Submitted by
D4v1d
a Cross Country Rider
from Portugal Date Reviewed: October 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
MZbike
Strengths:
A sola realmente mt dura, o que da uma boa plataforma para a pedalada.
Weaknesses:
O ajuste ao pe, o que prejudica em muito o conforto apos umas horas a pedalar.
Similar Products Used:
Sidi SRS Carbon
Bike Setup:
Epic S-Works Catbon com Full XTR.
Bottom Line:
Tenho saudades das minhas velhinhas Sidi, logo que possa faço novo envestimento, mas numas SIDI
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryman
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise Date Reviewed: September 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
anything singletrack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$260.00
Purchased At:
Georges Cycles
Strengths:
stiffness
Weaknesses:
Ratchet mechanism that tightens the cable. Bolt came out of mechanism and couldn't get the cable rewound around the ratchet mechanism. Had to cut the cables and duct tape the cables to continue the ride. Ended up buying shoelaces and threading shoelace through the grommets on the shoe.
Similar Products Used:
SIDI's (much better design)
Bike Setup:
Titus Switchblade
Bottom Line:
Look elsewhere for a trail shoe. Ratchet mechanism fails too easy and can't be worked on while on the trail. Specialized must have a special tool to tighten the bolts on the ratchet mechanism on these shoes. Once the ratchet fails or pops off the tension on the cable is gone with no way to tighten the shoe back up. Impossible to rewind the cable around the ratchet mechanism.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Botanique
a Cross Country Rider
from Brussels, Belgium Date Reviewed: September 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Powerlines, Squamish
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
HotWheelz Spesh Conc
Strengths:
Ultralight, incredibly comfortable shoes, literally feel like your wearing slippers from a comfort standpoint
Weaknesses:
The ratchet for the tightening cable is vulnerable to trail damage.
Similar Products Used:
Sidi, Shimano MTB shoes
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper S Works FSR Carbon (2008), Scott Genius RC 20, Scott Ransom 10
Bottom Line:
Great shoes with flawless power transfer. Very light, and cool to wear in warm weather. I also wore these on a miserable rainy day for a four hour ride and never felt squishy or uncomfortable. I blew one of the ratchet wheels right off when my foot banged a rock riding Pinocchio's Toys at Whistler which was a big p/o on shoes of this price, but Spesh had a Team tent in the village (Crank Worx Week) and fixed me right up. Thanks Specialized!
These shoes are as good as Sidis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bellullabob
a Racer
from Rhode Island Date Reviewed: August 27, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Castor Bikes
Bottom Line:
I had to send these back for a 1/2 size increase. The reviews below are right: make sure you order 1/2 bigger than normal. My lbs did not have these in my size so I tried other specialized models and fit a 43 comfortably but when the s-works arrived they were just a tad too tight. I wanted to post this incase someone was thinking of ordering these w/out trying them on...I'll will do a full review next week or so after riding in them
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DanB1978
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: June 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
This is fior the 2008 model. Superb fit, extremely comfortable, very light and look the business in black and silver.
Weaknesses:
High price may put some people off but they really are that good! Sizing is a little out, I'm normally a 45 in Shimano but had to go for a 46 in these.
Similar Products Used:
Various Shimano shoes 225's etc
Bike Setup:
Upgraded Cannondale Rush
Bottom Line:
Superb shoe thats really light and comfortable, the best I have used. I will buy another pair when these wear out, just watch the sizing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anthony
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: March 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
so far in my life: Hazzard / porq upper, lower
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
I agree with all fit comments so far. the 2008 verison is superlight and the foot bed is amazing. The Boa system works well so far and I was surprised to see the lace is steel. I have narrow feet and these shoes are the most comfortable I have worn ( based on roller miles until the snow melts )
Weaknesses:
If you are ordering these in without trying as I did as my LBS did not stock my size make sure you try them on first as the US sizing is wacked. I call Special Ed to voice my comments and was told " go with one euro size bigger than your used to " ? It is expensive but then again so was the Sidi's I was considering. Not impressed with Special Ed's reply
Similar Products Used:
Nike Carneso just fell apart after 2 hard years of use. Prior I had ShimaNO's
Bike Setup:
xc mainly
Bottom Line:
I am happy with the shoe so far, but wish the sizing would be clearer for those of us not firtunate enough to have a LBS with a bunch of 45's and 46's kicking around to try. I really like the fit and the insole and no more hot spots on the top of my foot from the traditional ratchet systems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Van Simmons
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna Niguel, CA Date Reviewed: September 4, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
Rock n Road
Strengths:
Very secure, very comfortable, stable platform
Weaknesses:
gets hot (not the best ventilation), a tad pricey
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Sidi
Bike Setup:
Candy SL's
Bottom Line:
I have the new 08 model, which do not have the same rachet problems as the 07. I wanted to love the Sidi Dominators or Dragon 2's, but the Specialized just was way more comfortable. By far the best shoes I have ever had.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jordan
a Racer
from Wellington New Zealand Date Reviewed: August 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
swigg starfish Makara
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$255.00
Purchased At:
cyclestore.co.uk
Strengths:
Lightweight, stiff, comfy
Weaknesses:
Exspensive
Similar Products Used:
Shimanoe M225 and few other brands
Bike Setup:
giant xtc carbon, ztr wheels
Bottom Line:
These shoes are by far the best i have ever used. Stiff and really comfortable. Did i say light mine are size 44euro and weigh 720g on my scale compared to 1020g for my 45euro shmanoe m225. Best shoes ever 5 chillies for these
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from St Kilda, VIC, Australia Date Reviewed: July 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Hampton Cycles
Strengths:
These shoes fit great. Super light and the BOA closure system is not just a gimick. It closes and opens quickly and with perfectly even tension over the top of your foot. Also micro adjustable on the fly. High performance foot beds seem to work great. No more pins and needles. Mine are white (not for long) and certainly look pretty sharp. I was told this colour only available in Australia.
