Pearl Izumi X-Alp Gravel review
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The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all cycling shoes.
This shoe has a 7% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. It also has a 7% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn moreVerdict from 4 experts & 44 users
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Performs on varying surfaces
- No hotspots
- Efficient power transfer
- Stiff yet walkable
- Value for money
- Stable
Cons
- Retention issues
- Narrow
Any color
Unisex
62% say it's true to size.
REI
$150$90
Backcountry
$150$100
Competitive Cyclist
$150$100
Moosejaw
$150$113
Amazon
$186
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Table of contents Best PricesCoreScoreVerdictProsConsComparisonWho should buy Pearl Izumi X-Alp GravelX-Alp Gravel is a shoe for all surfacesComfortable upper and BOA placementSufficient power transfer without compromising comfortOther gravel bike shoe models you can tryFacts / SpecsPopularityVideo reviews
Overview
Who should buy Pearl Izumi X-Alp Gravel
Despite the gravel-focused build of the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Gravel, this pair's construction is generally considered versatile. Aside from gravel cycling, cyclists involved in the following should add this to their cycling shoes rotation:
- Cyclocross
- Leisure mountain cycling
- Urban commutes
- Touring
X-Alp Gravel is a shoe for all surfaces
The X-Alp Gravel is purpose-built for cycling on gravel surfaces. Footwear for this activity requires road cycling shoes' comfortable snug and sleek upper and MTB shoes' grip and walking capability for hike-a-bike sections.
This cycling shoe from Pearl Izumi provides everything that is necessary, and many users praise this pair's ability to perform on varying surfaces.
Comfortable upper and BOA placement
This MTB shoe is commended by plenty of users for its excellent comfort.
The X-Alp Gravel's almost seamless upper and off-center BOA placement eliminates pressure points, according to several wearers.
The only downside with the BOA closure is that the closure design requires trial and error to get the correct fit.
Sufficient power transfer without compromising comfort
For some testers, the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Gravel yields enough power transfer and flex for walking comfort.
To ensure that neither the stiffness nor the walkability of the shoe suffered, the technology from the brand's X-Project was borrowed.
Other gravel bike shoe models you can try
Fizik Terra X5. Compared to the X-Alp Gravel, this Fizik model's main differences include:
- A micro-Velcro strap to cinch the toe area separately.
- More color choices.
- A heel pull-tab.
- Cutout tip of the tongue.
- An option to choose from two upper materials.
Both the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Gravel and Fizik Terra X5 retail for $150.
Giro Privateer Lace. The most apparent distinction of this pair from the X-Alp Gravel is its use of the traditional lace-up closure system. Hence, it is for cyclists who love retro-inspired cycling shoes.
Price-wise, the Privateer Lace is $10 cheaper at $140 compared to Pearl Izumi's $150 offering.
Facts / Specs
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No popularity data available for this shoe at the moment.