Pearl Izumi - Ride Men's X-Project 2.0 Cycling Shoe

In an effort to keep cost down, Pearl Izumi's X Project 2. 0 Shoe forgoes the ultralight bonded upper found on the 1. 0 for traditionally stitched construction. That means it still shares the flexible composition and versatile design that strikes an ideal balance between efficiency and comfort. To accomplish this, running the length of the sole is a tuned carbon plate that tapers in both stiffness and shape. Flaring out from a narrow strip at the heel, this plate gets both thicker and wider near the cleat zone, before getting narrow and thin at the toe. But, it's not a solid carbon construction. Layers of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) are sandwiched between the carbon in a way that enabled Pearl's engineers to tune flex and shave weight were necessary. The sole itself is made in three main steps. The first involves injection-molding the carbon plate with TPU. This plate is then moved to the molds where rubber traction tips are inserted at the base. The final step involves injecting the malleable and translucent outer-layer of TPU into the mold. After this final molding step, an EVA foam heel bumper -- similar in both appearance and purpose of what's found in a running shoe -- is mated to the sole. This component absorbs shock when hopping off the bike and while walking in the shoes. Moving on to the buckles, Pearl Izumi designed it using two hook-and-loop lower straps and a ratcheting top strap, which, as system, allows you to dial in the perfect lower foot volume and heel retention. Pearl Izumi's proven Direct-Vent technology was also incorporated throughout the X Project's uppers, providing effective cooling and breathability. The Pearl Izumi X Project 2. 0 Shoes are compatible with two-hole cleats and come in whole and half sizes from 39. 0 to 49. 0. Two colors are available: Lime/True Red and Black/Black.