I was looking for a new running show that was more comfortable on longer runs. Anyone have any thoughts on the Pearl Izumi line? I was looking for a shoe with more stability.
I tried the Road M2 but found them to be too stable, not quite enough give from what I was used to. I do really like the Tri N1 and Road N0 though, while not stability shoes, they provide enough for my goofy gate apparently. More importantly, if you like to train and race sockless I found the PI shoes to be very kind on the feet, nary a single blister up to 8 miles in the Tri N1 and 6 miles in the Road N0.
.
I use PI for all road and trail races. I use Zoot for my sockless tris.
I converted over to Pearl Izumi a few months ago because I can get them very cheap at work. And it’s been a fantastic decision!
I started out with the Tri N2 but they didn’t work for me for much longer than 5k, I didn’t like how they held my heel and it was a bit too little of a shoe for me right now. But as the above poster said they’re brilliant sockless and I’m fine in them up to 5k.
I then tried the first version of the Road N2. I liked them quite a bit but I thought I may have needed a little bit of stability. I tend to run on the outsides of my feet and I felt like I needed to prevent that a little bit. So I just recently bought the second version Road M2 and Trail M2. I’m about 40 miles into the Road M2 and I am really, really liking them. I think it’s got enough stability for me to feel a bit more comfortable, especially on longer runs (I’ve gone up to 9 miles). The Trail M2 is nice so far but I’ve only got 10k on them.
Overall I really like the M2 as an everyday trainer but I think I’ll still rotate the N2 in for faster runs as they don’t feel as bulky. From everything I read the N2 second version is even better from the first version so I think I’ll like it even more once I get it. As my legs build strength, maybe I’ll be able to feel better in the N2 on longer runs.
I tried the Tri N1 - I found them a comfortable run errands shoe, but they made my lower legs ache on runs I could do with other brands without pain
.
I am a bit Pearl Izumi Fan…
For any Tri shorter than 140.6, I race in the N2 Tri Shoe. For training, I use mainly the N2 and for easy runs I use the N3. The N3 is a bit soft for me for an every day running shoe but for those runs where I am going easy, I really like it.
Chad
I’m a big fan of Pearl Izumi cycling shoes, running/tri clothing, and they have the BEST ad campaign I’ve ever seen (I love their print ads).
I was excited to try a pair of their running shoes, although I’m a big fan of Saucony.
I picked up a pair of their Em Tri 2 shoes and as much as I’d like to, I just can’t fall in love with them. They’re well constructed, easy to put on and take off, but I find them too stiff in the midsole for anything longer than a 5k or Sprint tri. After that, they’re simply uncomfortable.
Running shoes are unique to each individual; what works for one may be a poor choice for another, but their shoes just don’t work for me.
I switched to their shoes about 2 years ago and they have been great. The original N2’s i was able to get about 1200 km before they needed to be replaced.I don’t use their stability shoes but I do have a N0 for races up to 10km or speed work, Trail N1 for trail races & winter running, and N2 for daily mileage and anything longer than 10km when racing.
I have a wide forefoot (EE/EEE) with bunionettes, high instep, and narrow heel which makes a lot of ‘wide’ running shoes feel sloppy. The uppers stretch to accommodate a wider foot and I can run barefoot in their shoes without any problems.