When it comes to road cycling shoes there are virtually hundreds of options. However, in reality there are literally less than 15 road shoes worth buying, and of these 15, not a single one comes out of Italy (apologies to Sidi fans, you will soon see the light). The guiding principle in picking a road shoe has been the same for years, if the shoe fits… To differentiate a quality road shoe from what is otherwise another carbon sole stuck to a faux leather upper with two straps and a ratchet, we need to change the guidelines for selection. Picking a shoe should start with the following question: does the shoe have an arch support that fits? If so, wear it. Enter the Specialized S-Works road shoe. This shoe, like the Lake CX401 or the Bont A1 has a key detail built right into the sole, ample arch support. While the Lake and the Bont use a moldable carbon sole custom-formed to meet the rider’s arch, the S-Works shoe simply provides a contoured sole designed to support one of its three insole options. These insoles are purchased as an aftermarket item and are differentiated by color to indicate their varying degrees of arch support. (It is recommended that you find a bicycle shop that has extensive experience in bicycle fitting to size you in these shoes as finding the proper support is critical in limiting knee damage and extending long-term pedaling comfort.)

So they have arch support, so what? Arch support in a shoe is critical for two reasons. The first is simple: comfort. Ever wonder why your foot goes numb? It rarely has anything to do with you, your pedals, your feet, or your tendency to over-tighten your shoe straps. Rather, numbness comes from your arch fatiguing inside of the shoe while pedaling. Imagine your arch collapsing 35,000 times over the course of a single ride. Imagine the ligaments and tendons associated with your arch loading and unloading with each collapse. All this work is enough to wear out even the strongest foot. The other, and probably more important reason to support the arch is to provide the rider with ample knee stability. Knee stability is compromised every time the arch collapses. If the arch collapses the knee will move laterally in-and-out with every pedal stroke. With every wobbly pedal stroke the internal tissue of the knee sustains unnecessary wear. This premature knee wear and loss of power can be directly attributed to an arch left unsupported. Support the arch, lose the numbness, save the knee, and add some power. The model is simple.

So are features like this restricted to a $350 shoe? Thankfully no. While the S-Works shoe is the top model from Specialized, you do get the same kind of support from their lower model shoes starting at $100. These models don’t feature a super-light carbon sole with a super -light upper and a nifty Boa lacing system, but they are equally effective from a comfort and foot correction standpoint. Ultimately, the S-Works shoe takes a swipe at every other player in the shoe game. Upon first handling the shoe, you’ll notice that it is lighter than probably any other road shoe you’ve ever handled. This can be attributed to the carbon sole and Micromatrix upper that features mesh paneling to provide ample airflow over the foot. Perhaps the most impressive feature that seems to be lost on other high-end shoes in the same category is the fact that every part of the shoe is replaceable. No kidding, replaceable heel pad, lacing, lacing ratchets, even replaceable threading for the cleat interface. All told, this shoe is as nice as they come. They are less expensive than any other top-end competitor offering arch support, they are the only shoes offering canted forefoot correction, they come in multiple widths, they are absurdly light, and they can be rebuilt bit by bit. From a price, feature and fit perspective there is nothing on the market that stacks up.

Written by – Alex Lugosch

Photos by – Sherry Heck

Products Provided by – Bike Nut

Specialized S-Works Road Shoe

Price: $350.00

Available: Specialized parts and accessory dealers and at Specialized.com.

Widths: Yes.

Colors: Black or White. (Womens available in white only)

Interface: 3 hole only.