So I went into my LBS yesterday, about as rare an event as finding weapons grade plutonium on the sidewalk in The West Bank, to try on some new Sidi’s. Of course they had about 5 pairs total so nothing from 43-46. Hey we have these new S-Works try these.
WOW! That closure system, BOA if memory serves, is so evenly tensioned and smoother from toe to heel it’s amazing. They didn’t have my size, but only being 1 too big I can only imagine how the 43 will feel.
I looked on the Spec. site and found there are a few different models with that system. Anyone here own the Comp or Expert which is about half the price of the S-Works? Opinions? Art’s Cyclery has them for $150 to the door and I’m thinking about a pair, but wanted to see if anyone here had some miles in the lower end models.
I am a big fan of Specialized shoes - they are great if they fit your foot. The S-Works shoe is definately worth the coin if you can afford it. No opinion on the lower model road shoes but I have middle of the road tri shoes and middle of the road mtn shoes and they both have been great.
I could feel an amazing difference in the toe box as well, they were just a bit too long at 44. I have yet to find a shoe that snugged up to my weird foot in that fashion. Maybe it’s not the closure system, but the shoe desing? Either way it’s sweetness.
Like so many high end shoes you are paying for a ‘Saxo’ logo, shiny veneer or something else that isn’t functional. Not sure if that is the case from S-Works down to the Comp, but they look to be the same design, just infinitely less flashy which is also more my style.
They felt awesome in the store and for the first few rides. Then I developed a metatarsal pain in my left foot, that kept coming back after a few hours in them. The pain went away going back to my other pair of shoes (Trivents, so I have nothing against Specialized), and came back when I gave the S-Works another shot. So it’s definitely the shoes. Probably too snug for my feet in the toe box.
Also I do think they’re a bit (!) pricey. You can get fully custom shoes for that price.
I have both the S Works and the Pro model in the same size. The S Works has less room overall in the upper and a smaller toe box. It feels a lot different but ultimately the same fit. The Pro has more room in the toe box and is a bit bigger all around. I like them both quite a bit but ulimately the Pro more. That’s a personal thing though, I think they are both equally nice. I’m not sure what the difference is in the lower models beyond the lack of carbon sole.
Ok great news thanks. I tried the Pro model on and was mistaken, was not the S-works.
Do you feel the BOA system is one or part of the reason for the comfort? Really…the difference between the Pro and the Sidi Genius for me was like comparing apples and oranges.
The Specialized S-Works road shoes are the best all around cycling shoes on the market(if they fit your foot) - even for triathletes.
Very light. The boa closure is amazing - easy on easy off, plus the ability to micro-adjust fit and feel on the fly.
Once you have and start using this shoe, you’ll wonder why you had other shoes.
Note on price. It amazes me that many triathletes and cyclists pay thousands of dollars for a bike, more dollars to be properly fit and more dollars for all kinds of other stuff for the bike, yet on this one critical point of contact with the bike - where your energy is actually transferred to the bike - they go cheap! This is not a place to skimp and save - get the best fitting and most ergonomically correct cycling shoes for you, you can get. Ever notice the Pro Roadies will change bikes and bike sponsors regularly but they’ll stay with the same shoe sponsor/supplier for as long as they can!!
Edit: Yes the best cycling shoes are expensive, but if well taken care of, they will last for years. I have a 2 year old pair of S-works road shoes that are heading into their third season of moderate to heavy use.
I have both the S-Works and one of the lower versions. The S-Works has the Boa and the other just has a strap and velcro. Both are few years old now.
Like them both a lot, but LOVE the S-Works. It fits my foot perfectly (I have a narrow foot). For me the ebst thing I can say about 'em is that I put 'em on and forget about them.
Prior to those two, I had a pair of S-Works (also BOA) that were silver w/ a silver carbon sole. I liked these as well, but were wider than my two current pairs. Also, the heel pad began to crumble / disintegrate rather quickly which left we wearing down the carbon on the sole. Have not had that issue since.
In my experience, the BOA cuff system is a “love it or hate it” system. Some find the tension adjustment perfect, others find it too inconsistent ot too tight. Shoes are like saddles…there is no “right” answer and you gotta try a few to find what works for you.
