Tapered behind the ball of the foot
"Good looking MTB shoe that can be used with or without clips but narrower in the mid foot than in front of the ball of the foot. Unfortunately did not fit me, so will be returning."

Overall rating: 4.0416665 / 5 from 24 reviews.
The Pearl Izumi X-Alp Seek VII MTB Cycling Shoe offers efficient power transfer and all-day comfort with its fiberglass injected composite shank and EVA midsole. While opinions on fit and size vary, the shoe's clean look and SPD compatibility are widely praised.
Review topics: [shipping, color, fit, shoes, size, looks, show, service].
"Good looking MTB shoe that can be used with or without clips but narrower in the mid foot than in front of the ball of the foot. Unfortunately did not fit me, so will be returning."
"I now see a note has been added to these to say they are 2 sizes smaller than the sizing chart. Why not correct the sizing chart. I emailed per their procedure about how to return them and no one responded. That note should be at the top of the listing and in big bold print. Now I am stuck with shoes that don’t fit. I won’t but from them again."
"Definitely runs small, would order 1 size up. We are talking maybe .25 inch short but toes are crammed against the end. Orange color is nice though!"
"Great shoes and they look good, too! Love the bright color. I have wide feet and these are more narrow. I am exchanging for next size up."
"The Pearl Izumi X-Alp Seek VII MTB Shoe is good looking and well made but the 40EU did not fit my women's 8.5, at least 1/2 size too small"
"The shoe is pretty and appears well made if it fit. The sizing is way off. I wear a Euro size 38, the 38's are probably a 36 so I've reordered an EU 40. Shipping to me cost $8, shipping back cost $22. So I've spent $30 in shipping for a $40 shoe. I will not be using shoe and clothing companies any longer that do not cover return shipping."
"Very well made shoe, which I find to be typical Pearl Izumi quality. Did not disappoint. They do seem to run small though compared to my older PI shoes."