I love my S-Works, but their footbeds are less than amazing. For the shoe price, they should just include all three or let you pick the one that works for you. If I'm going to spend money on a better footbed, I will get something like a G8 which gives me perfect adjustability.

@kcchiok

2 жыл бұрын

agreed

I bought the base model Torch 1.0(black) in a size up 47 for Winter riding. With it's the wider toe box I'm able to wear heavier wool socks and not crimp my toes. The comfort of this new design is incredible.

I have found the new SW Torch to be about the most comfortable road shoe I've ever tried. Love the wide toebox and the stiff sole really transfers power.

@jochentress4357

5 ай бұрын

Do you have wide feet? If yes does it fit well?

Great review. Love my S7 Team. I have narrow heels so maybe this is not for me but will still give it a try when available.

For my part, I wear the Spec Torch 3.0 for 3 years now, and pretty happy with them. Comfortable without being loose: good fit for my feet (which are on the narrow side) and sufficient space to wiggle my toes. Transfer power very good, and it has been proven scientifically that super rigid high end bike shoes are not better than mid-range when it comes to power transfer… So if I had to replace my shoes, would I consider those new sworks torch? Maybe, but the price tag is very dissuasive for me…

Really love the shoes. One of the things I've always struggled with is my size 50 shoe size. Sadly, I'm often excluded from the higher-end range of cycling shoes on offer.

The metatarsal support is easy enough to add to any insole. For example, a sticky backed piece of cork like say for the bottoms of furniture feet works. The material is sold in sheets so one can cut their own shape to use etc. You can also buy metatarsal pads on their own. But if doing it the way I am suggesting allows one to change the thickness easily and dial in the right amount of upward support of the foot.

Excellent David, one of my favourite topics - LIGHT WHEELS. 2 videos on the topic within a week. The 48kmph wind tunnel testing is as aspirational as the price 😎

Well, being 67 I have had lots of cycling shoes, some great and some not so much. I have a fused right ankle , and about 12 months ago went for a bike fit for my new bike to a guy who is also a cycling podiatrist as I was getting hot spots with my new shoes after a couple of hours. Ended up with custom orthotics with Lake 241’s, and could not believe how comfortable these shoes were. Seriously thought about getting another pair to wear as slippers around the house :). I guess the thing is you have to get a shoe, with or without inserts that fit your feet .

@MW-df2fm

2 жыл бұрын

Totally with you on Lake eventhough I am some decades younger I needed some wider road cycling shoes and Shimano, DMT, Sidi and so on are way to narrow but Lake was my way to go. You can really see and feel the quality of manufacturing they put into which explains the higher prices but now I don't have any pain with my feet anymore and if pain goes away you are often willing to spend 100€/$ more 😅

Nice slippers David. I do like my S-Works Recon’s. They just seem to do everything really well.

I’m sure that they’re fantastic shoes but I can’t be the only one thinking £385 for a pair of cycling shoes is a big ask.

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

The Torch range starts at just over £70 so cheaper options are available

@glennoc8585

2 жыл бұрын

I thought £250 was a lot for tan custom made broques but they can be resoled over a lifetime. I won't spend more than $200 or £135 on bike shoes now on sale models or last season.

@danielakerman8241

2 жыл бұрын

I'd never spend more than $150-200 on a pair of cycling shoes. There is no justifiable reason to charge $300 or more. "Sole stiffness" for power transfer is a fallacy. You only need enough stiffness to keep your feet from getting sore from flexing on long rides. You can get a shoe that's plenty stiff and comfortable for $125.

@megustasonia

2 жыл бұрын

Well I’m sure David consider it’s affordable

Ordered a pair from my LBS a few days ago. Really looking forward to an upgrade from my 8ish year old Sworks shoes

Love a proper white shoe without a lot of branding! Great review

Well one thing I’m glad about is them removing the toe flap… I never understood the purpose of that thing, but clearly, removing it cost a lot since the price went up… 😜😆🍻

Interesting, especially the new sole. I’ll give it a try. But Insane they are $450 USD now. Also, I can tell the joy when you’re using the S3 dial. I have the same feeling as well. It’ll never fail you.

The insoles should come with the $450 Torch shoes, come on!

For this much money you should consider Bont or Lake shoes. Real leather, heat moldable customization, and replaceable heel

@glennoc8585

2 жыл бұрын

The problem is that many cyclists aren't wanting leather products.

@Red-ju4mi

2 жыл бұрын

Can you heat mold basic shoes?

Just gave an order after your video :)

Is there room in the mid foot area to allow flex in the outer material?

