2021 Pearl Izumi Shoes: X-Alp and Gravel X

While chatting with Pearl Izumi about some products we were testing on our recent trip to Colombia, they sent us some photos and specs for their upcoming 2021 shoe lineup. The expanded and revamped X-Alp shoe range and new Gravel X will launch in August, and we look forward to seeing them first hand. Read on for details of what’s been announced so far…

2021 Pearl Izumi X-Alp Elevate 

The X-Alp Elevate is Pearl Izumi’s premier backcountry mountain bike shoe designed for comfort and efficiency on long rides. In a nutshell, the X-Alp Elevate is a versatile shoe for mountain biking. It’s not focused on power transfer at the expense of walkability, nor is it a skate-style shoe with cleats attached. Pearl claims to have updated the X-Alp Elevate with features that make it lighter, more comfortable, and more capable. Find the full list of features below.

• BOA® Fit System with dual IP1 dials
• Seamless synthetic upper made for comfort and durability
• Perforated tongue for improved breathability
• Reinforced toe box provides impact protection
• Grippy Vibram ECOSTEP rubber outsole
• Midsole made with 20% renewable algae-based Bloom material
• EVA heel cushioning increases comfort and walkability
• 2-bolt SPD cleat compatible

2021 Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit

Fully redesigned from the ground-up, the X-Alp Summit shoe receives trickle-down tech from the X-Alp Elevate trail shoe, including a nylon composite sole to balance pedaling efficiency with walkability and a grippy Vibram ECOSTEP rubber outsole for hike-a-bikes. Find the full list of features below.

• BOA® Fit System with L6 dial for a secure, comfortable fit
• Seamless, perforated synthetic upper for comfort and breathability
• Reinforced toe box provides impact protection
• Grippy Vibram ECOSTEP rubber outsole
• EVA heel cushioning increases comfort and walkability
• 2-bolt SPD cleat compatible

2021 Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch Flat

The redesigned Launch Flat is made with freedom of movement, versatility, and walkability in mind. The Launch uses a lightweight, quick-drying upper, constructed from durable, recycled Cordura fabric. Pearl Izumi partnered with Goodyear to develop a tread compound that’s “both sticky and long-wearing.” Find the specs below.

• BOA® Fit System with L6C dial lets riders fine-tune fit while they ride
• PinLoc Outsole™ with premium Goodyear® rubber provides outstanding grip to keep you in control
• Seamless, perforated upper is breathable and quick-drying, made with durable recycled Cordura
• Nylon shank provides stiffness for pedaling comfort and efficiency
• Reinforced toe box for added protection
• EVA foam midsole cushions impacts
• Designed specifically for flat pedals, not clipless compatible

2021 Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch SPD

The Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch SPD is for mountain bikers who ride clipless pedals but want a more street-inspired look. The Launch SPD was revamped around a BOA Fit System, and similar to the flats above feature a Cordura upper made from recycled content “that is both lightweight and durable.” Find the specs from Pearl Izumi below…

• BOA® Fit System with L6 dial lets riders fine-tune fit while they ride
• Vibram ECOSTEP® outsole delivers the perfect blend of grip, traction, and durability
• Seamless, perforated upper is breathable and quick-drying
• Recycled Cordura® fabric is durable and eco-friendly
• Reinforced toe box for added protection
• EVA foam midsole cushions impacts
• 2-bolt SPD cleat compatible

2021 Pearl Izumi Gravel X

The gravel X is Pearl Izumi’s take on a premium gravel shoe, blending the light weight and stiffness of a road shoe with the durability of a mountain bike shoe. The Gravel X is designed to have a “glove-like fit” using the 3D knit upper combined with the micro-adjustable BOA Fit System, which “gives the Gravel X unrivaled comfort on day-long rides.” Pearl Izumi claims the knit construction and perforated tongue are breathable, lightweight and quick-drying. Specs below…

• 3D knit upper for a glove-like fit
• Micro-adjustable BOA® Fit System with IP1 dial makes on the bike adjustments a breeze
• Full carbon sole maximizes power transfer
• Scuff-resistant TPU layer around toe and sides enhance durability
• Wide-spaced tread provides grip and sheds mud
• 2-bolt SPD cleat compatible

2021 Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch Mid WRX

The X-Alp Launch Mid WRX is a mid-top flat pedal shoe constructed on the same platform as the Launch Flat, with added ankle and heel protection and a gusseted tongue to keep out dirt and debris. The Launch Mid WRX also uses a water-repellent membrane to keep the elements at bay. The WRX relies on a BOA Fit System, a Goodyear tread compound, and a chevron tread to “keep your feet planted and in control.”

• BOA® Fit System with L6C dial lets riders fine-tune fit while they ride
• PinLoc Outsole™ with premium Goodyear® rubber provides outstanding grip to keep you in control
• Mid-top design with ankle strap and gusseted tongue provides extra support and keeps debris out
• WRX treatment sheds water
• Water-resistant Cordura® fabric is durable and helps shed moisture
• Reinforced toe box for added protection
• EVA foam midsole cushions impacts
• Designed specifically for flat pedals, not clipless compatible

2021 Pearl Izumi X-Alp Flow

The X-Alp Flow is a more minimal show with wide-set lacing and a PinLoc Outsole, which pairs “grippy performance rubber compound with a chevron-shaped tread pattern”… Find the details below.

• Traditional lace closure for a precise fit and all-day comfort
• PinLoc Outsole™ with performance rubber provides outstanding grip to keep you in control
• Lace lock keeps laces safely away from your drivetrain
• One-piece midsole and outsole for excellent shock absorption on hard landings
• Designed specifically for flat pedals, not clipless compatible

2021 Pearl Izumi X-Alp Flow Pop

The Flow Pop flat pedal shoe is much like the Flow, but adds a BOA Fit System. Details below…

• BOA® Fit System with L6 dial provides easy on the bike adjustability
• PinLoc Outsole™ with performance rubber provides outstanding grip to keep you in control
• One-piece midsole and outsole for excellent shock absorption on hard landings
• Designed specifically for flat pedals, not clipless compatible

Stay tuned for more details on these shoes as they arise later this summer…

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.