Comments on: Pearl Izumi EM Road N0 Racing Flat Review

By: David

David — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 19:01:16 +0000

I’ve run the N0 for the last three months primarily for speed work. They run very light and fast and with the standard (very thin) insole they are good for me up to about eight miles. After that, they start to ride a little rough. However, I swapped the thicker insoles from my Newton Energies into the N0 to run the Columbus Half Marathon this past weekend and comfortably PRed. I also recovered faster than I have for past half marathons. Regarding fit, these shoes accommodate my bizarrely-shaped feet (narrow heel, flat midfoot, wide forefoot with bunyon and morton’s toe). The mesh upper is very forgiving but locks down the foot well with the laces. Bottom line: wouldn’t use it as a long-distance trainer, but for me the N0 is an extremely comfortable, lightweight shoe for racing and speed-work and shorter-distance training.

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 17:21:50 +0000

In reply to Mark. No rubber on the N1's in that area either, so my guess would be similar wear pattern to the N0. The shoes are firmer than the Virrata so they might be a bit more durable.

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 00:28:25 +0000

Hey Peter,

From a durability standpoint, do you think the N1 would last longer than the N0?

I’ve been running in Virratas quite a bit and while they run quite well, I feel they wear far too quickly for my liking. I tend to land on the lateral portion of my foot and I really wish the N0s just had some rubber right along that side…

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 17:18:08 +0000

In reply to RJ.

Just tried them on – they are reasonably snug with a thin sock on. In 10.5 I have about a thumb’s width between my longest toe and the front of the shoe.

By: RJ

RJ — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 20:48:08 +0000

In reply to Peter Larson. Thanks for the response. Just one more question, I usually like my running shoes to feel snug while wearing socks. The A5's were very snug (perfect fit for me really), will the N0's fit the same way in the same size? Or will it be just a tad loose with space for the fit to move/slide around?

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 16:59:13 +0000

In reply to RJ. I have size 10.5 in both shoes, though Shoefitr suggests getting them a half size smaller than the A5. I was happy with the fit having the same size in both shoes.

By: RJ

RJ — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 05:05:42 +0000

Hey Peter,

Great review. I’m thinking of purchasing these shoes. How would you compare the size to that of the Saucony type 5? I want to be sure I order the correct size the first time to avoid the whole returning/waiting business.
Should I order them in the same size as my Type 5’s?

Thanks,
RJ

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 21:27:49 +0000

In reply to Darren. Congrats, and wise choice being cautious!

By: Darren

Darren — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 20:19:13 +0000

In reply to Peter Larson. Thank you for your reply and excellent review. I have run Half Marathon's in thin shoes before like the N0 so I will give it a shot one day. However, I decided to run this Half in some N2's since I couldn't even get one run on the N0's before race day. I've only been running in Pearls for about 4 months and I pb'd the Half!! In fact, I shaved 10 minutes off my last years time on same course! Completely love these shoes! so plush.

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 13:42:19 +0000

In reply to Darren. There's not much sole to break in, so if you get a few runs in they should be fine. Bigger issue is whether you are used to that kind of distance in a thin, firm shoe. If so, you should be good to go.

By: Darren

Darren — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 07:15:56 +0000

Hi, is there a break in period you’d recommend for this shoe? If like to run a half in them with minimal break in.

By: Iain Denby

Iain Denby — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 13:47:29 +0000

Still lovin’ them, Pete?