The new shoe array from PEARL iZUMi focuses around delivering a better fit, and uses dual BOA adjustment and intentionally-placed materials to do it.
The PRO Air, PRO Road, and Expedition PRO all get updates for 2023. The range-topping PRO Air focuses on more comfortable fit across the top of the foot with no sacrifice in fit at the heel. The mid-range men’s and women’s PRO Road get the same double-BOA closure and soft lace guides for comfort, and a synthetic leather over mesh upper for more abrasion resistance. And the Expedition PRO gravel shoe has a TPU toe, heel bumpers, and stomp plate for extra protection. It’s also 2-bolt SPD cleat compatible.
PRO Air unisex
This marks the first time PEARL iZUMi has used a BOA system on the PRO Air. The previous lace-up model was far lighter, but PEARL iZUMi didn’t position it as a serious puncheur in the road performance segment. The updated PRO Air weighs a claimed 237 grams in a size 42.
A mesh laminate upper with zonal construction looks to reinforce areas like the BOA adjusters, and help it breath in the midfoot and forefoot. BOA Li2 dials lag it down, and soft lace guides seek to reduce hot spots. A silicone heel grip helps keep you planted during max output. PEARL iZUMi collaborated with Ruckus Composites to develop the carbon sole, and a dual-density footbed seeks to support the arch. The PRO Air is a unisex shoe that ranges from size 39 to 49, with half sizes from 41.5 to 46.5.
MSRP: $425.
PRO Road men’s and women’s
PEARL iZUMi chose synthetic leather for the men’s and women’s PRO Road upper to support durability. BOA L6C dials (higher-profile, not as trendy) keep it tight with the same soft TX4 laces and lace guides as the Air. A carbon sole — developed without help from Ruckus — and the same footbed anchor it. The shoe weighs 252 grams at a size 42.
For the first time, the PRO Road comes in a women’s-specific variant. Sizing for the women’s PRO Road starts at 36 and goes up to 43, with half sizes between 38.5-40.5.
MSRP: $260.
Expedition PRO unisex
The Expedition PRO gravel shoe will replace the previous PEARL iZUMi GravelX. The TPU touches help protect vulnerable parts, and wide-spaced tread seeks to provide grip and shed mud. It gets the same L6C BOA system, synthetic leather upper, and footbed as the PRO Road, plus a carbon sole.
The unisex shoe ranges from sizes 39-49, with half sizes from 42.5-46.5. It weighs 319 grams in a size 42.
MSRP: $260.
