I’m trying to decide between 3 shoes: Specialized s-works, Northwave evo sbs or bont a-1
I was using the Specialized trivent 42 and they were small for me. I was touching with my toes on the front.
What do you recommend the size for each of the options above?
oh geez, completely different shoes!!
-Specialized and Northwave are pretty similar. I’m almost inclined to say the Northwave have a better feature set but they are both really really top notch shoes and a great value. Both fit on the narrower side (which is weird as NW are usually wide). The Specialized have a bit easier to grab heel tap/loop but the Northwaves are easier to get into due to a simpler closure system.
-Bonts are a whole different fit. I personally fit well in narrow Sidis, Specialized and I just got the Northwaves. I also just tried out the Bont Sub 9 (tried on the A-1 as well) and they are a MUCH MUCH MUCH wider higher volume fit than the other two. They also run a bit shorter. You’ll likely need a full size up in the Bonts. If you fit the Specialized now and like them I can’t really imagine you liking the Bonts. The Bonts are insanely stiff and light though.
Thanks for the answer!
What about the size? Would it be good to order the s-works in 43 or the Northwave 42.5/43?
I’d say go up to a 43, wait for some other opinions though if you can’t try them on.
+1 for NW shoes. They’re high quality in their construction and for me, very comfortable. Keep in mind that they are somewhat wider in the forefoot than many other brands.
I’ve been using a Northwave shoe that was the equivalent of the current Typhoon SBS (I don’t remember what it’s called since they don’t make it any more) and wear a size 42. Recently I picked up the NW Tribute. The size 42 was too short and similar to your experience with the Specialized, my toes were hitting the end on every downstroke. I sized up to the 43, and although they’re not quite as snug as my NW road shoes, they fit fine. There’s also enough room on the straps to clamp it down pretty tight.
Good luck!
I have trivents and like them, but my toe pushes against the inside of the toe box (my big toe is longer than my second toe). I purchased a pair of bont a2s and I absolutely love them.
My trivents are 42 and my bonts are 43.
Now Bont A-1, Bont A-2 or Northwave Evolution SBS?
X2 on the specialized and NW shoes… I use both the s-works boa and the northwave tribute and I couldnt be happier with either. The specialized is more form fitting to my long/narrow foot because of the boa system but other than that I enjoy wearing both.
The Specialized have a bit easier to grab heel tap/loop
You must be thinking of a different shoe. The S-Works road shoe has no loop/tab on the heel. But, it is an awesome shoe!
oh geez, completely different shoes!!
-Specialized and Northwave are pretty similar. I’m almost inclined to say the Northwave have a better feature set but they are both really really top notch shoes and a great value. Both fit on the narrower side (which is weird as NW are usually wide). The Specialized have a bit easier to grab heel tap/loop but the Northwaves are easier to get into due to a simpler closure system.
-Bonts are a whole different fit. I personally fit well in narrow Sidis, Specialized and I just got the Northwaves. I also just tried out the Bont Sub 9 (tried on the A-1 as well) and they are a MUCH MUCH MUCH wider higher volume fit than the other two. They also run a bit shorter. You’ll likely need a full size up in the Bonts. If you fit the Specialized now and like them I can’t really imagine you liking the Bonts. The Bonts are insanely stiff and light though.
+1 I wear 42 in Sidi and Specialized and had to go up to 42.5 in Bonts since they are so short. The Bont moldable fit is a love it or hate it thing; the fit is very unconventional (but if it works for you, you have a superlight, ridiculously stiff and well fitted shoe).
Specialized S-Works
I wanted to report a very happy ending. My 2011 S-Works shoe’s Boa closure broke the other day prior to a race. Whereas most people seem to have problems with the very replaceable boa ratchet, my problem was with the piece that the ratchet screws into that is sewn into the shoe broke. It is just a plastic piece that the metal screws fastens itself to.
I have been wearing Specialized shoes for the last four years and absolutely love both pairs I have owned. I have only had the S-Works for around 8 months and love the fit the boa gives my narrow feet. They are also designed very well and have held up well.
I was very concerned that they wouldn’t warranty them, but I went into my LBS and walked out with a new pair. I really have grown to like design and fit of the Specialized accessories, but now I am a believer in the company as well. They really stand behind their products and I am very impressed.