If you’re familiar with my reviews, you already know how much I enjoy running in Pearl Izumi shoes. From the Trail N, to the Road N0, they are quality shoes that have really excellent rides. This is the new 2015 Pearl Izumi Road N2 which changes some things up. The new upper is smooth, comfortable and is made with a 3D printer (the FUTURE!). The midsole still packs a responsive punch which I like for high-cadence shorter distance runs. The outsole also delivers a nice grippy package with new flex-grooves for added flexibility in the mid and forefoot.

Some of the negatives involve a very stiff heel counter, midsole and outsole combination. This doesn’t make for the lightest or most comfortable experience, but for those who may need the added stability it could be a benefit. The outsole ‘wave’ is also divided along with the flex grooves so the wonderful spine of earlier shoes is noticebly lost.

All in all, this shoe is a solid trainer but not necessarily the one I’ll keep coming back to day after day. While I might wear it casually (the looks are awesome), there are other go-to shoes for the longer hauls (Kinvara, Clifton, etc). Let me know what you think of the new Pearl Izumi Road N2 in the comments below!

LIKED:

  • Upper (flexible, seamless, 3D printed)
  • Responsiveness (nice for quicker cadence)
  • Outsole (More grip than N1, splits)
  • Looks (simple, awesome)

 

DISLIKED:

  • Heavy (10oz, but there are lighter versions)
  • Outsole Band (I miss the split band)
  • Heel comfort (stiff heel counter, outsole)

QUALITY: 4/5
COMFORT: 4/5
PRICE: 3/5
LOOKS: 4/5

TOTAL: 15/20
This product was provided by Pearl Izumi. All opinions are my own.

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