By Brandon Bilyeu
Hot!
- Super stiff full carbon sole
- Standard tongue configuration makes getting them on/off very easy
- Dual BOA L6C dials provide excellent tightening
- Supple synthetic leather upper conforms well for a snug fit
- Fore/aft slotted cleat mounting holes provide extra adjustment for cleats
Not!
- A little narrow in the forefoot
- BOA L6C don’t have micro-adjust for loosening, only full release
Price: $285
Colors: White, Black, Iridescent Navy
Sizes: 39-49 (half sizes available 39.5 – 46.5)
How obtained: review sample
Available: retail, online
Website: PRO Road
RBR Sponsor: no
Tested: 20+ hours
Sizing: With shoes it is always best to try on in-store. Pearl Izumi has a standard sizing chart and an online TrueFit questionnaire to help you choose the right shoe size. I traced my foot outline and measured 267mm heel to toe. In the PI size chart, the listed foot length is basically the exact inside length of the shoe, so I went with a size 43.5 (275mm) and the fit was good in terms of length. The TrueFit algorithm also recommended size 43.5.
PRO Road – Classic Build, Modern Tech
When I pulled the brilliant white PRO Road shoes out of the box the first things I noticed were the pleasing aesthetics and the use of a standard tongue instead of a wraparound upper. Turning the shoes over revealed a carbon sole with an impressive amount of missing carbon. Pearl Izumi says the cutouts are to reduce weight and add ventilation, without any impact on stiffness. So naturally, I initiated the ‘can I bend this carbon sole with my hands’ test protocol and my climber arms were no match for the PRO Road sole.
Testing on the bike confirmed the carbon sole is very stiff and comfortable, but there was not as much air movement as expected from the massive vents on the sole. There are two reasons for this. First, the midsole plate blocks much of the openings, though it does provide some protection from sharp rocks piercing the mesh. Second, the provided insoles only have vent holes in the forefoot, so the insole completely blocks off the two rear vents. The insoles do offer a moderate amount of arch support, but after a couple of rides I swapped them for my aftermarket insoles which effectively block sole venting on all cycling shoes.
Getting the PRO Road shoes on is a struggle-free affair as the standard tongue lets the shoes open wide. With the tongue only attached at the front you do have to make sure it is sitting centered and flat as you tighten the shoes with the dual BOA dials. The BOA L6C dials are the midrange models, so they only provide micro adjust tightening and full release. If you need to loosen the shoes you have to fully release the tension and then tighten again, which can be a little hit-or-miss. With this style of dial, I find it is best to start off a little loose and slowly tighten over the first few miles to avoid overtightening and having to start the game all over again.
The last has a moderately blunt toe box to give your toes space, but overall, the last is low volume and skinny. This makes for a snug and secure fit at the heel, helped by a deep heel cup and pronounced Achilles padding, but for me the forefoot was a little tight across my metatarsals. The dual BOA dials allowed me to crank down the heel and midfoot while leaving the forefoot a little looser to give my metatarsals some relief.
The uppers are made from a synthetic leather that is surprisingly thin and supple compared to most cycling shoes I have tested. This meant the shoes felt great the first time I put them on and there was no break in period for them to mold to my foot shape. Combined with the BOA retention this made for a very locked in feel. The front half of the uppers are perforated, giving the shoes average ventilation. The tongue has thick padding to eliminate any pressure from the BOA laces, but tapers at the ankle to avoid any mobility restrictions.
Overall, except for the tight metatarsal fit, I found the PRO Road shoes very comfortable and capable performance shoes. The super stiff carbon sole and supple uppers locked my foot in place and there were no hot spots or pressure points. The classic white shoes look great and clean up easily with a wet cloth. A toe cap protects from pedal grime and front wheel strikes. The heel and toe rubber pads are non-replaceable but seem to be very durable.
Bottom Line
The Pearl Izumi PRO Road shoes pack comfort and performance into a good looking cycling shoe. The BOA dials and premium synthetic leather make for a great on-foot feel, but a skinny forefoot will not be comfortable for everyone.
Brandon Bilyeu is an avid recreational roadie who lives in Regensburg, Germany. He’s a year-round bike commuter and is a mechanical design engineer by trade. Click to read Brandon’s full bio.