Specialized S-Works Ares 2 shoes

The Specialized S-Works Ares 2 is a brilliant road shoe, perfectly suited to anyone looking for optimal power transfer without compromising on comfort. There have been plenty of refinements to the original Ares – better looks, improved ventilation and less of a battle to get on. There really is a lot to like about this latest version.

Every so often, you try out a new product and get an immediate realisation of just how much you have been missing out on… just how much of a compromise you have been making. This is how I felt when I first rode with the Ares 2. Initial rides were all pretty short (to ensure that the cleat position was right). The stiffness of the sole instantly impressed – every watt is transferred efficiently with a superior connection to the bike. With such a rigid sole and an enveloping fit, I was fairly certain a longer ride would result in discomfort, but how wrong I was… The Ares 2 is now my favourite road shoe for every kind of ride.

Anna tested the first Ares model in 2021. She was impressed, but it wasn’t without its flaws. Specialized has taken feedback on board and, coupled with its enormous rider data, significantly refined the design for the S-Works Ares 2.

Bye bye sockliner, hello layers

The distinctive ‘sockliner’ has gone. By all accounts this made getting the original Ares on quite a battle. While the Ares 2 are harder to get on than all of my other shoes, I am not fighting or reaching for a shoe horn – something that some reviewers found necessary with the first version.

The recent mild spell – with temperatures reaching 20 degrees – posed no issues with overheating. Undoubtedly, breathability has been improved by losing the sockliner.

The concept might have been functional, but it really wasn’t practical. That sockliner soon looks worn, even tatty – a single ride could transform a £375 shoe into a tatty looking five-year-old one. Thankfully, the upper material on the Ares 2 wipes clean with a damp cloth.

The redesigned upper comprises a larger, soft tongue. The lateral edges of this are a pliable fabric, so there’s no ridge digging into your upper foot. The upper edge of the tongue is just as flexible. It’s a wipe-clean leathery material. Two deep grooves allow the top edge to mould rather than dig – or rub against – the front of the ankle area.

Tongue aside, the rest of the upper is a multi-layered arrangement. Around the most sensitive bones (think first and fifth metatarsal bones) layers are minimised. Consequently, the fit remains secure and snug, but the thin, pliable layer doesn’t rub, pinch or cause aching, even on the longest of rides.

Even bigger heel cup

The rigid heel cup extends much further forward on the Ares 2. This enlarged heel counter is designed to “stabiIise the foot, minimising heel lift during high-threshold efforts” says Specialized.

On the first few rides, I occasionally sensed the top edge of the cup – it was as if a certain movement forced my lower leg to drift out just enough for the outer edge of my foot to hit the cup. Despite initial concerns, this niggle dissipated – even on a four-and-a-half-hour ride I never experienced it more than half a dozen times. Having more recently used my custom orthotics in the shoes, I no longer notice it – the inserts raise my foot sufficiently enough to prevent any contact.

New, stylish Boa dials

Plastic Boa dials have been replaced with sleek, metal (aluminium engineered) ones – and they look classy. The textured edges offer better grip for tightening on the go, particularly if you have oversocks on. Three of the anchor points for the Boa laces are made of hardened plastic (formerly a tough fabric with a bit of stretch). Specialized says that this change is to “ensure that ‘locked in’ feel is consistent throughout the ride. With fabric you can get a slight stretch and this new set-up is in place to ensure that any movement is eliminated”. It’s another aspect that helps keep the shoes looking cleaner and tidier for longer.

Each of the four different colour options (Black, White, Team White, Green Gecko) come with standard footbeds. Specialized’s Body Geometry SL Footbeds Gen 2 will set you back an extra £30 – a bit of a kick when you’ve forked out close to £500 for the shoes in the first place. If this isn’t enough, Specialized offers a ‘custom footbed route with Retul for the best experience’.

The ride experience with the Ares 2 is nothing short of brilliant. They don’t just excel for sprint efforts – a label the original Ares often carried – they feel great on long gradual climbs, sharp, steep ascents and tempo efforts on the flat. They shine with everything you throw at them.

Shape and last

As someone with a wider than average foot, the shape suits me – it’s boxy. Specialized claims a ‘44% pressure reduction in the forefoot with the new last’. All I can say is that my feet feel snug and secure, never squished or squashed to the point of creating hotspots or numbness. After four hours I have no pain or discomfort, something I rarely claim with other shoes. Anyone with a slender foot may struggle, sensing too much room at the toe end. Try before you buy.

Specialized says that the new Body Geometry Last, combined with the patented Varus Wedge, Longitudinal Arch and Metatarsal Button deliver a ‘7 watt increase in power’. More than just a marginal gain but something I’m not really in a position to comment on. However, I can confidently say that the Ares 2 feels the most efficient shoe I have had the pleasure to ride with, while simultaneously being the most comfortable. It’ll be interesting to see if this last trickles into other Specialized shoes.

Value

Is £479 a justifiable RRP? If you look after your gear, there’s no reason why these shoes shouldn’t last in excess of four years. So £120 per year for a quality pair of shoes… It doesn’t seem so bad when you look at it like that.

S-Works fans might not object, but Specialized might struggle to attract new customers with this price tag. You can get great-looking, performance shoes for much less: Lake’s latest road shoe is under £300 (just), and if you need something a bit narrower, Quoc’s M3 Air Road Shoes are £159 less than the Ares 2.

Check out more options in our guide to the best road cycling shoes.

Conclusion

Overall, the Ares 2 is a top-quality, exceptionally comfortable shoe with excellent power transfer. I have no reservations recommending them if you are looking to make pain-free gains on the road.

Verdict

Every watt efficiently transferred while your feet remain hotspot-free – quite simply, brilliant, which they should be at £479

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