Almost Perfect "Gravel" Shoe?
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- Опубликовано: 11 ноя 2020
- Review of the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch flat pedal shoe. An ALMOST perfect shoe for gravel? Help support non-competitive cycling content: / pathlesspedaled
DISCLAIMER: Shoe was sent free of charge for review. Thoughts are my own. Below links are affiliate links that help support the channel.
X-Alp Launch
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Love the concept of your channel! Subbed.
LOVE your channel Russ. Shoe hunt is spot on, thank you for the efforts. [could lose - lessen - the minutes countdown]
I'm using the mid version of these shoes since september and I can confirm that it is not as grippy as five tens or the Vans Pro BMX I'm using for commuting. But it does take rain a lot better, feels very light and grip largely enough, allowing me to readjust my feet position easily. Especially now that I'm using the new Look MTB pedals with Vibram sole. I'm expecting this combo to grip well and stop destroying the sole of my shoes within a year (or less...) of commuting. I used this combo for a 100km gravel ride and never sliped out of the pedal once.
After your earlier video, I looked around and bought the cheaper lace up version of this Pearl Izumi. Has a grippy patch on the sole at the pedal.
Love the sarcasm, keep it coming👍
my favourite shoes to ride in are from the walk/run section at Decathlon. They cost around 15 euros and are superlightweight with a soft sole that gets a really decent grip on the pins on my pedals. Only downside is they are very much summer / fair weather shoes and not great in low temperatures.
Great review as always Russ. Can you give us a “what I’m riding in” for the shoulder season fall into winter kind of review? Thanks for doing what you do.
Love the looks of this shoe. I think it would be good for road touring, the less grippy sole would be a non issue there.. Great to hear that it has a wider toe box area. For clipped shoes I prefer Lake shoes as they have a wider toe box without needing to resort to a wide shoe.
I am a dirt roader, so I am always thinking about hike-a-bike. Never thought about the lace garage, but hey, a whole new grump slot (grins) to consider. I just like Pearl Izumi thinking about us.
I have been wearing Vans Elijah Berle pros on the mtb the past 2 seasons. Perhaps a bit chonky, but comparatively cheap, stiff, comfy, durable. And wide enough for my flat feet. These look promising for gravel. I may have to try flats on my gravel bike next year.
i feel like any of the Altra crossfit shoes would make good flat pedal shoes. They have some hiking sneaker and bootmodels that are waterproof too (RSM) that are great on trails. neutral sole and super wide toebox.
My favorite winter flat pedal shoe is the Saucony Razor.
I had a pair of Pearl Izumi X-Road fuel I bought a Emmaus (our sort of charity shop here in France) for €5. They're clipless shoes but were real supple and comfortable and I rode them for over 6000 km in 2019 on most of my short gravel rides and all my bikepacking trips. For long distance riding when I'm planning to spend a lot of time in a row on the saddle I do prefer a stiffer XC-type shoe because power transfer is better, and the Shimano Torbal system I used then and the Fizik Terra I use now are super comfy. It might seem counter-intuitive but I found that when I ride long distance I prefer to go as fast as I can and I tend to use more "performance" type gear, although when I'm in bike-hiking mode I ride slower, stop more, and use more relaxed gear. I had a pair of FiveTens (my wife's gravel bike has flat pedals) and they were good, but no better than a regular pair of Vans SK8Hi, my favourites since I was a skateboarding teenager (MTE version now).
Thanks for the review and the comparison to the Five Ten soles. Mine need to be replaced sometime soon and, sounds like, I'll stick with the Five Tens. I love that almost locked in feeling on the mtn bike.
I am repurposing old waterproof oakley golf shoes 👟 and so far they work great 🤙🏼
Amazing review! Both thorough and chill. Thank you so much for the heads up on this shoe, i’ve been shoe hunting for a long time myself.
My husband use's a old pair of Sidi leather cycling shoes. They are 35 years old and non clipless but the bottom of the shoe is a lot more gripper then the Trek shoes he some time uses's. And they have laces. Keep Safe!!
I have been using Xero brand shoes with my flats(Catalyst pedals from Pedaling Innovations). Terraflex, Prio and 360 have all worked well but the Terraflex and Mesa trail would likely be best for gravel/single track as the knobs on the soles help with traction. Zero drop is quite helpful for me and they have a wide footbed to help toes be more comfortable.
Your speech when reviewing reminds me of another reviewer of running shoes names Kofuzi. Good work.
At that price point it's a good thing it came out in the fall so I can start saving money for next season.
I really like those Pearl-ies! Would be interested to see that shoe along side the 5.10 Danny MacAskill shoe (if it is still being made, no idea what 5.10 is doing with their MTB line here in late 2020). Personally, seems like this shoe checks all the boxes for an off-road flat shoe; aesthetically pleasing/casual, walk-able, and durable ... For one ride in these, you still made some killer content, nice!
