Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch SPD Review: Unbreakable Clipless Shoes
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- Опубликовано: 8 июл 2024
- After seven months and 2,000+ miles of rigorous use, Neil shares his thoughts on the Pearl Izumi X Alp Launch SPD clipless mountain bike shoes. Find out about their pedal performance, off-the-bike comfort, and most importantly, overall durability in this long term review...
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Outline:
Intro - 0:00
History - 0:32
Fit - 1:12
Technical details - 2:02
On the bike performance - 3:19
Off the bike performance - 4:40
Durability - 5:43
Mentioned Links:
Best Clipless Shoes: bikepacking.com/gear/best-cli...
#pedalfurther #bikepacking
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Music by Ben Weaver (benweaver.net)
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Having orthopedic soles, it was difficult to find a shoes that has a wide enough toe box to accommodate. Glad I found these and absolutely love them (thanks for the original 2021 Pearl Izumi press release on Bikepacking).
They look awesome and have become my day-to-day shoes. Thx for the long-term review!
I also have ~2k miles on this pair of shoes and experience the tongue sliding - but like Neil mentioned, it happens on all kinds of shoes for me. Overall, they’re a great, comfortable shoe. While I would personally appreciate even a bit more toe space (without having to size up), they are definitely wider than a typical cycling shoe, and that’s a good thing for nearly anyone, as they do not contort your foot. They are not very breathable, but that is the price you pay for water resistance. Size-wise, I usually wear an 11-11.5 shoe and opted for the 45, and I wish I had gotten the 45.5 or 46.
Been curious about this shoe. Thanks for the in-depth review.
Thanks for great, in-depth review. This shoe is just what I have been looking for.
Great timing for my first Bike Tour
I own these and absolutely love them. I use them almost daily to commute to work. It is weird how the tongue moves that way on each shoe
Just ordered a pair to use on my Magpeds. I think having no tread where the steel plate (clip) will go will work perfectly. We shall see. Thanks for the review 🤟
Awesome product! !! Highly recommend! !!!
Thanks for the long term review. Bought those shoes last month and decided against the x-alp pro model, because of the sole.
I’m not yet fully confident with clipless shoes on rough singletrack or while I learn new skills (track stand, manual) and like to clip out.
My problem while clipped out, loose grip / bad contact on the pedal, even with 2sided pedals like the crank brothers double shot. With this flat section around the clip, it’s like standing on a flat pedals. The rubber isn’t that sticky, compared to five tens stealth compound, but it’s enough.
But with these shoes, I’ve found the best compromise for both worlds. Riding comfortable while clipped in and having enough grip while clipped out - in combination with the above mentioned double shot pedals.
Hint about the sizing. I usually wear eu size 44, even in the five ten free rider pros or Shimano xh-m900. But with the x-alp shoes, I had to size up to 45 (44.5 was the same size as 44?!).
I usually wear an EU 46 but had to go to EU 47 for the x-alp. With the EU 46, I found that my middle toe was scrunched and would rub against the upper portion of the toe box.
Thanks!
I need a video run down on all of your bikes.
Nice review. It could be interesting with a review of biking shoes for flat pedals only ...
Check it out: bikepacking.com/gear/best-flat-pedal-mountain-bike-shoes-2021/
Excellent, spare boa dials are available for like $10. worth it as a spare for any big ride your invested into.
Can also claim a set of two for free on the Boa site! I try to keep a spare with me.
I am still looking for a replacement for my Keen cycling sandals. I am using my old Speciaized mtb shoes, held together with duct tape! Any suggestions? Definitely need a toe box! Thanks.
The tongues on my Giro Terraduros do that slide to the outside thing too. Kind of annoying. I wonder if it happens more with Boa shoes.
I got the Shimano XM900 this spring. Definitely a bit more on the winter-ish side than these, without being a proper winter shoe. I basically purchased them because I saw them on Fredrika Eks feet in her cycling around the world book. They re a lace shoe, and just as you say, I find laces to be a drawback, it's hard to get laces just right, so they are tight enough where you need them to be, without crushing some other part of the foot. On the plus side, they have space for really thick socks, which is good when it gets cold, and they are great walking shoes. Now I'm trying to decide if I'll tour in them this summer or if I'll get myself a less warm alternative. I've done a lot of touring in stiff soled racing shoes and it's great on the bike, but it forces me to bring an extra pair of shoes to wear off the bike.
Are these comfortable with flat pedals?
I also have tongue shifting in my shoes and also have narrow feets.
Maybe why? 🤔 Maybe when a shoe is filled up better it doesn't happen?
I was really hoping to love these, got em last week, but it's the most uncomfortable shoe I've ever put on my feet.
In what way Ryan?
I'm needing to replace my ancient Shimano's and am looking for a bit less 'looks like a bike shoe' replacement...
Bummer to hear. Goes to show that different feet have different needs. I have zero complaints as far as comfort is concerned but like I mentioned in the video I have narrow feet and I swapped out the stock Insoles.
@@BIKEPACKINGcom I hear you on that! My feet are wide, and the shoe pinched me every-time I took a step. I'm gonna try the Crank Brothers show now...
@@m__r1100 I have wide feet, and these shoes pinched the top fo my foot every-time I took a step, weird!
I'm not happy with them either. As was mentioned, they are slightly on the large side, which I normally like, but here it makes my heel too loose on one foot. Tightnening the BOA can't really fix this even as I squeeze the foot lifeless. And yes, I do have the correct size. In fact, I often find my size No. to feel too small with other brands. Here, it seem all ok until I start to walk. Hike-a-bike with loose heel would be a disaster. So yeah, I'm dunking on the BOA laces as well, since it tightens so "uniformly" (a noted by Russ of PathLessPedaled). I dont want to hear about it anymore, frankly.
Adidas Velosamba!
Nice! you are happy with the velosamba? also SPD possibility?
@@davidverbaanderd588 i bought the velosambas - the sole broke after just 2 weeks! ...we went over some rocky ways, but that was really a bummer.