not been released yet so expect more releases later in the spring, along with additional colors of the shoes below.
PRO Road v5
Last season, Pearl Izumi had their P.R.O. Leader v4 road shoe with a seamless upper, dual Boa dials, and a full carbon sole with a unique flash of electroplated color. For 2020, they have taken things to a new level in performance with the PRO Road v5 with a less is more concept throughout the shoe. PI spent 24 months looking at just the sole to determine where material could be trimmed to reduce weight while increasing stiffness. The result is a radically new full carbon sole called the 1:1 PRO Air Carbon Power Plate, with large cutouts ahead and behind the cleat area, providing a 22% weight savings over the P.R.O. Leader v4’s sole. These cutouts are covered by a fine mesh, allowing for increased ventilation. Inside, an ergonomically designed 1:1 dual-density footbed provides support and some cushioning.
For the upper, Pearl Izumi followed the knit upper trend, helping to tweak the flexibility and support in different areas of the upper. As part of the brand’s sustainability effort, there is no trimming needed, so there is no waste from the finished knit upper. Almost all of the seams are bonded, providing a light and comfortable fit. The closure uses two Boa IP1 dials mounted on the side, allowing micro-adjustability in either direction, or a quick release by pulling the dials out.
Colors available are a subtle black or white, giving them a classy look. We’ve also seen a red color that will be coming later in the Spring. Sizes are 39-49, with half sizes from 39.5-46.5. Pricing is a cool $400 USD. We have a pair on the way that should arrive this week. After we have a chance to log some miles in them, we’ll provide a full review of these pricey new road slippers.
Attack
The Attack is Pearl Izumi’s second-tier shoe based on price. The seamless upper uses bonded mesh panels to provide plenty of ventilation to a comfortable fit. It features one Boa L6 dial with a slightly offset lacing pattern for comfort. For low light visibility, the Attack includes BioViz reflective accents.
The 1:1 Composite Power Plate mates a carbon plate at cleat for stiffness to a composite sole for stiffness. There are less vents in the sole than on the PRO Road v5, though there are some in the front and rear sections of the sole. It is drilled for both two and three-bolt cleat patterns, allowing for a range of pedal choices.
The Attack is available in a subtle black with sizes ranging from 39-49, with half sizes from 39.5-46.5. Expect more colors here, including a two tone gray/black with red trim. At $160, they are an affordable shoe that will be at home on the road or as a premium spin class shoe for those looking for a performance shoe indoors.
Quest
The Quest is Pearl Izumi’s entry-level road shoe for 2020. It uses a bonded seamless upper for comfort and ventilation and includes BioViz reflective accents for visibility. The shoe uses a three-strap closure to keep things simple and comfortable.
The sole is the same sole used on the Attack, providing a stiff platform and versitile mounting options for two and three-bolt cleats.
The Quest is only available in black for now, with white coming later in the Spring, and comes in sizes from 39-52, in whole sizes only. At $100, they look to be a great entry-levle shoe for new cyclists or as spin class or trainer shoes.
X-Alp Gravel
The X-Alp Gravel is something new to Pearl Izumi’s line up. It is intended to be a functional shoe for anything from cross-country mountain biking to long days on gravel.
The sole is Pearl Izumi’s 1:1 Next Step Nylon sole, which provides stiffness for pedaling without hurting the shoe’s walkability. For grip, it features TPU lugs throughout the sole, along with spots for two toe spikes at the front. The shoe is drilled for two-bolt cleats only, which is expected for this type of shoe. A low profile EVA insert was added in the heel to help reduce vibrations and add comfort on and off the bike.
The upper is a seamless synthetic leather, similar to the lace-up Tour Road shoe, that is perforated for breathability. A toe bumper is added for extra protection and durability, as this is an offroad focused shoe. It uses a Boa L6 dial for a closure system, similar to the Attack road shoe.
The X-Alp Gravel comes in at $150, and an attractive price point for the gravel market. It is only available in black, in sizes from 36-49, in whole sizes only. We have a sample arriving this week and will provide a full review once we have a chance to get them dirty.
X-Alp Canyon
The X-Alp Canyon blends off the bike comfort with on the bike efficiency. Pearl Izumi blends elements from their sneaker past with a midsole shank for pedaling efficiency. It has an EVA midsole, similar to their past running shoes, for cushioning and support. The two-bolt recessed cleat makes walking easy.
The mesh upper keeps the shoe ventilated with a toe bumper added for protection. The low cut design keeps the sneaker feel of the X-Alp Canyon.
Like the other shoes recently released, it is available in black in a size range from 39-49. Pricing is $110.
All-Road v5
The All-Road v5 is Pearl Izumi’s shoe that can go from the spin studio, to the trail, to the road. It features a three strap hook and loop closure system for an adjustable and secure fit. The upper is a mix of synthetic material and mesh to provide ample ventilation.
The sole is the SELECT 1:1 Nylon Composite Power Plate, providing stiffness while riding, but still comfortable while walking. The durable rubber sole will provide grip when walking. The sole accepts two-bolt cleats that many spin bikes use.
Pearl Izumi calls the color Phantom Turbulence, which is grey with a blue heel liner. An all black shoe is on the way too. Sizes run from 39-49 in whole sizes only and pricing is set at $90, making it a great workhorse for spin studios, gym-goers, or cyclists looking to take their first steps into clipless pedals.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
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Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
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