Pearl Izumi Women’s X-Alp Seek WRX Shoe

I’ve got a whole wardrobe of cycling specific footwear: my rigid and almost-impossible-to-walk-in race shoes, my protective and warm winter boots, I’ve even got a lightweight mesh pair of summer riding shoes. But the footwear I’ll reach for more times than any of the others, is a shoe that’ll do the job year round, on any of my bikes, is as easy to walk in as a trainer and yet still stiff enough for me to give it a bit of welly if I want.

The X-Alp Seek WRX from Pearl Izumi is just this type of shoe. Made for use either as it is, or with SPD style cleats, it’s a shoe primarily conceived for mountain bikers, but one that will equally appeal to leisure cyclists, commuters and tourists.

The seamless one-piece upper is made from a tough soft shell type fabric with a durable water repellent treatment. The fabric protects from all but the worst weather, yet still allows the foot to breathe enough to avoid uncomfortable dampness developing inside. I’d question whether feet might overheat in full summer conditions, but I’d certainly feel confident using these for the vast majority of the year.

The sole is well shaped to make walking easy, with an EVA midsole for comfort, and a decent tread and grip for any surface or conditions. I was as happy wandering around off the bike as on. Yet they are stiff enough to maintain pedaling efficiency.

It’s a good looking shoe as well, and wouldn’t look out of place with jeans if you’re nipping out for a pint of milk, or a pair of capris or baggy shorts if you’re touring or out for a low key day ride. Tons of reflective accenting help with visibility and safety too.

With a simple lace-up design, these are very like trainers for riding in. The comfort levels are those of trainers, even for long periods of time, as are the casual looks. But they offer more protection for the feet, and a stiffer sole.

A men's version is also available.

Verdict

If you only want one pair of riding shoes, that'll do it all, and you’re not too bothered about being the fastest on the road, then the X-Alp Seek WRX is one to consider.