Has anybody tried the Pearl Izumi Viper road shoe with the funky “Boa Lacing System” wherein there are steel cords instead of laces and you simply tighten a dial to get them on? Seems like this would be an ideal tri shoe, since you don’t have to deal with a velcro strap that could potentially come unlooped before you get it fastened. I need a new pair of shoes and these are interesting. Any thoughts?
I ordered a pair from Performance last summer when they were on sale but their sizing was funky, I wear 44 in Euro sizes so ordered 44 and came like Shaq’s shoe! Was too big and returned it back got a Sidi instead. I never used it but the “manufacturing quality” was not that good looking as in the pictures, on the otherhand they have life time warranty.
I have the PI Vaper mtn version with the Boa system. Nice light shoe, super stiff sole, fits pretty narrow, nice breathable upper.
problems: the mesh they use in the heel cup is pretty sturdy stuff and I going sockless is iffy. I go sockless for racing (xterras) but I did shred my heels on one muddy ride without socks where there was a lot of hike a bike. The Boa is cool but is NOT fast to tighten. I think I’d prefer straps or buckles. Definetely not a tri shoe. It tightens very evenly though and is well thought out. Although it tightens down super tight if you need, cranking that little wheel can be a real pain in the ass sometimes. I’m actually getting another pair of the Vapors with the three straps instead. Hope this helps
Thanks, it absolutely helps.
-Colin