PEARL iZUMi

Race Road IV Cycling Shoe - Men's

Investing in your first pair of road shoes doesn't have to involve spending several hundred dollars to be comfortable. It can if you'd like it to, but as the clean lines and lightweight construction of high-end road shoes trickle down to mid-range and even entry-level options, self-sponsored cyclists are more catered to than ever. Nowhere is this shift more apparent than in the Pearl Izumi Men's Race Road IV Cycling Shoe.

A few years ago, features like welded, seam-free uppers were a luxury even for top-end road shoes. Now we're thrilled to see that the technology, which reduces weight as well as the likelihood of hot spots, has made its way to mid-range models like the Race Road IV. This flexible construction also improves breathability when you warm up, and with Pearl's Bi-directional Closure design, doesn't lead to a reduction in support. This wrap-like construction surrounds your foot for a secure fit, adjusted via a single BOA dial and hook-and-loop strap that allow you to customize tightness along different areas of your foot, so you don't end up dealing with numb toes just to achieve a slim fit in your heels.

Along the bottom of the shoe, a carbon-reinforced Composite Power Plate handles power transfer, delivering watts to your pedals with admirable stiffness. Pearl adds Direct-Vent slits in the sole to make sure the bottoms of your hardworking feet get some air, while an EVA foam and rubber heel adds comfort when you're standing in line for a post-ride espresso and well-earned slice of pie. And to maximize versatility for road cyclists and commuters alike, the sole offers compatibility with 3-bolt road and 2-bolt mountain bike cleats alike.