Pearl Izumi Streak 2

Pearl Izumi Streak II 

In addition to the recently reviewed Peak 2 trail shoe, Pearl Izumi also recently released the Streak 2; their lightweight road racing shoe. Where the original Streak was a great first iteration; the Streak 2 is astonishing.

The Streak 2 is lighter than the original and has a lower profile making it a true competitor to the popular Adidas Adizero and the Asics Hyperspeed. While the Streak 2 is light enough to be a 5k racer, it is also cushioned and durable enough for a marathon. Although not intended as a trail shoe, it is the shoe of choice for Red Rock Running Company owner and Pearl Izumi Ultra Team member Josh Brimhall. The following is a video featuring Pearl Izumi Product Line Manager Mike Thompson discussing some of the technology in the Streak 2. 

Specifications

Weight:

Men's 7.8 oz (Size 10)

Women's 6.8 (Size 8)

Heel-Toe Drop:

9 mm (19 mm heel-10 mm forefoot)

Technology

• Seamless Upper
• 360ᵒ Lacing system conforms to all types of foot sizes
• Energy Foam cushions on impact and returns energy back to runner
• Segmented forefoot
• Ortholite® sockliner

Fit and Feel

Just about everything with the Pearl Izumi logo has a polished look and feel. The Streak 2 is no exception to this. The toe box is somewhat snug, but your toes have plenty of freedom to move thanks to the mesh upper. The seamless upper technology is hard to quantify, yet it makes a dramatic difference in how smooth the shoe fits.   

Usually I kind of snicker when companies use grandiose language to describe shoe laces; however, the lacing system in the Steak 2 really does do a good job of tightening with even pressure. The cushioning around the achilles kept my foot in snugly in place and seemed to help make the shoe feel apart of your foot.

Streak 2 Side

At 7.8 ounces, the Streak 2 isn't the lightest road racer out there. However, it is a viable lightweight option for a wider spectrum of runners and probably light enough for all but the most fervorant of minimalists. In addition, the fit and cushioning gives the shoe the versatility to be used for any distance.

Testing

For my first run in the Streak 2 I was up to the White Mountains in California for some high altitude hill training. The Streak 2 handled a variety of terrain (asphalt, dirt road, trail, and snow) extremely well. They felt light and agile on the climbs and secure and comfortable on the decents.

The sole of Streak 2 is mostly blown rubber with only the traditional carbon rubber on the heel. This gave a bit of a unique slipper like feel. It was plenty cushioned, but not spongy feeling. In fact, I found it quite responsive and provided excellent feedback on all surfaces. The sole is flexible but still offers some support. I wasn't sure what to make of the holes that stretch medially along the sole, but they didn't seem to have any negative qualities even on trail.

Streak 2 SoleAfter 25 miles right out of the box, I had no hot spots despite some pretty fierce decents. The mesh upper wicked away moisture better than any shoe I've worn. Above all, although I was trying to think about the Streak 2 while testing, I kept forgetting about it and simply enjoyed the running and scenery. To me, this is one of highest compliments possible for any shoe.

To make sure the first run wasn't a fluke I have worn the Streak 2 on several more runs and they continued to impress. By no means did Pearl Izumi intend this as a trail shoe, yet they performed well even on rocky trail. I did feel quite a few more rocks than most shoes, but I only felt "stabbed" once and that rock was a nasty beast. The soft rubber sole will wear pretty quickly on trail though.

If you are used to a more supportive shoe I'd recommend working the Streak 2, or any minimalist lightweight type of shoe for that matter, into your weekly mileage slowly. The slightly higher heel drop may make for an easier transition to a more minimalist shoe than many other options currently on the market.

Overall, I'd rate the Pearl Izumi Streak 2 as excellent. Its lightness and responsiveness make it a very good lightweight trainer/racer. While its comfort and versatility allows you to wear it even on your longest runs.