Specialized has launched what it claims is the lightest shoe in the peloton, the new S-Works Torch Remco coming in at just 148.2g per shoe (296.4g per pair) in a size 41 (roughly a UK 7.5). Soudal–Quick-Step’s Remco Evenepoel – after whom the new model is named – wore a prototype pair in five stages of last year’s Tour de France and the finished article is now available to buy… if you have a spare £549 burning a hole in your pocket.
How has Specialized made its new shoe so light?
“The S-Works Torch Remco achieves its featherweight status through a refined construction—featuring a simplified upper, a smaller carbon plate, a nylon-injected heel counter and toe cap, and a single Boa Li2 dial,” says Specialized. “This all results in a shoe that provides everything you need and nothing you don’t in a lightweight, efficient, and comfortable package.”
> Best road cycling shoes — get some light, stiff kicks to help you go faster on the bike
This means that the S-Works Torch Remco is 65.1g lighter than the existing £350 S-Works Torch, according to Specialized’s figures.
> Read our review of the Specialized S-Works Torch road shoes
Specialized says that it eliminated excess material, using a single layer of mesh and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) in the majority of the upper to ditch nearly 40g. Using a single Boa Li2 dial and a wide toe strap – instead of a two-dial closure system – saved another 11g.
Down at the outsole, Specialized reduced the size of the carbon plate and integrated an injected nylon toe cap and heel counter. The smaller carbon plate reduced weight by 14g.
Does that affect stiffness? Specialized’s Human Performance Manager says, “Most cycling shoes on the market are overbuilt when it comes to stiffness, adding unnecessary weight without improving performance.”
Specialized says its research has identified “the precise stiffness threshold where power loss begins”, allowing it to design a shoe that stays above that level while using only as much material as necessary.
“We can’t tell you exactly what this stiffness target is, that’s our secret sauce,” says Specialized. “But, if your FTP is less than Remco’s and your peak watts are south of 2,000, it’s more than stiff enough for you.”
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Specialized reckons that lowering the overall profile of the heel counter and using injected nylon keeps the shoe lightweight while offering all the support you need to hold your foot in place when riding hard out of the saddle.
The S-Works Torch Remco is built around Specialized’s new Body Geometry last, which we told you about with the launch of the S-Works Ares 2 back in March. The new last offers a wider toe box than previously, said to enable your toes “to splay naturally for improved comfort and performance”. Specialized claims that it “reduces forefoot pressure up to 44% compared to traditional designs while improving both performance and comfort”.
While it shares a last with the S-Works Ares, the S-Works Torch Remco is said to have “a little less structure and foothold” because of its lighter weight.
Long-standing Specialized Body Geometry design features like Varus Wedge, Metatarsal Button, and Longitudinal Arch are all present and correct.
The S-Works Torch Remco comes in one colour – white, with a black knit tongue and orange detailing – and it’s available in sizes 39-46 (including half sizes), priced at £549.
Today I will be wearing shoes I made over two years ago. Classics and I like the old fashion bikes on them. 😀 pic.twitter.com/wZ6r32bQGj
— Adam Hansen (@HansenAdam) May 6, 2016
Specialized has some distance to go to rival the minimalist carbon-fibre shoes that Aussie rider Adam Hansen made and wore during his pro career. These ones from 2016 apparently took over 42 hours to make and weighed under 95g, although they were bespoke rather than a standard model available in your local bike shop.
