Specialized S-Works EXOS Shoes Review

The Specialized S-Works EXOS shoes are performance-infused, lightweight race slippers for both the elite-level cyclist and gram counter, writes Aaron Borrill

Specialized S-Works EXOS shoes
(Image: © Aaron Borrill)

Cyclingnews Verdict

Comfortable and incredibly stiff, the S-Works EXOS are the lightest Boa-equipped cycling shoe ever made

Pros

  • +

    Impressively stiff and light

  • +

    Space-age materials

  • +

    Unique aesthetics

  • +

    Non-slip replaceable heel tread

Cons

  • -

    Price

  • -

    Thin material prone to scuffs and damage

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The lightweight road cycling shoe war has become an increasingly heated space over the past few years with Giro and Specialized regularly trading blows in search of the featheriest road shoe on the market. 

The S-Works EXOS is Specialized's latest offering - designed to mesmerise and equip its wearer with almost gravity-defying levels of performance, and a clear edge over its rivals. It's available in two distinct guises, differing by way of retention system - in this case the choice of Boa or lace-up. The limited-edition lace-up version is naturally the lighter of the two models weighing in at just 99g per shoe but they're all sold out. What we've got here, however, are the Specialized EXOS Boa-equipped model (150g) which is essentially the same thing sans laces, the extra 51g coming from the retention system and marginally heavier carbon outsole. 

Aaron Borrill

Aaron was the Tech Editor Cyclingnews between July 2019 and June 2022. He was born and raised in South Africa, where he completed his BA honours at the University of Cape Town before embarking on a career in journalism. Throughout this career, Aaron has spent almost two decades writing about bikes, cars, and anything else with wheels. Prior to joining the Cyclingnews team, his experience spanned a stint as Gear & Digital editor of Bicycling magazine, as well as a time at TopCar as Associate Editor. 

Now based in the UK's Surrey Hills, Aaron's life revolves around bikes. He's a competitive racer, Stravaholic, and Zwift enthusiast. He’s twice ridden the Cape Epic, completed the Haute Route Alps, and represented South Africa in the 2022 Zwift eSports World Championships.

Height: 175cm

Weight: 61.5kg

Rides: Cannondale SuperSlice Disc Di2 TT, Cannondale Supersix Evo Dura-Ace Rim, Cannondale Supersix Evo Ultegra Di2 Disc, Trek Procaliber 9.9 MTB