Pearl Izumi X-Project Shoes Review

 
In a nutshell, the answer is that they have, and how. There is a little flex noticeable when the Project X’s are worn back to back with a traditional, stiffer MTB shoe and certainly they can’t match full on race shoes for stiffness, but once pedalling the difference was never noticeable. In fact, the torsional flexibility was actually helpful in technical sections and downhill, allowing the rider to move around more and apply pressure to the pedals from a wider variety of angles. It made me question the slavish adherence to ever stiffer shoes we have seen in recent years, and whether that is actually the right direction to take. The X-Project’s really are that good.
 

 

It’s once running, however, that the X-Projects come into their own, with enough flex and support to make a real difference, particularly on rough surface. The patent pending innovation that makes this possible is a multilayer carbon and thermoplastic sandwich construction sole which is what gives the shoe the balance between stiffness and flex. Of course the impact resistance doesn’t match a pure running shoe but it is an excellent halfway house.

 

 

The best example of this performance came in the 3 Peaks Cyclocross race. Last year I used a brand new pair of Sidi Dragons but they were hard to run in and the soles ended up cracked through on both sides, with all the rubber material effectively destroyed. This year, however, I didn’t notice the X-Projects. The grippy sole’s flexible design just worked so well over some very challenging terrain and as a bonus they barely looked worn afterwards, with all the cold moulded rubber grip sections still intact.

 

 
I noticed that on the downhill running sections I was able to pass a number of people (some running, some attempting to ride), and the X-Projects felt very grippy and sure-footed.

 
It certainly didn’t hurt that they are reasonably light. Pearl Izumi claim 365g per shoe in a size 43; ours weigh 390g in a size 47, which when you are slogging up a fell on foot with a ‘cross bike on your shoulder is reassuring.
 

 

The ratchet and velcro straps provide a secure fit without any pinching, which is critical with these shoes, as the flexible upper itself doesn’t provide the kind of support provided by more traditional race shoes.
 

 
After the 3 Peaks race my feet felt fine, testament to the way the shoes work. The EVA foam heel padding, sourced from Pearl Izumi’s range of running shoes, probably made an important contribution to that. The seamless construction no doubt helped with the lack of blisters in the race and also in the weeks of training beforehand; I only wish the rest of my body and equipment fared as well.
 

 
These are very breathable shoes – even on the hottest summer days there were no issues with heat build up – but plan around that if you feel the cold and plan on wearing these shoes in winter; thick socks and/or overshoes will be needed.  It probably goes without saying that they aren’t very water resistant, but conversely they do dry fast. The open weave fabric also lets in a fair bit of dust.
 
All in all, the X-Projects are a deeply impressive pair of shoes.  Pearl Izumi have clearly put a lot of thought into creating a truly innovative off road shoe and it has paid off handsomely.  Highly recommended.
 
[rps-include blog=127.0.0.1 post=30119]
 
 
Pearl Izumi
 
Madison