Better design, looks better without the strap, lighter and the BOA system has all the key points. Very good review. However no white shoes for me, so weird and the price is above my price range but will appeal for those who dont care about the budget. Thanks again

Good detailed review David. The Specialized varus system on their shoes is simply wrong though. It’s a corrective method that is not needed. Any good/top bike fitter will be hard at work correcting this correction that Specialized fit to their shoes as standard. Or simply say to the customer take them back and get another makers shoes. Often Lake. And for that money they should be including the correct shape insole and not offering a version thats good for the bin and expecting you to pay for “top of the range” insole that you actually need. It’s a good looking shoe for sure.

@Pablo_Coach

Жыл бұрын

Do You have any proove about unnecessary varus wedge?

just bought these in the deep blue colour. This video is making me think i made the right choice in buying them

Mannnn got the feels bad bought the the bont vapor s last year before they rereleased it and tbh not loving them I do love the build of of the carbon around the foot bed but when done up hot spots on one foot and the other one I get blisters on my toes 🫣💸 very tempted to try ‘em hopefully with a 30 day return policy

Bugger - just bought the S Works 7 one week ago. Really like the security and support at the heel, but agree that the upper material is pretty stiff and a little uncomfortable. Hoping they’ll break in soon. 🤞

@Joe-mans

2 жыл бұрын

You could send it back and replace it probably if you want the newer version

@hankschrader2353

2 жыл бұрын

If it’s around the ankle you can use a blow dryer to „heat mold“ it and accelerate the break in

@markmiranda8086

2 жыл бұрын

Had mine for a year and the upper never really got softer

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

The softness of these new shoes is a big improvement, no break in needed they felt amazing from the first pedal. Going back to the SW7 the difference is really quite noticeable

Love these, means the 7’s are in the sales.

best reviewer out there!

Arthur how easy is it to clean the white shoe?

I got so excited when I heard about the wide versions, contacted Specialized and they aren’t making the wide version in white… are they mad?!

Heat moldable? Nearly $800 for these shoes in New Zealand. I am still using some Shimano R300 shoes from way back,about $280 at the time which seemed a lot. Have been heated a few times as my feet change,especially the right foot. Need to find a replacement.

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

I remember loving this R300 shoes when they launched especially the toasty feet from having them moulded and packed in bags, still seems odd Shimano didn't continue that idea for long

@MW-df2fm

2 жыл бұрын

@@davidarthur but Lake cycling did and for equivalent prices like the specialized you receive a stunning product with lake cycling

How wide are these though - could they be considered wide-fit?

I like my S-Works 7 shoes a lot. Except of the insole coming on the shoe. Its a cheap crap insole. The special insoles you also showed in your video are fantastic. Specialized should include a better standard insole with 3 different arch supports like Giro does. Therefore I do prefer Giro shoes, like the Imperial.

Wish they made them in the same width as the 7, I'ts perfect for my feet. I think I'm gonna have to buy a extra pair to have when mine needs replacing.

Have had two editions of the SWorks, the last being the SW5. Fab heal but the narrowness of the front font caused unbearable pressure on very long rides. Tried the SW6 as they made a great thing about increased forefoot volume but they change the heal design to one that seemed only to cut into your ankle, so moved onto Lake. Not perfect but a forefoot designed for people with 5 toes. I fail to see why Specialized, with all it's research, athletes and money should have failed to consistently design shoes for people who only seekm to have 4 toes, or who have longer shoes to get more volume. I kinda lost faith in them. Still love the SW5 for shorter rides.

Is the wide version again black only?

Have not tried any Specialized shoes, but I can say LAKE make som incredible shoes. Their 403 shoe is with no comparison IMO the best cycling shoe! Custom fit carbon, kangaroo leather, several insole choices, B.O.A lacing, replaceable heal/toe caps etc... Had mine for ten years now, excellent quality. But they are VERY pricy at 550$.

Had issues with the tongue on my Sworks she before this model. It was digging in my ankle when properly strapped. I wonder if this has the same issue,

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

I also had a similar issue with the SW7, not so much digging in. but the tongue would slide down. Can confirm this shoe is a big improvement, no tongue issues, no moving about or digging in. Really impressed with them. Apart from keeping them clean though!

This was very helpful as I know I have "flat" feet from my days of playing college basketball. I've been wearing orthotics since 1997 in my sneakers and dress shoes. I tend to suffer from tingleness in the upper part of my foot to my toes when I ride. I often find myself wiggling my toes. I imagine that one of these inserts would be helpful. I just bought the SWORKS ARES and Torch 2.0. My next bike fit is tomorrow (6/9) so I will bring this up to my specialist. I'm just curious which color would be more suitable.

Tried the torch 3.0 a while ago. Do regular people really have such narrow feet?