Weaknesses:
None as yet. Bit worried about the durability of the BOA dial but will have to wait and see. Very pricey at around $400 Australian.
Similar Products Used:
BG Comp. Great shoe but died of old age. Also found the latch was increasingly annoying to release.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Caffeine 2 stock except for new tires. Awesome bike...get one now. Switched from full suss to hardtail and will never look back.
Bottom Line:
These shoes look, work and feel the business. If you don't mind spending some cash get some. Only time will tell in terms of durability.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GUI SPIHER
a
from WINSTON SALEM Date Reviewed: May 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
DARK MOUNTAIN
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
PAULS SCHWINN
Strengths:
Yes as all above reviews have stated. Comfy, Excellent power transfer to the pedal, Stiff, Durable,. Pauls and Specialized have been excellent in standing by an excellent Specialized product.
Weaknesses:
They are expensive. Trailside vegetation can reach up and grab the release and next thing you know your shoe is like ready to fall off your foot and all--Yo?? Not cool but hey Specialized is a West Coast Company and they probably don't take into account that us NC riders ride in a temperate rain forest (PISGAH) Durability. Mine are trashed but still functional.
Similar Products Used:
Sidi, Diadora Shim. etc.
Bike Setup:
BMC say no more
Bottom Line:
Great but they should cost less. My ratcheting lock system broke on my one shoe and Pauls Schwinn and the big red S was good with a repair but it should not have broken. THats my take anyhow. Shoes fit excellent and work with any clipless system as well they should. I have in fact torn up the side guards on both shoes due to rubbing the chainstays and crankarms on the bike by using Egg Beaters high float pedals. Shoes should have been more durable.Bottom Line. I ride a lot. I ride fast. I race. I beat the SNOT out of components. Yeah, big deal so do pro racers. I think that these are excellent shoes they lack for nothing but I tell you now, mine show the wear and tear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clay
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: February 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
White ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
Sports Garage
Strengths:
Stiff sole, extremely comfortable, easy on/off cable and rachet
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
BG Pro, Shimano
Bike Setup:
FSR Anniversay, S works Enduro
Bottom Line:
I was very happy for 4 years with my BG pro's so I thought I'd try the top of the line new shoe instead of a Euro shoe. I've got roughly 8 hrs on the shoe and it gets better and better. It fits perfect (narrow feet) has good venting but also has kept my feet warm this winter with a basic thin riding sock. Highly recommend it to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Littleton Date Reviewed: October 7, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lightest shoe, ever. BOA system is unreal! The most comfortable shoe ever to grace my foot. High performance footbeds arnt a gimmick, stuff really works! Ultra stiff, and super cumfy!
Weaknesses:
I know they would get dirty quick, but make it white like the road shoe!
Similar Products Used:
Diadora, Answer, Sidi
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro
Bottom Line:
Best shoe ever, look no further
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Sonoma County Date Reviewed: May 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
orchard trail annadel state park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$274.00
Purchased At:
Nor Cal bike sport.
Strengths:
very, very light. This shoe has a really stiff sole as well. this shoe is good for climbs and has great power tranfer. Has a nice fit, the wire laces on this are cool it makes for very easy ins and outs. Body geometry is not a gimmic this shoe is one of the best that I've owned for riding.
Weaknesses:
$$$$$$ Very Pricey $$$$$$$, American sizing is off. On most shoes if you wear a 9.5 you get a 43 euro size. The sizing here with a 9.5 you get a 42.5 euro size too small. So I learned the hard way. This is my second set of shoes. The first is too small and I can't return them because I've already rode in them. So ebay here I come.
Similar Products Used:
7 year old pair of grimey diadora mtb shoes.
Bike Setup:
specialized epic marathon with float R brain, xt discs and sram shifters and rear derailuer, easton monkey light riser bars, fox f100 r front fork. Mavic crossmax xl wheelset, and vetta v100 wireless computer.
Bottom Line:
Really good shoe, runs small. So don't make the mistake I did, try them on. Try a few sizes to boot. So if your looking for a comfy roomy toe and very light and stiff XC shoe this is your shoe...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 275.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
