The new Pearl Izumi Road N2 came out early to select shops, prior to the bigger launch in January to all retailers. I’ve been told that Seven Hills and the Balanced Athlete are the only two shops in Washington to have the new version now.
It is offered in two colors for men and two for women and we received all four colors.
Changes:
- The most striking difference is the new outsole–the tread that hits the pavement. The original N2 Road was very smooth on the bottom–leading to slipping, especially on wet pavement. The new N2 is very grippy and an obviously more durable rubber was used along the entire outsole.
- The shoe now fits even roomier in the toe box than the previous version.
- Overall the shoe feels a bit heavier–in a good, sturdy way.
- Pearl Izumi claims that it is “softer” now, but I still feel like this is a relatively firm shoe…but when you run in Huaka‘s often, your perception of soft and firm is skewed. The firmness of the N2 road is a good thing in my opinion–making it feel speedy and durable.
I really enjoyed using the original version–mostly as a walk around shoe and an “on my feet at the shop” shoe. In it’s initial form, the road N2 was a bit too light for my tastes. I never felt like I could go more than 45 minutes comfortably in it–but I regularly stood in it for hours and hours without pain. The updated N2 feels much better to me in that regard; I’ve already used it for a couple runs over an hour without feeling a lack of cushion or protection.
We are excited to have these shoes early in the shop!!
Come on in and try them out!
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