Uncover the Best Cycling Shoes: Nike vs Pearl Izumi
Alex McRae- 6 Min To Read
- 12 Sep, 2023
What cycling shoe is best for you? Nike and Pearl Izumi are the top two brands. It’s difficult to choose between the two top brands when shopping for new cycling shoes. Let’s take a look at these brands and then compare some of the most popular ones so you can choose which one is best for you.
Nike
Let’s first discuss the history of some of Nike’s most popular shoes. You will be able to connect more with Nike and Pearl Izumi the more you know them. Nike, the world’s largest sporting goods company, has been around for more than 50 years. It was originally known as Blue Ribbon Sports and was founded by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight in 1964. The Nike Cortez was the first shoe they created to be the ultimate running shoe.
Nike’s current name was given to them in 1970. At the beginning, they were only able to sell running shoes and equipment. They decided to expand their production later, around 1987. They now focus on a wide range of fitness and sports, including cycling shoes.
Best Nike Cycling Cycling Shoes
Nike SuperRep Cycling Shoes
There is only one line when it comes to Nike bike shoes: The SuperRep. Nike has focused all its efforts on creating one pair of great bike shoes. These shoes are specifically designed for indoor riding, such as spin classes and Peloton-style riding. These are not the shoes for long outdoor tours.
The SuperRep cycling shoes by Nike are a crowd favourite! These shoes are a great choice for beginners and seasoned riders who intend to ride indoors. These can be great to keep in your gym bag.
The shoes are affordable and made from synthetic materials. They also have a lace up closure. This lacing allows you to pedal with maximum efficiency by keeping your feet as comfortable as possible.
SuperRep’s weigh in at around half a pound. This makes them ideal for anyone looking for a lightweight cycling shoe. The sole is made of stiff carbon fiber and provides more power to the pedals, which will allow for better speed and performance.
The shoes are often too small and snug. This can be solved by ordering one size larger. It is best to order 1/2 size larger than usual right away. Otherwise, you may find yourself returning for a larger size.
These shoes can be used with 2-bolt or 3-bolt bike-cleats. These shoes do not come with cleats. You will need to make those. This is enough to make your head spin. You can read our bike-cleat guide.
Get the Nike SuperRep here on Amazon
Pearl Izumi
Pearl Izumi is more popular than Nike. It was founded in 1950. The company started out as a small shop in Boulder, Colorado and then began selling cycling apparel. John Gremer, Pearl Izumi’s founder was an avid cyclist and wanted to create cycling apparel that works. Because of the growing popularity of active pursuits, the company expanded to other sports like triathlon clothing. The cycling shoes of P earl Izumi have been a constant choice for many types of bike shoes.
They are a company that is concerned about the environment. They were the first to produce recycled cycling clothing and use organic materials. Although Nike has been doing more in recent years, Pearl Izumi is a pioneer in this area. There are now several locations and subsidiaries around the globe.
Best Pearl Izumi Cycling Shoes
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Biking Shoes
The X-Alp shoes by Pearl Izumi are among the most loved biking shoes. These shoes are versatile and can be used for many activities including trail riding, cross-country biking, and even commute. These shoes are made from tough synthetic leather with laces to ensure a secure fit. Injection-molded rubber is used to grip on all surfaces.
While the “Summit” model was designed for mountain biking, the non Summit models are great for gravel biking.
The shoes were designed by Pearl Izumi to be comfortable and perform well. The inside mesh lining is extremely breathable and will keep your feet cool and dry. These shoes are ideal for cyclists who have flat feet, as they provide more support than other Pearl Izumi models. They are reinforced to ensure that they can be worn all day without blistering. Crank Brother pedals users should be aware that the shoes may be too wide.
These shoes are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. This shoe is great for our home bicycle trainer. It’s easy to get off the bike and take care of things (like screaming children) without having to remove the shoes.
Pearl Izumi Men’s Tour Road Cycling Shoes
The Pearl Izumi Men’s Tour Road Cycling Shoes are another excellent choice for cyclists, especially outdoors riders. These shoes can be worn for everyday riding or racing. These shoes are simple and sleek, which you will love. They have a snug fit thanks to the laces. The soles are made of carbon rubber which is great for gripping your pedals and keeping them connected. Mesh is also used to keep your feet cool.
The Tour Roads are the best in terms of performance. The soles are made of stiff carbon fiber, giving you more power while pedaling. They are also very lightweight at less than one pound. They are comfortable and breathable thanks to the large amount of mesh. These will prevent your feet from becoming too hot and sweaty. They don’t offer as much arch support than other Pearl Izumi footwear.
Shop for PI Tour Shoes on Amazon
Pearl Izumi Attack Road
Pearl Izumi’s Attack Roads, another great option for indoor and outdoor cycling, are also available. They are very light at just a pound. They have a seamless carbon insert plate which will increase your power while pedaling. The Attack Road features a foam-rubber heel and a Boa closure for extra comfort and stability, especially when riding or walking on uneven terrain. It is slightly higher than average shoes and grips better against your feet. This gives you greater control and support.
These shoes are extremely comfortable and breathable, making them ideal for long rides and races. The shoes’ comfortability is enhanced by the bonded mesh uppers. This allows for better ventilation and less sweating. You may feel the shoe a bit stiffer than you would like, but it is not too severe. It is important to get used it quickly.
These shoes are more aggressive, to be precise. These shoes are not suitable for casual riding. These shoes are more for those who intend to ride fast or longer tours.