I have absolutely no qualms about paying for quality, but I DO NOT pay for fancy blingy things that do nothing for performance. The LBS guy couldn’t give me one discernible difference from the S-Works to the Comp other than one extra BOA closure vs. a velcro at the toe…for more than 2 1/2x the price? Just making sure I’m not paying for a Specialized marketing campaign with the extra 200 price diff.
As I said - worry less about price and focus on fit and performance. These will last you for a very long time if well taken care of. High end cycling shoes are a deal, compared to similar quality running shoes which if you are lucky last 4 - 6 months tops!!
The S-works shoes are lighter. Use higher-end more supple materials in the construction of the shoe, thus yield a better more long lasting fit once broken in.
I have the 2011 S-Works from R&A Cycles. I tried on both shoes.
Here is the difference: micro tension adjustment versus crude macro adjustment.
When riding for more than 2 hours, my feet swell. When I first start my ride I tighten both of the boa systems on the s-works. When my feet get a bit tight, I just loosen by 1 or 2 clicks the tension from the boa that seems to be giving me pressure. With other velcro shoes, it might take multiple adjustments to get the feeling right.
This might not be a problem for an oly bike split, but for 70.3 and full IM, this could be a big difference.
And I have played around with transitioning with the s-works with the shoes on the pedals. Very easy to do. Just have the boa completely loose when getting on the bike and crank them down when you get the foot in the shoes. Not hard, even with wet feet.
Yeah, the Boa has a nice smooth feel over the whole foot. A few times I’ve felt it wasn’t tight enough and then I put my foot to sleep! Instead of having a definite pressure (like using a toe clip strap on a shoe. Does that date me?) the Boa uses the whole upper to tighten down. It’s a really nice system although I find I have to adjust it 3-4 times each ride. It seems like it settles in over the course of a ride such that it’s too loose at the start.
I have the 2011 S-Works from R&A Cycles. I tried on both shoes.
Here is the difference: micro tension adjustment versus crude macro adjustment.
When riding for more than 2 hours, my feet swell. When I first start my ride I tighten both of the boa systems on the s-works. When my feet get a bit tight, I just loosen by 1 or 2 clicks the tension from the boa that seems to be giving me pressure. With other velcro shoes, it might take multiple adjustments to get the feeling right.
This might not be a problem for an oly bike split, but for 70.3 and full IM, this could be a big difference.
And I have played around with transitioning with the s-works with the shoes on the pedals. Very easy to do. Just have the boa completely loose when getting on the bike and crank them down when you get the foot in the shoes. Not hard, even with wet feet.
Ok that makes sense to me…you are referring to the extra BOA at the bottom vs. a velcro right? The LBS guy was about as bright as a 5 watt light bulb and was pointing out logos and color diffs.
Just need to get the LBS to stock a 43 or 44 in each so I can feel the diff. I was watching a vid clip of Andy and Fab testing out their new Shivs and those guys were on the BOA with velcro toe so I can’t imagine they would be riding a de-featured S-Works unless it was a fit issue?
I borrowed a pair with the BOA system for a 2-day race once and am very impressed. I’ve never felt more secure in a shoe. My next pair will be BOA if I can swing it.
After trying Sidi’s and S-Works, I ended up going with Sidi based on looks. During the month break in period, I regretted not going with the S-Works which were instant comfort. Oh well, next time…
LOL, actually, those are the S-Works LTD that they made last year for Saxo team. The 2009 model was the last to have the top boa bottom velcro strap I think. I could be wrong. I have friends that swear by the 2009 version and go WAY out of their way to get the older versions.
I just like being able to fine tune my foot pleasure knowing I have to run long distance after the bike. Pretty sure andy and fab aren’t taking off for a brick anytime soon.
Oh ok gotcha. Yea my triathlon days are over and back to roadie only so no running for me at T2…it’s Miller Time and Reef’s with the built in bottle cap opener on the bottom;)
You should do a RAGNAR relay. The finishers medal is a large can opener. And I have the old reef’s that only have one shoe with an opener. I saw the new versions and both flip-flops have openers on them now. I guess for when you get so loaded and lose a shoe that you still have another shoe to open your beer.