Pearl Izumi Wind Shoe Covers - Aerodynamic and Keep Your Shoes Clean
Written: Nov 03 '09 (Updated Nov 05 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to take on/off. Water resistant fabric beneficial for time trials and wet weather.
Cons: Zipper slips slightly. Although this doesn't affect performance, it is slightly annoying.
The Bottom Line: An excellent product for anybody looking to purchase an aerodynamic item for time trials or to protect their shoes in wet conditions.
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| dlru's Full Review: Pearl Izumi Wind Shoe Cover |
I purchased my pearl izumi shoe covers last spring, and have been thrilled with this purchase. I purchased them at the recommendatinon of my husband because they were in a $10 sale bin at a bike shop (apparently size "small" wasn't a popular item). These shoe covers typically sell for $30, but even for $10, the purchase seemed excessive because I already had shoe covers for warm weather (and it seemed overkill to buy "wind" shoe covers). I actually ended up using them a LOT throughout the cycling season.
The pearl izumi wind shoe covers are lightweight, and are made with a polyurethane coated fabric for a tight aerodynamic fit. The body of the shoe covers are 80% Nylon/20% Lycra® w/ PU coating, and the sole/back panel is 91% Nylon/9% Spandex. The shoe covers are made with a "stretchy" material that is water resistant. The covers are easy to get on/off, and I have no problem getting the cleat cutout around my shimano road cleats. Because of the design on the shoe covers (which goes on the outside), it is also easy to differentiate between the left and right shoe covers.
The shoe covers also have a 3/4 length zipper that is supposed to be "locking." I'm not sure whether it is because of the size of my calves (probably larger than the average person, but not really that unusual for a cyclist), I do have a problem getting the zipper to "lock." The top of the shoe cover frequently becomes unzipped. It is not really noticeable, and I typically leave it slightly unzipped because, no matter how many times I fix it, the zipper slips down. That is my only criticism of the shoe covers.
I have used these shoe covers for several time trials. I don't know if it truly makes a difference, but I did read somewhere that in a 40K race it can shave 13 seconds off your time. Assuming this is true, considering the price of the shoe covers, this is probably the most cost effective article of clothing you can purchase for time trials.
I have also used the shoe covers for rainy and wet days. Although the shoe covers do not keep my feet dry in very wet conditions, they are beneficial in light rain or when the roads are wet. I purchased white shoes this year, and I have used the shoe covers to help to keep my shoes clean when the roads are wet/dirty.
Overall, the Pearl Izumi Wind Shoe Covers have been a great purchase. I keep them in my bike bag, and considering that last summer (2009) was one of the wettest summers on record, I definitely got my money's worth out of this purchase!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
dlru
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Location: New England
Reviews written: 59
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
When will I win the lottery so I can bike and ski full time?
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