Review: Specialized S-Works Recon Shoe
The S-Works Recon replaces Specialized's S-Works XC shoe as a more versatile yet still high-performance option for trail riding, XC racing, or cyclocross. The shoe was designed to be ultra-light and ultra-stiff, while still remaining comfortable enough for long days of pedaling.
Of course, light and stiff products often have a hefty price tag, and these shoes are no exception at $425 USD. They're available in sizes 36 - 49 in either the black version shown here or in an extra bright 'Rocket Red.'
Of course, light and stiff products often have a hefty price tag, and these shoes are no exception at $425 USD. They're available in sizes 36 - 49 in either the black version shown here or in an extra bright 'Rocket Red.'
S-Works Recon Details
• Carbon outsole
• Alloy BOA dials
• Reinforced toe
• Ultra stiff (13.0 stiffness index)
• Shaped heel cup
• Colors: black, red
• 605g (pair, size 43.5)
• $425 USD
• www.specialized.com
• Carbon outsole
• Alloy BOA dials
• Reinforced toe
• Ultra stiff (13.0 stiffness index)
• Shaped heel cup
• Colors: black, red
• 605g (pair, size 43.5)
• $425 USD
• www.specialized.com
Specialized's SlipNot rubber gives the Recon a lot of grip on most surfaces.
The shoe is well constructed with a layer of Dyneema mesh between other layers of stretching mesh that allow for movement and comfort while still providing a secure fit.
Construction
That Recon shoes are the stiffest in Specialized's off-road lineup, thanks to the carbon plate that runs the length of the shoe. There's Slipknot rubber on top of that plate at the toe, heel, and around the cleat mounting area for off-bike traction, and it's also possible to screw in toe spikes if things get extra treacherous.
Specialized incorporated the Padlock heel cup that was developed for their S-Works XC and road shoes while carrying over some of the comforts of the lace-up Recon. There's a reinforced toe to help when the inevitable rock strike happens, and the entire outside of the shoe is robustly built and abrasion resistant.
Specialized uses their Body Geometry footbeds in the shoe, and claim that their design provides a great deal of power and efficiency while also reducing the risk of injury. The outsole of the shoe features bonded seams that are held together by alloy Boa dials, which are adjustable in one-millimeter increments.
The S-Works Recon (left) and the previous generation lace-up Recon (right).
After several months in the shoes, there's very minimal wear on the bottom, despite numerous strolls across creeks and up various terrain unfit to ride.
Comparing the wear to the older Recon shoe, which I have put twenty times as many rides on, I expect the new S-Works Recon to last just as long.
On the Bike Performance
I was pleased to see a new version of the Recon come out. The previous version was my go-to for whenever I didn't quite know what type of ride I was getting into, and I've also had a lot of success with the fit of Specialized's shoes. I have a slightly narrow foot and some weird arch stuff going on, so I'm always on the hunt for shoes that fit well and provide ample support for my foot.
It's worth noting that Specialized also have several different footbeds and shims available for their shoes which help with knee and foot alignment. I always end up swapping out their standard footbeds, which do have more support compared to most other footbeds from other brands, for their next level up of support along with a wedge shim in my left shoe which remedies issues. I transfer this set up to whatever shoes I'm riding and it's a huge boost in comfort, especially on long rides.
For the first several rides, I struggled to get the top of the tongue on the shoes to be comfortable. It felt as if it was digging into the top of my foot and this persisted no matter how I adjusted the two Boa dials. Fortunately, after a half-dozen rides, the tongue eventually softened up and the shoes are now much more comfortable.
One of the features of the shoe that is very apparent is how stiff it is. Compared to any other mountain bike shoe I ride on a regular basis, the S-Works Recon is by far the stiffest and most secure feeling shoe I have. Power transfer to the pedals is apparent, and it certainly feels as if I'm in more of a road shoe chassis than a trail riding shoe - these are the polar opposite of a floppy pair of skate shoes.
It's inevitable. Proper mountain biking leads to time on foot.
Off the Bike Performance
The thing about the Recon, or any mountain bike shoe, in my opinion, is that it needs to be functional both on and off the bike. Having a good amount of traction and some comfort for those times when riding simply isn't possible goes a long way in having a better day.
The S-Works Recon is a stiff shoe to hike-a-bike in, but it's not uncomfortable, doesn't develop hot spots, or make you feel as if you're punishing yourself more than you already are. There is ample traction on the sole for navigating slippery rocks and roots, and while there isn't a ton of trail feel underfoot because of how stiff the shoe is, there is a sense of confidence that, with proper navigation, you're not going to slip on some slick rocks and stack it up midway across a sketchy creek crossing, bruising your elbow, tailbone, ego, all while scratching your fancy new bike and bending a brake rotor... Not that that's happened to me before or anything.
Pinkbike's Take
 | At the end of the day, the S-Works Recon is still a $425 shoe. That's a ton of money compared to a lot of other shoes out there that also perform really well and will work great for many riders. That being said, for what it's designed for, the S-Works Recon is hard to beat and has an excellent blend of stiffness, functionality, and lightweight comfort. It's worth checking out if you're looking for an ultra-high-performance shoe that can handle a lot of different situations with finesse or if you want a shoe that can provide proper foot support. |
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If the only noteworthy comment is the cost you're probably not buying anything S-Works, or even the handcrafted business shoes you compared to.
This is one premium product where if you ride a lot the value proposition actually makes sense. I'm not sure how many pairs of 5.10s I have had that died during the last 12 years, but I suspect it's >4 which would make those more expensive than these.
Agreed. However, every pair of more fashion casual looking mtb shoes I've tried fit like cardboard boxes. These high end XC/road race Specialized shoes just fit really well. Snug, stiff sole, comfortable, reasonably walkable and with noticeable power delivery and control at the pedals. Sure wish Specialized could build a shoe that fits as well as these high end XC slippers but has a more casual look. Yes I've tried the 2FO and the Tahoe - no bueno fit - weird sizing and shape actually - not at all like their other shoes.
I find this comment a bit odd. I wear SIDI Dominator 7s because they come in a 49 wide and because I had many years of positive experience with their Motocross boots in the early 1970's. So I wonder why someone would consider them to be "idiot roadies".
Also, my Sidi shoes have soft urethane on top of the nylon sole plate, which is not "actual rubber" but in my opinion it does have acceptable traction on wet hard surfaces. As far as the Specialized soles go, I do wonder if they plan on suing the "Slip Not" flooring company.
I have no experience with Specialized's shoes. For the right rider I am sure they are acceptable. I have found their tires a bit fragile for those of us in the 100kg+ group. And I have also broken a different brand of carbon fiber soles which were also aimed at supporting much less mass. So I will stick with the Sidi nylon soles, which seem to be holding up just fine.
top tier sworks XC shoe vs shimano all mountain enduro shoe
With that being said, I have a very skinny foot with a very low volume. I own both the Specialized XC expert shoes ($200, flex index 10) and the 2FO cliplite lace shoes ($120, flex index 6). Both fit my foot amazingly well and, with a proper custom foot bed, no numbness or hot spots. I have preferred the lace ups over the boa but each shoe feels different.
Well, when your bike costs $12k what else are you gonna use? I mean, I could try and fix some cleats to the bottoms of my Gucci loafers...
Nowadays Shimano is as comfrtable as Specialized used to be with fraction of a price so if they die prematurly it's not a big problem so if you still buy Specialized shoes it's nothing more than a statement that your're better then the "poor" bikers.
Seriously 452$ - ROTFL!
- we need to charge 400+ for those
- hmmm we can use carbon to bump the price
- make it happen