Pearl Izumi X Alp Launch II Shoe Review
August 17th, 2016
By Andrew Dodd in Reviews
Product Full Name | Pearl Izumi X Alp Launch II
Retail Price | £109.99
Available From | Pearl Izumi UK
Pearl Izumi X Alp Launch II Shoe Review
Back in the day, SPD compatible shoes were great in the saddle – but terrifying off the bike thanks to virtually rigid soles and hard compound rubber that seemed to slip on any surface.
As the trail market has matured, there has thankfully been a lot of development to produce shoes that work as well hiking with your bike as they do in the saddle.
And the Pearl Izumi X Alp Launch II is a perfect example of that – it’s designed to be sure footed when scrambling around in the rocks, and both protective and efficient when turning the cranks round…
With a study toe box and the sole running up the front, the Pearl Izumi X Alp Launch II looks a lot like a pair of trail running shoes
The Detail
At a glance, the Pearl Izumi X Alp Launch II looks like a trail running shoe, and when you look at the sole you can see where the designers must have taken inspiration from.
Unlike many SPD style shoes, the Pearl Izumi X Alp Launch II has a wide sole – which makes for excellent traction off the bike
The front of the Pearl Izumi X Alp Launch II looks ready to scramble up any bank.
The sole has a wide heel like a trail running shoe, and a fairly soft compound rubber with a decent tread pattern. The sole curves up the front of the toe box too – much like a trail running shoe.
A carbon fibre shank keeps the sole stiff and efficient when pedalling, but has a decent amount of toe flex that enables comfortable walking off the bike. The sole also has an EVA foam mid-sole for cushioning off the bike, and for avoiding the dreaded numb foot during extended sessions in the saddle.
Plenty of traction on the soft rubber sole – and a really good cleat recess too.
The shoe is pretty light – our size 46 samples weighed 410grams – and has a fairly thin and minimal upper. The heel cup holds your ankle firmly, and is both sturdy and has plenty of protection.
Up front, the toe box is also well made and plenty stiff enough to ward away rock strikes, and the fit is quite roomy.
Securing the shoe is a Velcro strap at the toe end, and a Boa dial at the top – which pulls both sides of the shoe together for even retention.
Our Boa did come loose a few times in testing, but a twizzle is all that’s needed to carry on.
On The Trail
The Pearl Izumi X Alp Launch II is an incredibly comfortable shoe, and you can crank the Boa up tight without cutting off your circulation. Interestingly, the velcro strap doesn’t seem to do much, other than offer a bit of stability off the bike.
The cleat recess is nice and deep, and also long – allowing for a decent rearward mounting of the cleat.
I tried the X Alp Launch II with Crank Brother Mallet E pedals, but preferred them with Shimano SPD pedals – the engagement feels excellent, and the shoulders of the cleat recess sit on the pedal perfectly.
The cleat doesn’t protrude from the sole at all, and is has a good shoulder on the recess for supporting your foot on the pedal.
Pedalling in the X Alp is comfortable – they are plenty stiff enough, and have great all day comfort. Although the fore foot Velcro strap doesn’t do much, the Boa holds your foot well. But not quite as vice like as the Specialized 2FO Cliplite.
Photo | Steve Behr
However, the Pearl Izumi X Alp Launch II is comfier. And it is better off the bike than the Specialized too.
In fact it’s so comfortable that I’ve been using these most days since March and have only just got round to writing this review now!
We Say
The Pearl Izumi X Alp Launch II is an excellent trail shoe. It’s comfortable on the bike, protects your feet well and is excellent off the bike. It also dries fairly quick too – which is handy in this country.
We did knock the Boa a few times during testing, which releases it – though re-adjusting only takes a second.
Our only niggle with the shoe is the Velcro strap – although it looks good, a second Boa would give better retention all round.
But as it stands, it’s one of the most comfortable mountain biking shoes I’ve ever used – which is why I’m using them over many other great pairs of shoes.
