Pearl iZUMi Road Race IV Shoe Review
Competitive cyclists know how even the smallest of advantages can position them to cross the finish line first. Like footwear. Enter the Pearl iZUMi Men’s Road Race IV, a space-age addition to the athletic shoe market. This high-concept cycling shoe is designed with the latest technology for one singular goal: high performance. That’s why we rate it four out of five stars.
If you are a cyclist seeking an edge, and in need of quality footwear, let our guide chart your path.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Attractive design. The shoes have a sleek, stylish exterior and come in two colors: Black/white and black/green.
- Excellent fit. Pearl iZUMis are sturdy and comfortable, with no heel slippage, and a lacing system that can provide enough tension for a tighter, closer fit.
- Stiff. Unlike most road shoes that are flexible, the iZUMI Road Race IV is naturally stiff due to its carbon fiber sole.
- Cost efficient. All of the features of the shoe come at an exceptional value, with an MSRP of $150.00, a competitive price among other road shoes with fewer benefits.
Cons
- Moderately lightweight. Pearl iZUMi Road Race IV owners have complained that the shoe is not as light as other competitors.
- Deceptive size. These road shoes fit snug, and most buyers have resorted to purchasing a higher size just to get a better fit.
Key Features
1:1 Power Plate Outsole Design
The Pearl iZUMi Road Race IV is made up of several important, distinguishing parts, such as the 1:1 Power Plate foot insert. This is no ordinary foot insert; the power plate is elite grade, unidirectional carbon fiber for ultra-stiffness and Direct-Vent cooling technology.
Boa Retention System
The Pearl iZUMi Road Race IV has a micro-adjustable BOA retention system, which provides a precise, bi-directional closure. This means that the BOA reel delivers a partially custom fit with an adjustment to both sides of the foot.
Select Insole
The Select Insole provides strong, latitudinal arch support for high-performing efficiency. This can promote longer, healthier cycling as well as walking support when not riding.
EVA Bumper
The replaceable EVA Bumper provides stability and comfort when not cycling.
SPD Compatible
The two-hole cleat system is compatible with clipless road bikes only.
Bonded Upper Design
The fully bonded top-facing portion of the shoe eliminates seams or any areas of discomfort.
Product Review
Let’s find out what makes these shoes stand out from the pack.
Foot Inserts and Soles
With the Pearl iZUMi Road Race IV, nothing comes standard — not even the foot inserts or soles. Composed of high carbon fiber, these integral components are lightweight yet durable and stiff, which are ideal preferences for cyclists.
Upon closer inspection, the power plate outsole provides enhanced strength through density in the inboard and outboard edges.
Additionally, the interior of the Pearl iZUMi measures 6.5 millimeters. This could place the foot much closer to the axle of the pedals — which encourages high efficiency and maximum pedaling action.
The sole and foot inserts are structured by a three-bolt reinforced cleat fixing. This offers a level of riding protection to the feet that, according to the manufacturer, can withstand two hundred miles of punishing riding. After wear-and-tear, the rubber heel is replaced with ease.
The composite carbon and interlocking exterior shell of the Pearl iZUMi make for a superbly strong base that is as stiff as it is stable. This can make for an overall cycling experience on the road that maximizes productivity without a loss of power.
Ventilation
The Pearl iZUMi Road Race IV is a cycling shoe that racks up a lot of activity and friction. This constant motion creates a funnel of heat, which cools by the Direct-Vent cooling technology.
The Direct-Vent technology consists of nine vents made of mesh that adorn the front-facing part of the shoe. These mesh vents provide a constant stream of airflow that can cool the shoe and keep the foot cool — especially on hot riding days. Additionally, the front of the shoe and the arch are studded with perforations that allow for secondary ventilation.
Also, the foam insole arch support works in conjunction with the cooling mechanism by helping the rider avoid over-extending the downward stroke when pedaling — which creates more heat.
Ease of Adjustment
The Pearl iZUMi Road Race IV offers a superior adjustment system that can create a near-custom fit for your feet. The micro-adjustable BOA system is very precise, which can enclose equally on both sides of the feet.
