If you’re dabbling in some mountain biking, cyclocross or adventure and gravel riding this winter, you might need some new shoes. And if you’re feeling flush (because they cost £325!) these brand new Specialized S-Works Recon shoes might be right up your street.
They’re essentially an off-road version of the new S-Works 7 road shoe released earlier this year. There’s lots of shared technology, from the CNC machined BOA dials to the Dyneema Mesh upper and PadLock heel cup. The sole is still made from ruddy stiff carbon fibre but is equipped with a 2-bolt cleat set up and aggressive tread lugs for grip in the mud.
To quote Specialized, they say they have been “ergonomically designed and scientifically tested to boost power, increase efficiency, and reduce your risk of injury“.
Oh, and they cost £325. Not cheap then, but are they worth the money? Our pals at off.road.cc will be putting them through their paces so watch out for a review soon, but for now here’s a video first look.
- Specialized say the new S-WORKS Recon is “The Fastest Shoe on Dirt"
David has worked on the road.cc tech team since July 2012. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds.