Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch Review

Pearly Izumi has been making cycling shoes of all kinds for years and they recently updated their X-Alp Launch flat pedal model. These are one of only a few flat pedal shoes on the market that use a Boa dial as opposed to a traditional lace closure. Additionally, Pearl Izumi teamed up with Goodyear (yes, that Goodyear) to develop the rubber compound used in their new PinLoc Outsole. We found these lightweight shoes to provide top-notch power transfer and a comfortable fit, although they couldn't quite match the grippy-ness of our top-rated models. That said, we still feel they are a great option for trail riders seeking a lightweight and efficient flat shoe for going the distance.

Performance Comparison

Grip

Pearl Izumi teamed up with the rubber experts at Goodyear to develop the compound for their PinLoc Outsole. The outsole features a full coverage chevron pattern with a uniform tread depth from toe to heel. With a name like PinLoc we expected these shoes to be incredibly grippy, but we soon found that they can't quite compete with the grippiest models in this test. Don't get us wrong, they have adequate grip and work well enough, but if you're looking for super-tacky, we'd suggest looking elsewhere. That said, this level of grip may be a great middle-ground for riders who find some shoes to feel too grippy.

The Goodyear rubber and chevron tread design make positive contact with the pedal pins and provide average levels of grip. When fully weighted, we found that our shoes clung to the pedals and weren't prone to slipping or blowing off. Unlike the grippiest shoes we tested, however, our feet didn't feel quite as glued to the pedals or locked on. This was most noticeable while climbing when it was easy to accidentally pull the foot off the pedal when powering through techy sections. Likewise, our feet didn't feel quite as secure on the descents when rattling over chunk as they did with grippier models. We think the stiffness of the soles has something to do with this, as they felt more prone to getting bounced than models with a little more give or flex. The shallow tread depth and sloped edges of the chevrons also don't seem to grab a hold of the pins as well as some other designs. On the flip side, we found making small adjustments to the feet to be relatively easy and didn't require as much unweighting as other models.

Fit and Comfort

We found the X-Alp Launch to be a relatively comfortable pair of shoes. They felt true to size in terms of length, but they have a lower-medium volume fit that is a bit more snug than most. They come with a comfortable footbed, and the recycled Cordura uppers feel good around the feet. The Boa dial pulls even tension across the top of the midfoot and makes tension adjustments quick and easy.

One of the first things we noticed when putting the X-Alp Launch shoes on for the first time is that they are a little harder to get your feet into than shoes with traditional lace closures. Since the Boa wire passes through a fixed fabric loop and can't be unhooked from the shoe, even with it loosened as far as it would go we had to wiggle our feet into the opening of the shoe. Once in the shoe, we noticed that they are slightly lower in volume with a snugger fit at the widest part of the foot. Folks with wider feet will likely want to steer clear, but we feel these should work well for people with low to medium volume feet. We found them to fit true to size in their length, but they only come in whole Euro sizes, so those who are usually in between sizes will probably want to size up.

The included footbed is comfortable and is nicely contoured under the heel and arch support. It has a nice, deep heel pocket that holds the heel securely in place, even when hiking up steep rock faces. The tongue is generously padded under the Boa wire, and the heel cup and front of the toe box are reinforced for a little bit of added foot protection. That said, those seeking a protective shoe for charging hard are better off looking elsewhere.

Rigidity and Power Transfer

The X-Alp Launch have among the stiffest soles and best power transfer of all the models we tested. Whether you're spinning it out while seated or mashing up a steep section while standing, it feels like there is virtually no wasted energy. A 3/4 length nylon shank stiffens the sole from the ball of the foot back, while the front of the shoe allows flex through the toe for relatively normal walking.

Considering how lightweight the X-Alp Launch shoes are, we were quite surprised by their sole stiffness and impressive power transfer. In our in-hand flex tests, they were definitely one of the stiffest, and this carried over to our field observations as well. The 3/4 length nylon shank allows virtually no sole flex from the ball of the foot to the heel of the shoe. This results in some of the most efficient power transfer in the test. If you live for long, pedal heavy rides, these lightweight shoes won't weigh you down or waste any of your precious pedaling power.

On the descents, the stiffness of the X-Alp Launch's soles helps to prevent foot and calf fatigue, though it doesn't provide much in the way of pedal sensitivity. Sure, you can still feel your pedals underfoot, but the shoes don't really conform to the pedal. We found this was part of the reason they felt less grippy, as the shoe felt more prone to bouncing off the pedal in the really rough stuff. Off the bike, you won't forget that you're wearing a bike shoe, but the flex through the toe allows for a pretty normal gait.

Breathability

The X-Alp Launch have above average breathability. It's not that they have loads of ventilation, but the materials used in their construction allow air to pass through and keep the feet cool. We feel they should work well in a pretty broad temperature range except for below-freezing winter rides. They aren't the most breathable shoes we tested, but they certainly never felt too hot or clammy.

The synthetic side panels of the uppers have very little ventilation save for a perforated Pearl Izumi logo on the lateral side. The whole forefoot of the shoe is covered with a thin layer of recycled Cordura, however, that gives the X-Alp Launch a relatively airy feel. Even though it is tightly woven, the thin Cordura layer feels like it allows air to pass through so trapped heat and moisture can escape. Additionally, it dries quickly and resists getting saturated with sweat or moisture.

Durability

The X-Alp Launch appears to be a well made and high-quality pair of shoes that should have a relatively long life. Our test pair shows no signs of premature wear or issues that would make us question their durability. All of the stitching remains intact, the soles barely look used, and the uppers are in excellent shape beyond a couple of minor scuffs and some mud.

We are a little concerned about the fabric loops that secure the Boa wire across the top of the foot. The wire is quite thin and we feel that with repeated use these loops could be a potential failure point. The Cordura upper material also seems like it could be prone to fading, plus it is quite thin and seems like it could be more susceptible to damage than beefier materials. These concerns are just speculation, of course, but we feel are worthy of mention.

Weight

Weighing in at 365-grams per shoe in a Euro size 43, the X-Alp Launch is an impressively lightweight pair of shoes. Pearl Izumi's use of lightweight materials and the Boa closure undoubtedly contribute to their super-light feel. While most gravity riders probably aren't all that concerned with the weight of their shoes, those who value efficiency and weight savings should give the X-Alp Launch a look.

Value

The X-Alp Launch fall towards the high end of the price spectrum of shoes in this test. That said, Pearl Izumi packed them with features and tech usually found on more expensive clipless shoes. These shoes are lightweight with stiff soles and excellent power transfer, and we feel they will likely represent the best value to efficiency-minded trail riders who don't require the grippiest soles.

Conclusion

The X-Alp Launch is a unique and interesting flat pedal shoe from Pearl Izumi. It stands out for its impressively light weight, stiff soles, and excellent power transfer. It has a somewhat narrow fit, but we found it be comfortable and breathable with modest foot protection. The Boa closure gives it a distinctive look and makes adjusting tension quick and easy. The PinLoc soles aren't the grippiest, but they work well enough and might be the perfect middle-ground for many riders. If you seek a lightweight, efficient, and cool looking shoe for trail riding, we think the X-Alp Launch is worth a look.