Pearl Izumi Vortex

Price Paid:  $110.00 at REI

Favorite Ride:
For now... flat and hard

Bike Setup:
Easton ultralite, Kinesis carbon fork, Ritchey wheels, Ultegra.

Summary:
Well... I searched for a while to find an alternative to the Sidi Genius 4 Megas. I have wide feet and found that the Pearl shoes fit almost identically to the Sidi shoes. The shoe is light, though not as light as the Sidi. It is plenty stiff, comfy, and seems to be well made. The shoes are very well ventilated. The ratchet system works about like the system on the Sidi. So... I guess what I am trying to say is that these are a lot like the Sidis, but $100 less. Good value.

Strengths:
Comfy, WIDE, stiff.

Weaknesses:
A little cool in cooler weather. Not a huge fan of the blue color on the shoes.

Similar Products Used:
Sidi, Diadora, Lake shoes.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Christmas gift

Favorite Ride:
Anything long and with a group

Bike Setup:
SPecialized Allez. Full Campy.Speedplay pedals.

Summary:
Very nice shoe.Fits great plenty stiff.Very good ventilation.Comfy even when spending long hours in the saddle. All in all a very good shoe!!

Strengths:
Comfortable,Stiff.Very good ventilation

Weaknesses:
When riding in cold toes to get a little nippy.

Similar Products Used:
Sidi,Diadora

Price Paid:  $75.00 at lombardis sports

Favorite Ride:
mt. tam

Bike Setup:
Bianchi Eros w/ Ultegra pedals

Summary:
I bought these shoes because Sidis seemed so cliche. I have been impressed with their rigidity -- even after 1,500 miles -- and their ventilation. The narrow sole beam caused the rubber stops on my shimano Ultegra cleats to bend, but they aren't too necessary anyway. I recommend these shoes but I can refute the other reviewer's claim that your toes will stay warm in 45 degree weather; the shoes have good ventilation and you toes will go numb when it's that cold.

Strengths:
Stiff, durable, comfortable, well ventilated, different style than most

Weaknesses:
Cold in the winter, might be too wide for people with narrow feet.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Sidi

Price Paid:  $39.00 at REI

Favorite Ride:
Whichever one I'm on

Summary:
While these shoes fit great and are plenty stiff they are not compatable with my Look pedals. The right shoe on my pair would rub up against the crankarm no matter how far over I slid the cleat. This clearly was a manufacturing error and makes me wonder about the Pearl Izumi quality control. Of course now there are no clearence shoes available that are not defects at the same price. On to another manufacturer!

Strengths:
fit great!

Weaknesses:
They only work when you are not pedaling!

Similar Products Used:
Sidi, shimano etc.

Price Paid:  $50.00 at Nashbar

Favorite Ride:
Any hills

Bike Setup:
Bianchi Campione, stock.

Summary:
Bought these a training shoes for summer/fall.

Strengths:
These shoes fit my wide feet like a glove. Stiff, yet lightweight. The three loop closure allows me to customize the tightening. Little flex. Vented, yet kept my toes warm on a 45 degree ride with no booties

Weaknesses:
None so far.