Looking for some reviews on Pearl Izumi shoes, both cycling and running.
I’ve had a pair of Tri Fly’s but they were too small so very uncomfortable, but when I first used them, before realizing they were too small, I liked them a lot. I’ve been wearing my Northwave shoes that I’ve had for 5 years now and want to get a new pair for my first IM in August. I’ve been looking at the Race Road 3 or maybe even the Octane SL or Tri Fly Octane or Tri Fly 4 Carbon. I think I’d rather get a road shoe so I can use it everyday and I really like the BOA lacing on the Race Rd. I’ve tried it on briefly and it feels nice. Does anybody use any of these shoes and have insight on them? Specifically the Race Rd 3.
On the running side of things, I’ve been a loyal customer to Brooks for the last 2 or 3 years. I absolutely love their shoes and after a few trial and errors I’ve settled into the Ghost 6, which has been my favorite shoe. The problem I find myself in right now is that I can get a crazy good deal on Pearl shoes, like 60% off. Saving $50-60 on running shoes would be a huge help right now and I would really love to save a bit. Does anyone here run in Pearl shoes? I’ve never seen them in stores around me so I’m not sure I will be able to try them on.
Lots of guys from my local shop have been running in them this year and have been very happy in them. I haven’t as of yet, but my give them a whirl shortly.
Love the Tri n1! Great w/o socks even in a half. Use the road n0 for most training and just getting ready to start breaking in my n0s
The Tri fly works great for me, but I know some people have finicky feet / brands in cycling shoes since they do not really break in like a run shoe will.
just started running in the tri n2’s and was surprised how great they work for me. I am quickly dropping the Mizuno Rider that was changed for the negative for me and switching over to PI’s line. The “rocker” type style shoe seems to work really well for my stride as I am finding out and they are really well cushioned although that is a highly subjective thing.
Really I think the only reason they are not more popular running shoes is the crazy color schemes on them although that seems to work for other brands now.
i have had the Tri Fly IV carbons for about 2 years now and have logged about 1500+ miles on them.
1 - they are narrow all the way from front to back. this is good for me as i need that. plus they are small as you’ve noticed.
i had to swap the pair i ordered for one full size up. additionally, i’m using varus wedges and a thinner insole(from a pair of Nike Altea II+)
2 - the top strap isn’t perfect, the top-most edge can rub your foot, particularly when new, as they’ve worn-in i don’t notice it anymore
3 - super-comfy sockless
4 - heel hold-down is very good
5 - not keen on the heel loops, they tend to flop into the shoe, so you have to hold them when putting on the shoe
6 - extremely light
7 - i wear them all the time except when it’s cold, i have a pair of Nike t-speeds that are less ventilated, so they’re better for cool/cold rides
have you done any kind of distance in them? I like the look of that shoe and one of the color schemes haha, but I’m concerned about running long distances is these shoes. I’m sure I’ll adapt but I don’t want to risk injury
PI cycling shoes tend to run short and narrow. I’m loving the new project emotion line! I took the M2 trail to Arizona for trail running in Scottsdale, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon and they were just about perfect.
I run in their Streak 2, they no longer make this shoe or anything really similar. I bought up a few pairs before they disappeared. Clearly, I like them a lot.
I’ve been running in the M3 and H3 for a few months. Like the M3 better but overall very satisfied. M3 upper seems better for sockless.
For me they tend to run a little big, usually wear a 9 these feel like a 9.25. Not big enough to size down, just a little long which has actually made my
toes feel little better, not so beat up.
I run in their Streak 2, they no longer make this shoe or anything really similar. I bought up a few pairs before they disappeared. Clearly, I like them a lot.
I like the Streak 2 as well. Down to my last pair so I am trying to make them last by wearing them for races only. I have been training in Saucony’s and Asic’s. Not sure what I will go to when this last pair wears out.
The closest thing I have is the Mizuno Wave Syonara … The sizing is totally different, i wear a 10 in the pearl izumi and a 9 in the mizuno… i blister more in the mizuno as well… food for thought though. The upper on the mizuno is also kinda hard and I dont like it as much, but overall the feel of the shoe is similar.
Thanks, I may check those out. One of the reasons I like The Streak 2’s is that it is one of the few shoes I’ve tried that give me no blistering issues.
I just did a 11 mile run in the Tri n2 this morning with zero issues. Actually legs felt better than they have in a long time:). I really don’t see any concern with putting high mileage on these things as the cushioning for me is definitely there. The shoe claims to be a low drop (like 4mm) but I am becoming a believer that it really does not matter it is more of how the shoe works during the foot strike. Zero drop shoes that I have tried tend to have a really flat sole thus making a really harsh foot fall for me at least. The PI and others like it (sketchers, Hoka, etc) are using more of a fulcrum/rocker in the midsole that seems to work for me.
This is my experience only and I really don’t have 100’s of miles in these yet so jury is still out.
Thanks for all the intel guys! I definitely think I’m going to pick up a pair. As much as it pains me to leave Brooks I can’t pass up on $50 for a pair of Pearl’s!