PEARL iZUMiX-Alp Launch Cycling Shoe - Men's
Item # PLZO8E3
X-Alp Launch Cycling Shoe
You’re dedicated to the flat-pedal lifestyle and need a dedicated shoe that doesn’t mix styles. The Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch captures the endearing features of clipless-design but offers a sole that is entirely platform-specific. A durable Cordura upper material provides seamless support that cradles your feet, whether railing enduro sections or joshing it up at the local eatery afterward. A BOA Fit System with an L6C dial make adjustments easier mid-trail and reduce snag potential that may come with standard laces.
The heart of the X-Alp is within its mid-sole and outsole construction. A supportive EVA midsole cushions the trail impacts so you’ll stay in control, and a nylon shank and reinforced toe box offer enhanced stiffness and protection. Pearl Izumi works with Goodyear to equip the X-Alp with a PinLoc Outsole using Goodyear’s premium rubber for confident traction and power delivery on and off the pedals.
- Master your adventure with fully capable flats
- Goodyear rubber sole offers massive grip and durability
- BOA dial reduces snags and time-lag getting to the trail
- Bonded, seamless uppers are lightweight, tough, and perforated
- Keep your little piggies happy with a reinforced toe cap
- Stay surefooted with directional lugs that grip
What do you think about this product?
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September 21, 2020
Stiff BOA Flat (and dial is orange)
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit:
- True to size
Coming off 5/10 Freerider which is a pretty soft shoe. This is a much much stiffer sole but the rubber feels similarly tacky. However because of the lack of flex I don't think pedal pins dig as deep into the sole. Also due to the stiff sole I get less feed back on pedal position but no sore arches on long descents. I think the pin-lock pattern does work well in trapping pins. Overall the shoe is quite sleek/compact but has good padding with stiff fabrics in key areas. The tongue is nice and wide (not gusseted) and has good cushion but is thin so you can overtighten the boa system and get tingly toes. I had to go up a 1/2 size to the correct fit compared to my 5/10s (likely due to 5/10s being oversized). And probably the most important thing to know is that the red colored shoes come with a BRIGHT orange dial not the black one pictured. I was looking to get away from the foot pillow/skate shoe asthetic with laces that couldn't get snagged and pulled open and after 2 rides I'm very pleased with how these are working. In my ideal world the sole would be 15% less stiff and the tongue would be attached to the sides of shoe but that might just be my preferences.
Bradley Schleenbaker
John P.
December 29, 2020
You can get a black boa directly from the Boa company....if the orange one bothers you.
James C.
October 14, 2020
Are the insoles removable / replaceable?