Pearl Izumi EM ROAD M3 Shoe General Info

The Pearl Izumi Road M3 v2 is the enhanced version of the Company’s moderate stability and plush cushioned shoe in the Emotion lineup.

Improvements have helped eliminate sizing issues, created more forefoot volume, enhanced ride cushioning, and increased the durability of the shoe.

The shoe provides uniform stability in a smooth plush ride that is surprisingly light despite its hefty appearance.

Pearl Izumi EM ROAD M3 Sole Info

The M3 v2 as part of the Emotion line still carries the dynamic offset geometry which gives the sole unit its rocker shape. For this version Pearl Izumi has added more energy foam material to the heel and mid foot areas.

This has improved cushioning in the heel to lessen impact while adding to the density to the medial post to further correct overpronation.

The effectiveness of the offset geometry banded with the efficient and inconspicuous stability give this shoe an extremely smooth transition.

The only drawback to this is that it has added more weight coming in around 1 oz. heavier. The cushioning of the shoe is nice and plush and feels just right.

Running in the shoe for the first time the cushioning isn’t springy like a trampoline nor did it feel like I was running on a marshmallow either.

The cushioning just seems to meet you especially when tempo increases as shoe seems to firm up but was never harsh.

For this version Pearl Izumi has drifted away from the using the one-piece midsole outsole. Blown rubber has been placed in the forefoot and carbon rubber now adorns the heel of the outsole.

This not only has increased the durability of the shoe, but also I feel has helped with traction and versatility as I found the shoe to handle quite well on easy less technical trails.

Pearl Izumi EM ROAD M3 Upper Info

The Road M3 v2 as with all the shoes in the Emotion series feature a one piece seamless upper with very similar mesh materials found in the first version.

The v2, since it is a new version after all, does have a few changes. Additional Welded overlays have been added to this shoe both externally and internally to the midfoot.

This has created and cage or saddle of sorts to the mid foot of the shoe giving it a nice snug and comfortable fit. The heel collar of the shoe is nicely padded and was well suited for long distances keeping my foot locked in.

Not having ran in the first version and going strictly off comparison and my general experience with other Pearl Izumi shoes it seems that changes in the toebox have been made in this version.

The toebox takes on a more rounded anatomical design which gave the shoe a roomy area for my toes to splay comfortably.

In addition, I think that the stick length has also been increased as the shoes fit true to size; which is something that I have always struggled with running in Pearl Izumi shoes as I find them to run about a ½ size small.

Pearl Izumi EM ROAD M3 Conclusions

I definitely feel that Pearl Izumi has stepped their game to be a serious shoe maker, and are really putting together shoes that have a lot of runner input influencing them.

The M3 v2. Is very evident of that. From its remarkable fit, smooth flowing well cushioned ride, and its comfortable and effective pronation control make it a great choice for demanding long runs or even daily short quick runs.

The M3 definitely provided me with a comfortable and pleasurable running experience.

We thank the nice people at Pearl Izumi for sending us a pair of EM ROAD M3 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.