Specialized road shoes: Which pair is right for you?

Torch 1.0 | £99.99

The Torch 1.0 shoes offer a Body Geometry sole and footbed designed and scientifically tested to boost power, increase efficiency, and reduce chance of injury by optimising hip, knee, and foot alignment.  With an injection moulded nylon sole that is moderately stiff with about half the stiffness rating of the highest end performance shoes in the range. While this might not be what you are looking for if you are aiming to win a Tour de France sprint stage if you are less about performance and more about long days in the saddle touring these soles will help reduce vibration passed from the road to your feet. Paired with a perforated synthetic upper to help with ventilation, a Boa L6 dial and velcro strap for fit there is plenty of adjustment. 

Torch 2.0 | £175.00

With the increase in price you gain Specialized’s medium stiffness carbon sole, rated at 7.0 compared to 6.0 of the Torch 1.0. Designed all about comfort, comfort and performance the Torch 2.0 has a mesh and TPU upper to allow more wiggle room in the toe box for a less constrictive fit. These also feature a single upgraded Boa IP1 dial which feature micro adjustment in both directions over the L6 featured on the 1.0 that micro adjusts to tighten but not to loosen. 

Torch 3.0 | £230.00

These are reminiscent of the top of the line S-Works shoe from only a few years ago, and they sit at the top of the Torch line. These are the most performance orientated shoe within this range. As feature-packed as the top of the line shoe but at a more reasonable price, with the carbon FACT sole moving up another 1.5 points to 8.5. You start to look at some features that are more orientated to performance riders such as dual S2-SV Boas with dual direction adjustment for a micro-adjustable fit across more of the upper.  A mix of TPU, mesh and synthetic materials are thermo bonded together in specific zones to create this upper that offers a fit and adjustability that can really be locked down while retaining support for all-day comfort.

S-Works 7 | £370.00

Now you’re talking about the gold standard in performance shoes with WorldTour winning credentials to back it up. One of, if not the most popular single model of shoe amongst the pro peloton, you’ll see this shoe everywhere under professional riders. From the bottom up the shoe features an updated Fact Powerline sole, introduced with this model, boasting a stiffness of 15.0. While this may not be relevant when comparing brands, it is all relative if looking at other shoes within the range. The upper features another new material for Specialized with the use of Dyneema Mesh, an unstretchable fibre to create no stretch zones so you can really get a sock like fit with the upper. The Padlock heel is a reinforced plastic up that cups the whole of you heel to give unrivalled support and reduced heel lift. One noticeable improvement over the previous S-Works 6 is the level of padding on the tongue, with a plush thick tongue to make sure when you really crank them down they don’t crush your feet. The newest S3-Snap dials with an exclusive knurled aluminium dial mean you can even adjust the shoes through over shoes with gloves on. 

S-Works Ares | £375.00

The newest addition to the range features the same FACT Powerline sole as the S-Works 7 for a reassuringly stiff foundation, the upper is a complete reimagining of the cycling shoe. Featuring a full sock design reinforced with Dyneema with a wrap-around attachment system to reduce foot roll, lock in metatarsals and reduce pressure on the tendons in your foot. Heel support is taken care by the same Padlock heel as on the 7’s. Early reviews suggest that the shoe is very supporting even with the newest Boa Li2 fit system worn loosely and that it can be cranked right up with an even pressure if you really want that rock-solid connection to the bike. If you’re looking for a no-compromise race shoe within Specialized’s range you’ll most likely be choosing between the 7’s and the Ares.

S-Works Vent | £399.00

Launched at the Tour de France last year, the S-Works Vent combines the sole from the EXOS with the upper from the 7’s but with an eye to increased ventilation for the hottest days on the bike. The carbon sole on this model and the Exos is noticeable more svelte compared to the girder like sole on the 7’s and the Ares, featuring mesh covered vents for more airflow and coming in with a stiffness index of 13. from a distance the upper is very reminiscent of the 7 featuring the same Padlock heel cup and Boa S3 snap dials but up close you’ll notice the toe box has a forward facing vent to help direct airflow straight into the shoe and strategically placed mesh panels to allow you feet to breathe in even the hottest conditions. 

S-Works EXOS | £450.00

“The lightest shoes to ever for with a Boa dial”. Given the price and exclusivity, they’re a bit of a rarity, and they're seen on the feet of Specialized sponsored riders when the road points up. There’s a 6.8kg weight limit on bikes but no such limit applies to footwear of clothing.

At a claimed 280g a pair you’re just over half the weight of a single S-works 7. The shoes feature a complete Dyneema mesh upper, a single Boa IP1 dial and the same Fact Powerline 13.0 sole as the Vent. If the number one priority on your list for footwear is weight, this shoe outshines everything on the market apart from a complete custom shoe.