What makes the BOA adjustment system of the Pearl iZUMi unique is that the heat from cycling, and external temperature, can cause swelling in the feet. The BOA not only helps to avoid user injury but can be adjusted as you ride.
This adjustment, known as a bi-directional closure, via an integrated lace wire. This wire applies tension when you adjust the dial.
Next, the wire tugs the shoe within from both sides. Adjusts via the overlapping Velcro strap that crosses over the toe-box, securing the front of the feet.
This all distributes pressure across the shoe, eliminating any potential discomfort, pinching, or hotspots from the BOA system.
Versatility
The elite Pearl iZUMi Road Race IV is more than a stylish mid-range cycling shoe; it’s also a stiff, durable footwear selection for longer riding treks. The shoe contains many of the same features from the higher-end Pearl models — which makes it a valuable cycling shoe for multi-purposed usage, even when not riding.
How Does the Pearl iZUMi Road Race IV Compare?
The Pearl iZUMi Road Race IV cycling shoe is for experienced riders that prefer a high degree of performance, whether for training or competitive purposes. It’s competitors for this product review are:
- Giro Men’s Treble II Bike Shoe
- Mavic Ksyrium Elite Road Cycling Shoe
- Shimano Men’s SH-TR32 Cycling Shoes
On Color
The Pearl iZUMi comes in only two colors (black/white and black/green), while the Giro comes in three (white, green/black, and white/black); the Mavic comes in two colors (black/red and white); the Shimano in one (white).
On Weight
The Pearl iZUMi Road Race IV weighs approximately 268 grams, which makes it the lightest shoe out of its competitors in this review. Here’s how the other products stack up:
- Giro Men’s Treble II Bike Shoe – 290 grams
- Mavic Ksyrium Elite Road Cycling Shoe – 280 grams
- Shimano Men’s SH-TR32 Cycling Shoes – 472 grams
On Comfort
The Pearl iZUMi Road Race IV and its competitors all provide varying levels of comfort depending on the use of the shoe. The Pearl has an unmatched BOA retention system for a custom fit, as well as the bonded upper with a Velcro strap. The Giro comes close to the Pearl with its three hooked and looping straps that also allow for a customizable fit. Like the Pearl, it can also be tweaked as you ride.
While the Pearl and Giro models focus on custom fit, the Mavic’s Ergo Ratchet system, built from fiberglass and works to contour the shoe to fit the shape of your feet. And the Shimano has a reversed strap as well as a strap positioner for easy, quick re-entry.
On Value
The Pearl iZUMi Road Race IV offers a competitive price point and value for all of its benefits; however, it is the most expensive shoe in this article. The Giro has an MSRP of $120.00 at most online retailers; the Mavic around $115.00; the Shimano, the cheapest shoe in the collection, at $100.00.
On Performance
The Pearl iZUMi Road Race IV is a powerful cycling shoe for racing or fast-paced training; at its core, it is a high-performance shoe.
In comparison, Shimano is a beginner’s shoe for those who are new to the cycling scene.
And the Giro and Mavic are nimble, all-performance athletic shoes that are designed with cross-training in mind.
On Support
Though the Pearl iZUMi Road Race IV has longitudinal support and an EVA bumper insole, it’s made for performance — which can wear down over time. Likewise, the Giro features the same bumper and ensuing problem.
The Mavic Ergo Fit 3D Ortholite insole is designed for superior arch support and density, giving it the edge over its competitors. But the Shimano, for triathlons, has a fiberglass insole capable of handling multiple activity transitions.
Conclusion
If you are an avid cyclist and are looking for a high-performance shoe, then the Pearl iZUMi Road Race IV is a nice introduction to their suite of high-level models. It blends cutting-edge technology with a clever design and has an assortment of features that have specialized in top-grade cycling shoes.
So why buy it? For experience. As a new, competitive cyclist, you’ll benefit from the opportunity to test out which features work best for you in the Pearl iZUMi, such as adjustments, ventilation, comfort, or performance, before you graduate to a higher-grade shoe.