Pearl Izumi EM Road
Every version of the EM Road we track, compared on ratings, specs and current price.
The line's rating is the median Better Shoes Rating of its five most recent rated versions. The median product line rates 76, and the EM Road rates above 10% of the lines we track.
Pearl Izumi EM Road vs. Other Shoes
Each dot is one rated shoe: the EM Road in gold, all other shoes in gray.
Rating by version, oldest first
Each dot is one version of the EM Road, placed by its rating and release year.
Release year
See our analysis of whether a new version is usually as good as the one it replaces.
| Version | Released | Weight | Stack | Rating | Change | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl Izumi EM Road H3 | 2016 | — | — | 72 | 0 | 2 | — |
| Pearl Izumi EM Road M3 | 2014 | — | — | 72 | +11 | 3 | — |
| Pearl Izumi EM Road N2 | 2014 | 9.9 oz (men's) | 27/19mm stack · 8mm drop | 61 | -2 | 12 | $120 MSRP |
| Pearl Izumi EM Road N1 | 2014 | — | — | 63 | -5 | 7 | — |
| Pearl Izumi EM Road M2 | 2014 | 9.7 oz (men's) | 25/16mm stack · 9mm drop | 68 | — | 2 | $120 MSRP |
5 shoes
Prices updated daily. Last checked Oct 22.
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Pearl Izumi
EM Road H372 72 Decent Decent Decent 2 reviews Confidence 73
2016 · Daily trainer · Neutral
Both reviewers rate value 5 out of 5, and one calls the price great.
Durability 64Overall72Value75Comfort74Appearance72Durability64Cushioning64Confidence73Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Both reviewers rate value 5 out of 5, and one calls the price great.
One reviewer looking for a shoe to handle their pronation without blisters says they finally found it, after more than ten years.
One reviewer uses it for long runs and marathons.
Cons
Its two reviewers rate durability 3.5 out of 5, the lowest of its rated dimensions.
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Pearl Izumi
EM Road M372 72 Decent Decent Decent 3 reviews Confidence 59
2014 · Daily trainer · Neutral
All three reviewers so far rate comfort 5 out of 5, one describing miles run without foot pain.
Durability 68Overall72Comfort78Appearance74Value74Durability68Cushioning63Confidence59Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
All three reviewers so far rate comfort 5 out of 5, one describing miles run without foot pain.
Runners describe it as light and cushioned with a seamless upper.
Cons
Durability draws 4.0 out of 5 across three reviewers, the lowest mark of any dimension.
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Pearl Izumi
EM Road N163 63 Below average Below average Below average 7 reviews Confidence 70
2014 · Daily trainer · Neutral
Comfort averages 4.6 out of 5 and value 4.4 across seven reviews.
Durability 62Overall63Value73Appearance73Comfort72Cushioning64Durability62Confidence70Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Comfort averages 4.6 out of 5 and value 4.4 across seven reviews.
Two reviewers describe smooth transitions off the rockered midsole, one of them calling the seamless upper like butter.
Cons
Durability averages 3.6 out of 5, the lowest of its dimensions.
One reviewer finds it slips on grass, gravel and wet ground.
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Pearl Izumi
EM Road N261 61 Below average Below average Below average 12 reviews Confidence 83
2014 · Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.9 oz (men's) · 27mm stack · 8mm drop
Comfort and appearance both average 4.4 out of 5 across twelve reviews.
Durability 66MSRP $120
Overall61Appearance73Comfort68Durability66Cushioning63Value59Confidence83Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Comfort and appearance both average 4.4 out of 5 across twelve reviews.
One reviewer calls it a simple shoe that does not interfere with your mechanics, with a smooth ride and a durable upper.
Cons
Value averages 3.8 out of 5, the lowest of its dimensions.
At 9.9 oz it is heavier than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers for sale.
Two of the twelve reviewers who answered report an injury while running in it.
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Pearl Izumi
EM Road M268 68 Below average Below average Below average 2 reviews Confidence 33
2014 · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.7 oz (men's) · 25mm stack · 9mm drop
Both reviewers rate comfort 4.5 out of 5, and one says it fits like a glove.
Durability 69MSRP $120
Overall68Appearance72Value71Comfort70Durability69Cushioning65Confidence33Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Both reviewers rate comfort 4.5 out of 5, and one says it fits like a glove.
Both reviewers rate durability 4.5 out of 5, and one has gone through six pairs.
Cons
Value and appearance are its lowest-rated dimensions, both at 3.5 out of 5, and one reviewer wishes it cost less.
One reviewer found it has no arch to speak of, which took some getting used to.