Beyond the trails most traveled lay miles of untouched hero dirt, undulating berms and chunky rock gardens waiting to be tamed, and with the Pearl Izumi X-ALP Launch Mountain Bike Shoes you can take your place as the Matador. These kicks give you the confidence you need to conquer the wild backcountry, and with the stiff composure, confidence, and tacky grip that you need to keep locked into the bike while you push further beyond your limits. This unyielding support comes largely from the bonded, seamless uppers that hug your foot into place, and stiff soles that give you true security while you book it up winding deer trails on bike, or on foot, diving into your adventure. The X-Alp Launch combines the best of both worlds, with a stiff sole for direct power transfer, and serious grip that locks your footing into the trail when you're off the bike. Its built with an EVA midsole that cushions blows from sharp rocks, and a dual-compound Vibram Megagrip outsole that holds true to the dirt under foot. The lugs are designed with open an chevron shaped pattern, directionally placed to give you braking power in the heel, and propelling power in the toe while maintaining surefooted grip. Even the pedal zone features Vibram Megagrip with siping to keep mud away to help your sole lock into the pins without slipping in sketchy hair-pin turns.