PEARL iZUMi

Race Road V5 Cycling Shoe - Men's

Choosing your first pair of road shoes can be a daunting task. Numerous features abound and on top of that prices range from not that bad to who would pay that much for that? Thankfully, a lot of technology trickles down from the top-tier shoes to the entry-level and midrange ones offering most of the performance at a price that is a little more palatable. Pearl Izumi's Race Road V5 Cycling Shoe is a shining example and a great option for the beginning cyclist or the seasoned vet.

The specs on this particular shoe don't stray too far from top end kicks. It's truly remarkable to get the lightweight, admirable power transfer, and such an excellent fit at this price point. A 3-Layer Seamless Composite Upper offers nice breathability and eliminates any hot spots by adapting to your foot's shape allows you to focus on the ride and not aching feet. The bi-directional Boa closure pulls the laces from both sides ensuring equal tension, while the 1:1 Zero Distraction Upper Fit mitigates foot discomfort by eliminating excessive pressure on the soft tissues running along the top of the foot.

On the sole, the 1:1 Composite Power Plate with carbon fiber forefoot insert provides lightweight stiffness and durability ensuring that your power gets delivered directly to the pedals. Direct-Vent technology in the sole allows your feet some much-needed air circulation while the EVA foam and rubber heel bumpers let you confidently walk to the front of the line and order your Americano. And unlike most dedicated road shoes, these will work with 3-bolt road and 2-bolt mountain bike cleats so it's compatible with almost every pedal system on the market.