@matthewshaw3747

2 жыл бұрын

That would be me. 👍

beautiful shoes

This looks like the first time a manufacturer has figured out it doesn't make sense to squeeze your toes together. There's no point in it. All you need to do is hold the foot into the heel which means, wrap the foot, behind the toes so it can't slide forward and then keep the pressure off that hot spot on top of your foot. Now, as soon as they figure out that ankle bones aren't symmetrical - the inside bone is up and higher than outside bone - and cut the heal collar to accommodate that so maybe next time.

I've tried quite a few shoes, cheap, expensive, light, fairly heavy and soles super rigid to supple. In the end I've gone back to SIDI wires only because I find them to be very rigid and the dials are strong albeit the shoes aren't the lightest. Ive had suplest and they are great quality too just less availability in my country. I tried the Shimano but found the upper a bit too flexy but light and stiff. I've tried the generic Chinese shoes and you're spending big money to get the quality otherwise very average shoes. Never tried sworks maybe in the future.

@Pablo_Coach

Жыл бұрын

In which Shimano shoes You felt too flexy? Probably not s-phyre

I heard the opinion that due to the less prominent heel cup it performs much worse when it comes to holding the heel at strong accelerations (much worse than the Pid Lock in S-works 6 and 7). What do You think?

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

That’s not my experience Pawel - the heel hold is same as the old shoes and I have had any heel lift during hard climbing or sprinting

@Pablo_Coach

2 жыл бұрын

@@davidarthur anyway I hear opinion that S-works 7 has better heel hold then this new Torch...

Anyone knows stack height of these shoes?

I have also reviewed these (I paid for mine....). Good shoes, with some small improvements over the 7, but I don't agree that they're life changing and like slippers. They're just cycling shoes, albeit decent ones, they won't turn you into Peter Sagan.

@tombladon8064

2 жыл бұрын

I couldn’t comment on these shoes but the correct fitting shoes will probably make you faster than some fancy wheels, especially when you think of the costs.

Will these come in a wide version like the 7 used too?

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, all in the video - they are wider than the 7s

These are SO Much more comfortable and supportive than the S-Works 7!

These look futuristic.

How does it compare to Bont Vapor S which are stiff but comfortable as well

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

I never really got on well with Bont shoes but that just highlights how personal shoe fit can be

@Knud451

Жыл бұрын

I have ridden Vaypor and only tried Torch on. In my quick experience, there is no comparison. Its two very different shoes. You simply need to try them both.

Do they dig into the front of your ankles like the S7s did?

@davidarthur

Жыл бұрын

Nope not in my experience

My absolute favourite Body Geometry item is a relatively inexpensive one that has become nearly impossible to get hold of: the BG Grail mitts. The ones with a single pad in the middle of the hand. It seems counterintuitive, but they are uniquely comfortable

Wish I hadn't seen this. I've just bought a brand new pair of Fizik Vento's.

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

Doh!

I am a Specialized guy. But i prefer Sidi. I just got the Sidi Sixty and LOVE them over the Torch.

@Pablo_Coach

Жыл бұрын

What special is in Sidi sixty over a Torch?

I find my sworks 7 shoes uncomfortable. I like my giro empire slx lace ups

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

In what way did you find them uncomfortable Greg?

@MarcBesancenot

2 жыл бұрын

Recently bought the Sworks Vent for warm weather and love it a lot and much more since I got the Body geometry for my foot! Nice to see the new ones larger than the former 7

@alertelectrical

2 жыл бұрын

I like Shimano. They have different arch supports, are roomy for wide feet, and are alot cheaper

Spent 420 euro on Sworks Ares last year and they started falling apart after two months. Specialized said “I was using them wrong” and refused to warranty. I will never touch any Specialized products ever again. Over hyped mega-priced junk with a half decent paint job - from frames to shoes, they apply the same principles I see.

@ayowser01

Жыл бұрын

Can you explain how they fell apart and how you supposedly used them wrong?

@DJWolves97

Жыл бұрын

Whoooooaaaaa, Specialized is a top-end cycling brand, you cannot overgeneralize like that.

@Tommy31416

Жыл бұрын

@@DJWolves97 was a top end brand 10 years ago. Now it’s a marketing company selling garbage to people who should know better - and of course to the clueless deep pocketed noobs. That gravy train will end hard and soon.

@DJWolves97

Жыл бұрын

@@Tommy31416 Every company is a marketing company. I don’t buy what you’re saying, tell me how your shoes “fell apart” and how Specialized won’t provide you a warranty.

