We’ve gotten spoiled by the game of leapfrog that bike manufacturers are playing. Everyone is regularly outdoing each other, and bikes keep getting better. Flat-pedal shoes, on the other hand, are just playing catch-up. Brands are only now reaching the benchmark set by Five Ten.
So, instead of just chasing down the status quo, Pearl Izumi rocked the boat. The dual-compound sole of the X-Alp Launch (big brother to the X-Alp Flow tested here) features firmer, stiffer toe-and-heel tread flanking a softer, slicker contact patch where your pedals go. The idea is to envelop the pedal’s pins, not just block them. But also, to allow for easier foot-position adjustments. The Launch does that part perfectly. But like the majority of flat-pedal shoes out there, it’s not as locked-in as a Five Ten Freerider Pro.
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From Bike Mag
Bike Magazine showcases the sport of mountain biking like no other publication. It captures the sport's personalities, trends, and issues with a style all its own. With insightful features, columns and gear reviews coupled with the best photography, Bike is sure to make you want to get outside and ride.
