Pearl Izumi X-Project 1.0 Shoes - Review
Finding the balance between efficiency and comfort is, after fit considerations, one of the biggest factors when looking at a new pair of shoes. Weighing in at 320g and sporting more acronyms and catch-phrases than most bikes, Pearl Izumi’s X-Project 1.0s have been developed to deliver an good level of power to the pedals, but also to offer flex in their soles in the name of comfort. Lengthwise along the outsole is a (take a deep breath now) carbon/thermoplastic polyurethane layered plate that is shaped to provide an optimum level of stiffness. The plate is shaped wider under the cleat base and tapers towards the toe and the EVA foam heal. The layered plate is a way to tune the flex and shave weight from the shoe. Pearl Izumi’s 1:1 anatomic P.R.O. Buckle system ratchets at a 25-degree angle, and is said to provide comfort and support over the top of your foot, while the anatomically designed pad works to eliminate pressure points and maximize heel retention. The P.R.O. buckle works alongside two other hook-and-loop straps. Pearl’s 1:1 Insole System with Total Tune Performance Inserts allows for even further custom adjustment of both the arch support and varus (forefoot) angle. Pearl Izumi provides a test chart to help with initial setup, and then your own personal preferences can guide you from there. The 1.0s reviewed here sit at the top of the X-Project line up and they retail for $280.00 USD. The neon green/black color scheme is unique to the X-Project 1.0, and sizing starts at 38 and goes up to 49 with some half sizing available. www.pearlizumi.com
![Pear Izumi X-Project 1.0 review test]()
Pinkbike's Take:
The X-Project 1.0s proved to be stiff in the sole but still comfortable when forced to dismount, although they aren't inexpensive and not the best choice for riders with wide feet.
Pinkbike's Take:
 | Looking for a shoe that is stiff enough in the sole to feel cross-country efficient, but still flexes enough to not put your feet in the pain cave when it's time for a hike-a-bike? The X-Projects could be them. We've had two pairs of Pear Izumi's black and green kicks in rotation for awhile now, and they became an immediate favourite that was used for everything from all-day epics, shuttle runs on the big bike, and even when scoping lines and taking photos saw us walking far more than actually riding. The customizable arch and varus support worked wonders for one of the testers, with him saying that it really helped to get his feet in the correct position over the pedal and that fit was spot-on. The other tester wasn't so enthusiastic, however, reporting that his slightly wider than average feet had a hard time dealing with what feels like a pretty skinny fit to the X-Projects, as well as pointing out that the upper strap felt like it was applying too much pressure onto a single spot when done up barely snug. Much like bike seats and toothbrushes, shoes are a pretty personal thing, aren't they? That said, the X-Projects likely aren't the best option for those with paddle feet. Both pairs of shoes have seen extensive use in rain, mud, sun, and dust, with them showing no real signs of wear beyond what you'd expect to see, and off-bike excursions have shown them to be very walkable given their stiff feeling sole. - Mike Levy |
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A 5 Ten size 45 fits me perfectly,where as i can't get my foot into a Shimano AM 45 of the same size.
The last pair of 5 Tens i bought got destroyed very quickly,they seem to be more of a fashion shoe since the Germans came in.
Have had much better luck with the Contragrip rubber used by Mavic on a pair of Mantras(carbon sole/agro grip) I had that lasted almost three seasons.
I've been riding these for a while now, and really like them. Good grip everywhere I've been, Moab, Fruita, Whistler, New England, etc. No abnormal wear or funky stuff, just solid shoes and I can actually walk in them. My slightly wide feet fit in the 1.0 just fine, but I do use a standard flat run shoe style insole, not the multi-piece one the shoes come with. Not uncommon for me in any cycling shoe I've ever had.
Plus they come in all black. No brainer really.