Overview
These shoes couldn’t have arrived at a better time (they magically appeared on my doorstep–seriously I have no idea why they were sent to me!), just as I’m getting back into some trail miles. The Pearl Izumi EM Trail N2 v2 is a lighter weight trail shoe, but don’t let its lack of weight deceive you! This 9 oz. trail shoe has many of the features you look for in a go-to running shoe for your hard trail miles.
Pearl Izumi Women’s W EM Trail N 2 Trail Running Shoe, Shadow Grey/Dynasty Green, 8.5 B US
Heel to Toe Offset
One of the features I really like about this shoe is the 4mm heel-toe drop. I have gotten used to running in lower drop shoes, and I really like it, so I’m happy to have a trail shoe that accommodates this feature. The importance of a lower drop seems to have faded somewhat, but I’m still a believer!
Weight
One of the things I like most about this shoe is that it is only 9 oz, so you get all of the features and protections of a trail shoe without extra bulk. Saving a few ounces can make a huge difference over miles and miles! 🙂 This may be one of the reasons it won Trail Runner Gear of the Year, 2013 Trail Shoe of the Year.
Heel Support Features
The Pearl Izumi EM N2 v2 trail shoe has a slightly rounded heel and a good heel cup to keep your foot nice and stable on uneven terrain. I think the women-specific fit also makes a difference–it’s nice to have a shoe designed specifically for a women’s foot. One thing I did notice though is that when I put my orthotics in the Pearl Izumi trail shoes my heel feels like it’s just at the outer limits of sliding out, so keep that in mind if you wear orthotics.
Overall Impressions
Overall, I think that the Pearl Izumi EM N2 v2 is a great lightweight trail shoe to add to your arsenal. It has good cushioning, heel support, a rock plate, and other nice features without being too heavy on your foot. You can check out more details on the shoe HERE. I typically wear an 8.5 in running shoes, and that’s what fit best in this shoe.
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