I find my New Balance RC1400v4 is the best flat pedal bike shoe I have seen or tried. Super light and comfortable, with a surprisingly firm and grippy sole... Built as a running/race shoe, seemingly with more materials, construction, and design RnD than any clipless bike shoe (which universally seem clunky, stifling, and/or not for much walking).
Most running shoes don't have the sole stiffness for pedals, but some do, and you will also be able to stand and walk in them all day (or all week) long. Hi viz reflective colors I have on my shoes are not really the supple style, but maybe?... I'm still learning what being supple is all about!
Planning a big trip through mountains this winter. How would this shoe do in the below freezing?
The ultra soft rubber compound on the Fivetens is an issue for gravel riding as the shoes wear out much faster than I would like. Gravel shoes do not need to be that soft especially if you have a fairly aggressive pedal to pair to it. At least for me the increased durability is welcome. I haven’t tried the Goodyear soles yet but if they are comparable to Vibram’s I think I’ll be on board.
I have a pair of Pearl Azumi cycling shoes with spd, very breathable for hot weather but not waterproof for rainy days. I do pack a pair boot covers for cold and wet days which help keep feet a bit warmer.
A big issue with any cycling shoe are laces and a place to keep them away from chain rings. I have a shoelace garage on the Pearl’s and I also have Keen cycling sandals which use a elastic cord lace.
I’ve had crashes where some laced shoes got wrapped around chain rings, not fun!
Thanks for the suggestion I'll probably check these out I've looking for a new pair of cycling shoes. I've had my current pair of clipless cycling shoes since 2011 they're starting to break down like a lot other than that I use Converse Converse really makes a nice comfortable shoe but it's canvas and canvas smells rank after a while for those that were canvas shoes you know what I'm getting at🤣🤣🤣🤣
I love the wide toe boxes! and they make an SPD version!!! I know what I'm replacing my handmedown clipless shoes with.
Just got mine and am totally pleased with it.
Any idea on how long it takes the pedal pins to cut through the sole of the shoe and whether puncturing the sole makes the shoe leak. I get about 6 months from fivetens and the sole is no longer waterproof once it's been punctured, which is a ridiculous failing for any shoe given a layer of closed cell foam inside the sole eliminates the problem, not to mind shoes designed to be used in nearly the same position on pinned pedals. This means that as soon as I step somewhere wet, water is drawn into the shoe and I have a wet sock for the rest of the spin - I first noticed it standing in a mm or so of water while washing my bike after a spin that my previously dry socks would get damp.
Have a look at Ride Concepts shoes too - they're quite like some of the fivetens in style, but use shock absorbing foam in the insole. I'm not convinced I notice a difference in vibration/shock absorption, but the sole of the shoe stays waterproof after the rubber has been punctured.
I tuck loose lace ends and loops under the laced part of the laces. Nothing hanging out. It only takes a few extra seconds when putting the shoes on. My wife does it that way, too.
Grav-casual shoes ftw. I'm looking for the exact same things in a shoe as you Russ but the lack of grip in the sole is a definite deal breaker for me. For me every long ride involves at-least a bit of tech single-track and even on the road I'm trying to catch as much air as I can. Looking forward to the boot review though, did a 25 mile ride below 20 degrees recently and my toes went totally numb in my normal shoes despite wearing double wool socks lol.
I always just double tie my shoes to get the laces out of the way. How do those shoes feel while not riding?
Oh, and seeing that you're riding with an oval chainring, how are you liking that?
Hi, thanks so much. Did I miss the part about the toe box? I've been wearing Keens and do like the wide toe box. How do these work for you in toe box land? Oops, got a 'wide toe box' about 7:30.
I just wear trail running shoes with platform pedals since I don’t race any more and ride for fun and fitness. Trail running shoes function well for cycling with flat pedals and they are way more comfortable to walk, hike or run in than any cycling shoe I’ve ever tried. They grip well in loose dirt, mud and on rocks while walking. Save money by getting rid of the many pedal systems you have to clip into, buy some flat pedals and then you can pedal and walk in comfort. You no longer have to worry about remembering your shoes, if you drive somewhere to ride (those wingtips from work will suffice in a pinch). My only recommendation is that you make sure that the width of the heal tread is narrow, so it does not hit on the chain stay while you pedal. As far as slapping shoe laces go, I just tuck the laces underneath or to the side of the tongue, and it usually stays once you find the magic spot for that shoe.
I want to know what your favorite flat pedal winter boot is. Looking for good options that stick to pedals.
Unfortunately, my hiking boots have a chunky tread that doesn't grip my pedals well (running pinned MTB flats, Raceface Chester)
Those are great shoes !
Helpful
Is there such a thing as winter shoe covers for flat pedal shoes that look sporty rather than retired
Are there shoes with this kind of form factor, no clip, but also very stiff sole like with road shoes with a fibreglass or carbon reinforced sole?
Just ordered a pair.
will definitely be changing to flat peddles .and this type of shoe .
Thanks, Russ! Is the shoe true to size?
There are some shoes by Fizik and Giro that look as though they'd fit the bill.
