The Pearl Izumi Tri Fly Select v6 Triathlon Shoe is designed as a feature-rich entry-level foot component. It has features that triathletes of all levels appreciate, while keeping the price accessible for those who are warily dipping their toes in the three-sport waters.

First thing to note is the sole has mounting bolts for both SPD-style and three-bolt cleats. In other words, it can work with road or mtb/hybrid pedals.

The sole is a composite Power Plate with a stiffness rating of 8. It’s stiff, but not super stiff. Part of the reason for the sole stiffness is that Pearl has designed in several sole vents, to keep your dogs from overheating. They call it Direct-Vent, and it’s both in front and behind the forefoot power plate which is made of carbon.

The upper is also well-vented. It’s a bonded seamless upper that has many mesh windows to let your feet breathes. That it’s seamless means you can also go sockless, which is a tri’ tradition. At the back, the heel pull is offset and oversized to meet the demands of getting shoes on in a hurry. The two-strap system features an oversized main strap, which has tabs so it easily remains in the open position, and then just as easily can be pulled closed. The second strap is of the set-and-forget variety:  you’ll get it in you first few rides and it will stay after that.

The Pearl Izumi Try Fly Select v6 Triathlon shoe makes those first triathlons easy.