Shoe Spotlight: Pearl Izumi Tri Fly V Carbon

— By Joel Vosburg

Looking for a comfortable, affordable and efficient tri shoe for this season? Pearl Izumi’s Tri Fly V Carbon should top your list of shoes to consider.

Not only is this shoe comfortable, it has several carefully designed features that make it standout as a great training and race day shoe. Easy to slip on and and off, the show has a wide main velcro strap that makes adjustment easy as you reach down on your bike coming out of T1. The oversized heel loop is something you won’t find on every tri shoe but helps make it as easy as possible to step into the shoe with damp feet.

If you’re considering the same shoe for racing and training this year, the Tri Fly V Carbon is a good choice. With larger than usual toe bumpers, you’ll do less damage to your cleats when walking in them. The upper is made from a synthetic leather with plenty of mesh to keep your feet dry if you’re riding without socks. There’s even open gaps on the top to keep your feet cool on a long, hot training ride.

Our tester found that the shoe fit true to size. It comes in a variety of colours for both men and women.

At $180 USD, this shoe is an affordable option, especially since it’s offered at a sale price by many retailers as a product that has been on the market for a while. If you choose to go without the carbon sole (providing lighter stiffness), you can save even more on this shoe by purchasing the regular Tri Fly V.