Guest Review by Jonathan Buchman – follow Jonathan on twitter.
With a fondness for light, flexible shoes, I purchased the Pearl Izumi EM Road N0 and have put about 80 miles on them to date. For me, a 130 lb., mid/fore-foot striker, currently running 55+ miles a week, they are GREAT.
These shoes have the right balance between cushioning and road feel. The blown rubber outsole that drops from 23mm in the heel – 16mm in the forefoot while using Pearl Izumi’s unique midsole geometry delivers a quick ride. The flexibility of the shoe allows the transition from landing through toeing-off to be effortless. Additionally these shoes get lost on your feet with the help of a stretchy, seamless upper in a package weighing just over 6 oz. in a men’s size 9 (which is what I wear and these fit true to size).
Unless you are a light and efficient runner this will not be your everyday trainer as the rubber outsole does wear more than most. I have raced up to a half-marathon in this shoe and am not sure I would take it to the full marathon distance – but maybe (my recent marathon shoes included the Newton Distance III, Saucony Virrata 2).
If you are looking for a fast trainer and race shoe with a slipper like fit then the Pearl Izumi EM Road N0 is one to try. At $100 it is a good value.
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