Hardwear
Product 2019
Woman, Man

Specialized S-Works Recon

CORE

At the beginning of the season Specialized launched the replacement of its former mountain bike shoe model, the S-Works Recon. An interesting bonus is that you can also use these shoes for gravel cyclo-cross.

The idea was to rework and improve a shoe for competition (Specialized S-Works XC) that was already very rigid and performance-oriented. With the new Specialized S-Works Recon, you are in the top-end with a price to match at 360 euros and high-performance features.

The carbon sole remains unchanged from the previous model, the brand has focused on the very precise upper that uses a sandwich based on Dyneema fiber, mesh, synthetic leather and PU. Dyneema is used for making numerous sporting goods including skis. This fiber does not give despite its flexibility. This is a considerable advantage for a bike shoe’s upper that must withstand the foot’s pull without deforming and still remain comfortable and flexible without torturing your feet.

 

Testing we immediately noticed its high performance. The energy transmissions are direct in the pushing thrust: the Recon is focused on competition performance. In pulling upwards, the upper’s structure does not deform.

The foot envelopment is very precise, with a solid support even in ​​the heel. Once again, laterally, you have the feeling of great support/rigidity. Pedaling with the Specialized S-Works Recon is pure efficiency, releasing pure performance. Riders wanting more comfort, a less exact shoe should look at their other models in the range.

 

Over weeks of use, this Specialized S-Works Recon didn’t stretch, it retains its performance because the upper remains unchangeable.

They weigh 300g (each) in 42.5 without the wedge (it is slightly less than what Specialized announces: 301g in 42). It’s simply one of the lightest shoes on the market.

The other big highlight is the Boa clamping system that is entirely and cleverly integrated into the shoe’s structure. This is where Boa really comes into its own. Such a pleasure using this system, you feel like you’re opening a Swiss safe: the delicate sound, and quality are superb.

 

The Boa S3-Snap, not to mention its robust aluminum construction gives you a very fine and precise adjustment. You can of course tighten and loosen as much as you like. It has micrometric adjustment. The pressure on the instep is well managed thanks to the tongue and the shoe’s geometry. Remember that the Boa lace does not stretch and often we tighten it too much (old reflexes), so you must be careful when turning the discs.

 

They are very easy to put on, the Specialized S-Works Recon opens up wide: just release the two lateral Boa laces and slide your foot in like a slipper. All the forefoot area has no seams so limits friction. On the front of the foot, there is the inevitable little Velcro strap supposedly to allow an adjustment. We noticed that with the strap closed or not, the Specialized S-Works Recon foot hold is still good … so, you could remove this Velcro strap, that isn’t particularly very aesthetic, as it modifies the superb fluidity of this S-Works Recon.

 

Some testers felt something at the ankle-fold in contact with the tongue. It depended on the particular morphology and certain movements (pronounced flexion).

When it comes to pushing the bike and walking with the Specialized S-Works Recon, the grip is what you would expect from this type of shoe, especially when the ground is slippery. The crampons wear out fairly quickly (classic MTB) and are removable so you can replace them.

Here the quality goes without saying: assemblies, collages, material quality, design and the very rare seams (well hidden) are all of extremely high-class manufacture.

The Specialized S-Works Recon are shoes with high ambitions in terms of performance. Rigid, light, precise, expensive, they offer high pedaling performance. They are aimed at experienced riders or riders who want a product without concessions with state-of-the-art features. The Test4outside.com team awarded them the CORE Award.

 

"The Specialized S-Works Recon are shoes with high ambitions in terms of performance. Rigid, light, precise, expensive, they offer high pedaling performance. They are aimed at experienced riders or riders who want a product without concessions with state-of-the-art features. The Test4outside.com team awarded them the CORE Award."

Rating

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
  • Ease putting on
    9
  • Adjustment system
    9
  • Precision
    9
  • Comfort
    8
  • Transmission push/pull
    9
  • Walking
    7
  • Crampons
    8

Price : 359,90

Weight

300

Overall Rating

8.43

LONG TERM TEST

We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:

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