The Pearl Izumi Sugar road shoe ($130) is designed for effective power transfer and performance at a very attractive price point. Their cool retro look and simple, fully-bonded upper with outstanding ventilation makes it a lot of shoe for the money.
What I Liked
Unusually comfortable. Comfort from a road cycling shoe is all about the fit, size of the toe box and if the closure system causes pressure points on the softer tissue of the tops of my feet. The toe box, which, I’m happy to say, is nice and roomy. The closure system is laces–bright orange ones. This is my first cycling shoe that doesn’t have a Boa-type closure. I like the Boa closure system best because it allows for those quick and easy micro-adjustments, on the fly or otherwise. Still, the lacing did provide a comfortable, snug and secure fit. The tongue is even notched to offer flex and additional comfort around the ankle.
Sizing. Pear Izumi has wonky sizing so be sure to follow their sizing recommendation that is clearly articulated on their web site. For me, I found the sweet spot going one full size up from my American and European size. For example, my normal shoe size is a 39 (or 7.5-8 for you Americans out there). The first time I tried to squish my size 39 foot into a size 39 Pearl Izumi mountain bike shoe, the result felt much like my feet were victims of the barbaric foot binding ritual. Their size 40, however, fits swimmingly.
Stiff sole for greater power transfer and performance. If you’re someone who is on her tenth pair of road shoes this will come as no surprise to you. But for me, who wears mountain bike shoes for all cycling disciplines, this was what I noticed immediately. The pizza resistance is the “1:1® Composite Power Plate with carbon fiber forefoot insert.” Since the real power transfer comes from the ball of the foot, it makes sense to place it there. I can only imagine what I would be capable of if I had an actual carbon road bike instead of my Civia Hyland commuter bike with fenders, rack and bell.
Exceptional ventilation. Despite the fully-bonded seamless upper, it’s extremely ventilated. The surface of the upper is more perforation than upper. The sole plate, which Pearl Izumi calls “Direct-Vent Technology,” allows for both air intake and drainage of moisture. After riding in the Pearl Izumi Sugar this summer, even on the hottest and most humid days, I have to say that of all my cycling shoes, these by far offer the greatest ventilation.
What I didn’t Like
Laces. It doesn’t impede the fit, it’s just that I have an inherent fear of laces coming undone and getting caught in the drivetrain. Pearl Izumi anticipated this by adding an elastic strap at the tongue’s midpoint so you can tuck them in. It’s easy enough to do, it’s just a lot more steps than the Boa system. If you find you have to adjust the fit at any point in your ride, you can’t do it on the fly.
Elastic band with little leather tab holds the laces safely away from the drivetrain 
Safely tucked away
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, a good shoe is one that you don’t notice that you’re wearing. The Pearl Izumi Sugar shoes feel more like a slipper sock than a cycling shoe. Fit is outstanding and ventilation is the best I’ve seen yet in a cycling shoe. They are very lightweight and have a nice stiff sole for efficient riding. The second set of laces that are included are a nice touch if you want to add some flair to your ride—I swapped out the black laces for the neon orange immediately. And at $130 it’s priced for the rest of us.
