Almost Perfect "Gravel" Shoe?

Review of the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch flat pedal shoe. An ALMOST perfect shoe for gravel? Help support non-competitive cycling content: / pathlesspedaled
DISCLAIMER: Shoe was sent free of charge for review. Thoughts are my own. Below links are affiliate links that help support the channel.
X-Alp Launch
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INSTAGRAM: pathlesspedaled #thesupplelife #gravelbike #biketouring #bikepacking

[@feluacc]

"Gravel shoes". Whatever the industry tells you 😂

[@BenHubbird]

Let me guess, Crocs?

[@maxrevell3830]

my favourite shoes to ride in are from the walk/run section at Decathlon. They cost around 15 euros and are superlightweight with a soft sole that gets a really decent grip on the pins on my pedals. Only downside is they are very much summer / fair weather shoes and not great in low temperatures.

[@guycampbell5285]

After your earlier video, I looked around and bought the cheaper lace up version of this Pearl Izumi. Has a grippy patch on the sole at the pedal.

[@PedigreeMonkey]

Gravel = Click- Pedal ( for me)

[@Xiomaro01]

Ounces make pounds

[@Pitminou]

I'm using the mid version of these shoes since september and I can confirm that it is not as grippy as five tens or the Vans Pro BMX I'm using for commuting. But it does take rain a lot better, feels very light and grip largely enough, allowing me to readjust my feet position easily. Especially now that I'm using the new Look MTB pedals with Vibram sole. I'm expecting this combo to grip well and stop destroying the sole of my shoes within a year (or less...) of commuting. I used this combo for a 100km gravel ride and never sliped out of the pedal once.

[@outbackwack368]

Thanks, Russ! Is the shoe true to size?

[@jimmyjigz]

Planning a big trip through mountains this winter. How would this shoe do in the below freezing?

[@pault477]

Those are great shoes !

[@curtbrown7967]

LOVE your channel Russ. Shoe hunt is spot on, thank you for the efforts. [could lose - lessen - the minutes countdown]

[@ErikBrabantsPianist]

Love the concept of your channel! Subbed.

[@JamieTec]

Love the sarcasm, keep it coming👍

[@markowsley4954]

Love the looks of this shoe. I think it would be good for road touring, the less grippy sole would be a non issue there.. Great to hear that it has a wider toe box area. For clipped shoes I prefer Lake shoes as they have a wider toe box without needing to resort to a wide shoe.

[@veriest1]

Thanks for the review and the comparison to the Five Ten soles. Mine need to be replaced sometime soon and, sounds like, I'll stick with the Five Tens. I love that almost locked in feeling on the mtn bike.

[@boatbikemike8571]

Great review as always Russ. Can you give us a “what I’m riding in” for the shoulder season fall into winter kind of review? Thanks for doing what you do.

[@justinsymanietz2844]

I have been wearing Vans Elijah Berle pros on the mtb the past 2 seasons. Perhaps a bit chonky, but comparatively cheap, stiff, comfy, durable. And wide enough for my flat feet. These look promising for gravel. I may have to try flats on my gravel bike next year.

[@jeffy69ism]

I am repurposing old waterproof oakley golf shoes 👟 and so far they work great 🤙🏼

[@MrMars121]

Your speech when reviewing reminds me of another reviewer of running shoes names Kofuzi. Good work.

[@sagehiker]

I am a dirt roader, so I am always thinking about hike-a-bike. Never thought about the lace garage, but hey, a whole new grump slot (grins) to consider. I just like Pearl Izumi thinking about us.