I was asked to review a pair of Pearl Izumi Streak II running shoes and was happy to oblige. However, deep down I was a bit skeptical that I could find a shoe I'd like more than my Nike Frees and Brooks Launch. Little did I know...
This shoe is marketed for training and racing. I have never owned racing shoes before; I always thought they would not feel comfortable, and that was the case with a couple of pairs I tried in the past. However, this was not the case with the Streak shoes. The shoes are comfortable, and fit like a glove. They are light (6.8 ounces for 8.5 women's) and mold to the foot. The moment I put them on I did not want to take them off. So I ran a half marathon in them without having ever taken them on a test run. Oops! But, they felt amazing. I have a midfoot strike, but in this shoe I was on my toes much more. Running on your toes means running faster, and faster I ran:). When I got back to my "other" running shoes, my midfoot strike returned...
The shoes are very flexible, there is almost no heel drop, and these two factors make you feel like you are running barefoot but landing on soft yet springy foam. The shoes are very soft, the heel cup is tight, and the forefoot is roomy but can be tightened with the laces to fit ones foot width. The upper is seamless which I love because it allows running sockless without fear of blisters or hot spots. I have not tried this yet, though:)
I absolutely love these shoes. I hate reviews that are super positive, but really I am having a hard time finding anything I don't like about this shoe. Oh, yes, the price...They are a bit expensive @ $110, but found them on google shopping with $85, which is the same as the Nike Frees and cheaper than Launch. If you are interested in a neutral, cushioned, light racing/training shoe, this one is a gem. If you don't believe me, go to your local running store and get a pair out of a stroll. You will most likely fall in love, like I did!
All the technical details from the manufacturer could be found here.
Thank you, Pearl Izumi, for giving me these shoes to review!
13 comments:
Sounds magical, but I am sticking to my $29.99 Kohl's sneakers on sale...But I must say that my shoes only feel good until I try real running sneakers on when I always realize how much my shoes suck. But it is usually never enough to make me buy real running shoes...
I am sold! I hate to buy new running shoes, and I am currently wearing a pair that I don't love but I really needed to get out of my old ones so I bought them.
I will have to go and try them on, hopefully I love them because I could use some happiness on my feet.
Happy running,
elena
My husband SWEARS by Pearl Izumi. He wears the Peak and the Streak:) Glad they worked out well for you!
I love my Brooks Launch. I've been running in those for the last year or so. I had ART today on my calf and the doc recommended the Nike Free.... Not sure how Brooks ID folks will like that!
best blog review yet! seriously. Some reviews are soooo boring but this...I was really interested. :) And I value what you say. How do I get a pair of these sent to me to review?!!! I love my Brooks Launch as you know but I'm all about trying out something for racing. I've never even heard of these until the other day. Thanks Ana Maria!
This shoe looks great, but I'm sure its super expensive. I fell in love with a pair of shorts I saw on Racing with Babes and went to go buy them only to find out they were $50 shorts! No thanks. For that I'm going to Lulu!
i love the fun pink color! :) yes i do tend to pick my shoes based on what color they come in...
That was a good review. I wear the Launch so it sounds like these would be right up my alley. I work at my local running store, but we don't carry any PI shoes. We used to, but people around here didn't seem to think of them as a reputable shoe brand. We do carry the launch though. And that is a good seller.....They certainly were smart to give you a pair!
Did you have extra sore calves from switching from a midfoot to forefoot striker?
And they're a Colorado company. And they're pink! I'm in heaven!!! :)
I hear wonderful things. My podiatrist thinks minimalist is NOT a good idea for me, but so far they feel the best on my heel.
Happy weekend!!
@Mmonyka, I think getting a good pair of shoes is more important than any other piece of running/tri clothing, particularly given your ITB issues.
@ Amanda-hm, I don't know:)
@ Keri - they are actually not that expensive if you compare them with other similar shoes.
@ Kristin - yes, calves were sore but I think this was bc I did not transition into wearing them like the website tells you to and ran 13.1 miles on the first try.
@ LIndsay - I think the pink color was what got me first:)
@Jill - in these shoes my heel never touches the ground.
So glad to know you love these shoes! I have a pair to review right now too but I am too nervous to switch something this close to Boston, my feet are finicking! So after Boston I will be wearing them to try out :) this makes me even more exicited to do so!
REally, low heel drop? Would you happen to know how low? 7mm or less? Do they fold up like the frees do??
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