Pearl Izumi 'Octane SL II' Ultralight Cycling Shoes

Last updated 2011-06-20 - Send Feedback
Related: Clothing, clothing and footwear, cycling, gear, road biking

The Pearl Izumi Octane road cycling shoes (about $260) are a great-looking shoe at a very reasonable price for a pro-grade shoe.

Click to view a larger image.

Pearl Izumi 'Octane' road cycling shoes

I received a positive reaction from my wife on the visual appeal. Since women and shoes are a dangerous area, favorable comments about a road cycling shoe are very good karma. I also happen to think the Octanes are about as good looking a road cycling shoe as I’ve seen, compared to the grungy-looking black Giro ProLight SLX and the good looking Shimano R315.

Giro Prolight SLX, Pearl Izumi 'Octane' SL II, Shimano R315 road cycling shoes

Pearl Izumi states:

The Octane SL II confirms the axiom that "less is more." The feather-light and ultra stiff Octane Carbon 1:1 Power Plate provides optimal pedaling power and efficiency while the minimalist design of our 1:1 Anatomic Upper delivers the finest in fit and comfort.

OCTANE 1:1 Power Plate: Octane Grade Uni-Directional Carbon for feather-light stiffness; Direct-Vent technology for cooling and drainage; concave shaping for ultra low 7.0mm stack height, enhanced plate stiffness and anatomic Support; built in Longitudinal Arch Support for optimal Support, power, and efficiency

P.R.O. 1:1 Anatomic Closure: follows the natural anatomic shape of the foot to eliminate hot spots and remove pressure from your instep

P.R.O. 1:1 Heel Cup: with synthetic leather lining and external Carbon Power Band for maximum heel hold and power transfer

P.R.O. Insole with dual density EVA for optimal Longitudinal and Transverse Arch Support

Pearl Izumi one piece upper with laser technology provides a second skin fit, minimum weight and maximum comfort

Thunderbolt Cables
Red or green or blue or black!

Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C cables

Weight

Shoes weighed on a lab-grade scale with Shimano cleats installed for DuraAce pedals:

Shimano R315: 663g (+156g = +5.5 oz)
Pearl Izumi Octane: 633g (+126g = +4.5 oz)
Giro ProLight SLX: 507g

The Octane SL II is not as light as the Giro Prolight SLX, but it’s lighter than the Shimano R315, and ultimately fit and comfort matter more than a few ounces.

In use

The shoes fit well, but a report will have to wait until I have more riding experience with them.

World of Tamron

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