Review:Pearl Izumi EM Road N2 v2: Effective Update, Softer, Roomier Toe Box, Even Smoother

The Pearl Izumi EM Road N2 version 2 is a $120 9.6 oz (M9) trainer. Running Warehouse says they have a  27mm/16mm toe stack. There is more to the absolute stack heights given Pearl Izumi's Dynamic Offset which I will try to explain below. The N2 Road is one of the smoothest transitioning shoes I have run in this year. 

Pearl Izumi EM Road N2

The version 2  Road N2  solves the key deficiency for me of the original Road N2, an overly firm, even harsh ride.  This is still a firmer riding shoe, firmer than Hokas, Boost, or Altra, more akin to New Balance Fresh Foam for example.  Strangely, the original  lighter Trail N1 was smoother and less firm and harsh on the road. My N1 Trail review here.

The potential why's and how Pearl Izumi solved these issues is, as they say, the devil in the details, and the art and science of putting together different firmnesses of materials and geometries. 


Upper
The upper is outstanding. Foot is well held but never constrained. Plenty of room up front for me with no slop at speed or pointy toe feeling.  Pearl Izumi was the first shoe company to start to do away with stitching about 10 years ago and they continue to lead in very simple elegant uppers, and  comfort.

Totally seamless one piece upper. Photo: Competitor.com http://running.competitor.com/2014/12/photos/sole-man-9-hot-running-gear-trends-2015_119285

While I never run barefoot I was immediately tempted and I took the N2 out for my first short run barefoot. The N2 fit me true to size whereas the version 1 I sized up half a size . Pearl Izumi wrote me they "widened/improved  the forefoot fit across the ball of the foot and big toe area and increased the stick length inside the shoe by 1/4 to 1/2 size."  The difference is clearly seen in the photo below. The heel collar is less plush and all that extra stuff is not missed. 

Pearl Izumi EM Road N2: Version 2 Left, Version 1 Right

Pearl Izumi EM Road N2: Version 1 Left Version 1 Right

Dynamic Offset
The Pearl Izumi Dynamic Offset of the midsole geometry,  moving the traditional take off point at the first met head back 25mm  really shines in the new N2. Super smooth transition from heel to mid foot and then toe. Dynamic Offset was described to me by Pearl Izumi as follows: 

"The “dynamic” in dynamic offset is due to the unique shape. In the simplest terms we moved   the take-off point which is traditionally under the 1^st met head or ball of your foot, approx 25mm rearward. By doing this we effectively created empty airspace under the balls of your feet when you are at stance. As your ankle and knee come over the top of the shoe moving forward, your forefoot falls into this dead airspace in a smoother fashion with the effect of a smoother transition and less slap."

Outsole Changes from Version 1 
While still firm the new Road N2 has such a less harsh firm and inflexible ride for me. I asked Pearl Izumi what changed. They replied the firmness of the rubber hasn't changed but  the outsole geometry has changed from smooth continuous bars to more segmented bars with cuts to increase flexibility in all directions and for a softer feel on the road. I think  this is why the Trail N1 felt so much better on the road than the Road N2 of version 1 as the lugs increased both perceived softness and increased flexibility in all directions. . Also I think this is a similar reason the Fresh Foam Trail felt better on the road than the Fresh Foam 980 See review here.


The picture below (V2 left V1 right)  illustrates the difference in outsole geometries and materials. "3" being the firmest material, "1" intermediate firmness, and "2" exposed midsole material. If i was to improve this shoe I would soften the heel "3" material a bit.

Pearl Izumi EM Road N2: Version 2 Left, Version 1 Right

Midsole Changes from Version 1
I certainly sensed  a softer ride in the Version 2.  Here are the details of what Pearl Izumi did to improve the ride. Lower Shure numbers mean softer foam:  

The overall goal of the new Road N2 and M2 for S15 was to soften up the overall under foot experience for the end user. We did this in a few ways that added up to a really nice improvement from the 1st version.

• The EVA midsole durometer spec did not change from the 1st version in S13 to the new update in S15 – our EVA spec is 55 Shure C 
• The 1:1 Energy Foam we use in the heel cavity is new and is now a larger cavity size and softer, more resilient compound we have been working on. The S13 compound was 52 Shure C and we are now using a 45 Shure C material that has more resiliency (resists taking a compression set – good thing) and has a 10% higher energy return
• We increased the forefoot flexibility of the new Road N2 by 10% with more segmentation in the forefoot, resulting in a softer and smoother feeling sensation
• We reconfigured the outsole lug shapes for better traction and creating a more responsive and softer feeling under foot.

Summary 
I agree. Pearl Izumi did soften up the overall under foot experience of the Road N2 leading to a very smooth running every day trainer with none of the harshness of the first version. Mind you this is still a firm ride. With the exception of the  1:1  Energy Foam in the heel cavity being softer the rest of the midsole remains as before.  Relatively speaking when compared to many shoes I currently run in ( Boost, Altra Paradigm, Hoka, and and even Fresh Foam Zante)  the N2 is relatively firm.  The segmentation of the forefoot and new lug shapes is a welcome improvement. The upper is outstanding ,one of the best fitting and most comfortable  I have run in this year. Foot is well held yet never constrained. The forefoot is especially well executed: plenty of room yet not sloppy or pinched for me. An outstanding update. Available now. 

(The N2 were provided to me at no charge for review purposes. The opinions herein are entirely my own.)