New Balance has a number of trail shoes with VRAM bottom. You might also light their industrial shoe. That is what I ride with. I think you will find what you're looking for; although NB are not marketed for cycling. Very grippy. Check it out.
I've tried on the cheaper lace-up X-Alp Flow (2021 model, same goodyear chevron sole as the 2021 Launch that you review here). It fits great, but it's has a very flexible forefoot and doesn't seem to have any real midsole padding in the forefoot. Looks like the X-Alp Launch, which has EVA sole and a nylon shank for better platform stiffness, only comes in the Boa version.
These shoes differ from the prior generation of X-Alp Launch and Flow shoes, which had a very different sole unit with a flat sticky-rubber section to interface with the pedal, that most people found didn't have good grip on flat pedals.
Have you considered lightweight trekking shoes? Solomon or even adidas make some good shoes.
Are these shoes available in Europe at all? I'm looking for size 45, but can't find any size.
Five Ten Trailcross LT. I have them and seem to fit this segment you're describing.
Except they don't have a wide toe box from what I've seen.
"Shred the Knar Knar" So good. I'm not sure if you've said you trail run in these shoes?
Have you checked out any of the xero shoes? Curious if they would be good for cycling
Yes. For me they are too flexible and not enough sole.
Funny thing the direction how do you see "gravel" shoe -- for me first change would be more mesh near nose, currently this shoe is overly built (i.e. too little mesh for ventilation for hot summer days). And this color... man, black hubs, black saddles, black shorts, black bags, black shoes. Refreshing... ;-)
Skateboard shoes is the way to go, they are light but still very stable
Should also look at Unparallel Rubber Roost ... great compound, not too bulky,
This looks like a great option for me. I need something wide. I've been riding in a big clunky skate style shoe that weigh a ton.
I've read some reviews that say this is narrow, except at toebox.
I rode 75 miles, experimentally, with Converse Allstars on a decent-quality flat pedal. I had no problems. What I especially like about these compared to my 5-10's is how well they breathed and managed sweat. Comments?
I've tried Converse and Vans and they are too narrow for me.
I use Xero barefoot shoes and sandals for everything. I find the sole flex does not bother me when riding and they are awesome for daily activities!
Did i miss the part where you mention sole stiffness? Am looking for a stiff soled flat shoe. These look better than anything else, at least visually. Thanks for the review!
Yes. Mentioned sole stiffness .
@@PathLessPedaledTV Thanks, will re-watch
Are these comfortable enough for all day wear? Like if you commute in them could you just wear them all day around work?
I believe so unless you do a lot of standing and walking. Soles out of the box are on the stiff side.
👍
They look really interesting for touring... but I wish it had laces ;)
They have a laced model
But are these shoes gravel specific?
Shoes are pretty complicated to accommodate so many variables. Like the not over built and a roomier toe box for me a lace shoe has always worked better because of a high instep. Less bull 👍
Same shoe is available with laces for $50 less. Pearl Izumi X-Alp Flow.
Similar. Not the same. The sole on that one is notoriously not grippy. Different rubber and and pattern.
That looks perfect for gravel, but I myself lean towards bikepacking, and so I need something I can hike in..
Keens are the only ones I found that work for me with the big rubber toe but they're pricey could you recommend anything else?
Merrell
@pathlesspedaled -Have you tried holding the Boa “cord” while tightening that’s what i do to release pressure on the front, a lot easier on shoes with 2 dials . But for the single dials I owned on the past all I do it’s “pre” stretch the lace on the desired area with your thumb as you ratchet the top ,and finally just let go of the lace upfront and adjust to the desired pressure ✌🏽🤓
Let me guess, Crocs?
Shhh.... Don't encourage him...
I clip in so much, I'd be worried about accidentally pulling up (and off) :-(
Gravel = Click- Pedal ( for me)
Why cant they ( all the manufactuers) make an MTB shoe like SPD but with flat sole?! This one comes close.... at least they try...
BOA is Latin for speed.
Chonky shoes for sending the shred to the gnar gnar!
I am literally laughing out loud right now.
Russ has always had a way with words! It keeps me coming back!
All it is missing is a place to attach a cleat.
You may like the Adidas 5 Ten Sleuth DLX - they are definitely on the comfy side.
[Delete after reading]
Reinventing the wheel
"Gravel shoes". Whatever the industry tells you 😂
@1:28
Ounces make pounds
Not offered in Quad E and therefore worthless to me.
I assume that the the number of shoes offered in a Quad E is already fairly slim to start with?
@@SteveFullerBikes Nah. Quad-E is extra wide. 😛
But seriously you're right, there aren't many. Russ's complaint about his foot bulging over the sole is what happens to me in dang near every shoe.
What really annoys me here is that Perl Izumi doesn't even offer these in regular Wide widths, let alone extra wides. These shoes have zero chance of working for me, so it really doesn't matter what other specs or features they have.
No.
hate the use of premier, keep it up and i am un-subing
Will do!
@@PathLessPedaledTV sorry man having a bad day and gave you shit where it's not warrented, keep up the great content.