Pearl Izumi Unisex Pro Leader III

Pearl Izumi's Unisex Pro Leader III shoes are a lightweight and supple top-of-the-range option with a double Boa closure and super-stiff soles.

Let's start with those soles. As we often say about high-end shoes these days, the soles are pretty much solid with barely any flex or twist as you pedal. Do what you like, you'll elicit virtually no movement from these.

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The Pro Leader III features what Pearl Izumi calls its new 1:1 Integrated Power Plate. Instead of the upper being attached to the usual lasting board, which is in turn attached to the sole during manufacture, the upper is attached directly to the outside of the carbon sole and then an additional piece is fitted over the top of most of the carbon (the yellowy-green material in the picture). This removes the need for the lasting board and so reduces the stack height to just 5mm. Your feet really are very close to the pedals here. A toe bumper and heel protector help avoid damage to the sole and keep you upright when walking to and from your bike.

The upper is made from a mesh welded to a non-stretch web. Pearl Izumi boasts that at just 0.9mm thick, this is the thinnest upper on the market. It's certainly very supple, conforming to all the little irregularities of your foot while holding you firmly to the pedal when you're banging out the watts, and breathability is very good. You get two meshed vents in front of the cleat area of the sole too, and I've not suffered with sweaty feet despite some really hot rides this spring.

One other important point about the upper is that it's virtually seamless. Stitching holds the tongue in place but that's yer lot. There's nothing here to rub or gradually irritate your feet over the course of a long day in the saddle.

Two IP1 micro-adjustable Boa reels per shoe take care of closure (the previous version had one Boa and one Velcro strap). If you've not used a Boa system before, it comprises a thin lace that's adjusted via a dial. In my experience, it works brilliantly and altering the tension in either direction, from the saddle, is very simple. The tongue is padded exactly where the lace runs so there's no danger of any discomfort there – far from it – the Pro Leader IIIs hold your feet snug and secure with very even pressure throughout.

The foot opening is padded too, and an external T device that extends from the sole right up the back of the heel cup helps to prevent any unwanted foot movement back there.

> Check out our guide to the best performance cycling shoes here

The insole is customisable. Unlike some, it's not heat mouldable but you get differently sized inserts that you can add to the arch and the forefoot to provide support and stability where you need it.

Stiff soled, comfortable and weighing just 587g (size 47), these are exceptionally good performance-orientated shoes.

If the red/yellow version doesn't do it for you, they're also available in black/white.

Verdict

Stiff-soled, breathable, lightweight and comfortable, these are exceptionally good performance-focused shoes