@Tommy31416

Жыл бұрын

@@DJWolves97 the sock part burst at the seams in several places on both shoes. Specialized said, literally, that I wasn’t using them correctly since it isn’t possible for the sock to rip like that. Scandalous nonsense to avoid replacing them. My family and I spend a lot of money on bikes and gear. Specialized won’t see a penny from any of us ever again.

Love my Bonts 👍

and why I will stick to my Lakes? Very simple Spec, Sidi and other fail to secure the most forward area - and that slop makes a huge difference in pedal efficiency

@Pablo_Coach

Жыл бұрын

Can You explain this?

I love Specialized shoes and I love these and bought a pair (yet to arrive), but they failed by not providing more scuff protection for the front area of the carbon sole.

Specialized dreamin again!

I'll stick with my Shimano S-phyre .. so far so good!

NB not everyone needs a Varus wedge in their cycling shoe, fact.

David - you have the ultimate shoes, that crazy 3D printed saddle… next review … ultimate bar tape? All the contact points covered.

At this price point , I really need a replaceable heel

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

It is replaceable but admittedly it's quite a small heel pad

@SabianDB02

2 жыл бұрын

@@davidarthur shoes better than lake cycle shoes ?

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

I haven’t tested Lake shoes in years so can’t offer that comparison I’m afraid - I remember being impressed with their heat mouldable shoes about 10 years ago though

Sidi all the way much better for the planet (everything is replaceable), still made in Italy for some of their higher end models (the other non Italy models are still hand inspected in Italy.

This year I have to retire my first sworks shoes-the 2012 sworks,they stil in good condition,but the button is broken.I am a Chinese,out asian foot,the front part is extreme wide.So we have to buy the wide version of shoes in the market.Over 10 years,only specialized,bont,lake,these 3 brands are kindly to our shoes.In January 2022，I bought a pair of shimano 902 wide version，but they are too tight for me，this torch is wide enough for me.10 years ago,my first Sworks shoes is nearly $300,but today torch sworks is nearly $500,it is too expensive for riders!

I've seen enough Specialized products to know that under the flash there's plenty of corners cut in production. Nice looking but definitely don't look like something that will last till next year.

@Big2Planker

2 жыл бұрын

Remains to be seen on this shoe, but the BG shoes last forever, in my experience. I have three pairs of the SW7, one is 15 years old (SW5). They are incredibly durable and still look fantastic.

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

Even though we showed you a 2005 model shoe in the video and my S-Works 6 from 2015 is still going strong?

@galenkehler

2 жыл бұрын

@@davidarthur I worked 4 years at a specialized shop and we had a lot of delaminated soles and broken BOA. Maybe the super expensive ones are ok, but I wouldn't put my own money down for them having seen the bulk of the product line.

@Tommy31416

2 жыл бұрын

@@galenkehler my S-works Ares started falling apart after 2 months, so I’m with you 100% on production quality now hardly even considered. They look pretty though don’t they…until worn a few times and the holes start appearing.

The key re: Body Geometry is the reduced likelihood of strain.

So is this essentially the S-Works 8?

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

Shhhhh... but yes essentially it is

Nice one David, keeping up the cycling dentist channel reviews. A pair of shoes that cost as much as a bike. When will people just stop buying this stuff. Brands are taking the piss.

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

Obviously there are much cheaper shoes available but these are all about the latest cutting-edge tech which is something lots of people are into, even if they’re not in the market for buying them. It’s like me reading reviews of supercars but not actually in the market for one

@CA-ub6pf

2 жыл бұрын

To make such a statement you would need to know the actual production cost of the shoe. And then take all the steps from production price to the margin of Specialized to the margin of the distributor to the margin of the retailer and leave out the VAT Tax to see if Specialized is taking the piss with this price or not.

@Tommy31416

2 жыл бұрын

@@CA-ub6pf subtract the marketing and sponsorship component and the production cost is probably around 10 dollars

@CA-ub6pf

2 жыл бұрын

@@Tommy31416 I'm working in the textile production industry for 25 years and to believe that the production cost of such a shoe is 10 dollar and retailing for 450 is just completely wrong and very far off. I'm not saying we should feel sorry for Specialized but this is not how it works

@Tommy31416

2 жыл бұрын

@@CA-ub6pf do you work in a giga factory in China? If not, your concept of cost within the textile industry is completely irrelevant

When I seen the Giant bike, I knew I had to take your opinion with a grain of salt.

I bet they are great if your foot it shaped like a pointy, skinny pencil, which mine are not.

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

Can confirm my feet aren't pointy skinny pencil shaped ;)

To be fair at that pricepoint you should get a propper footbed and not a flimsy insole

Sorry to say but from an orthopedic sight as well as an sport medical sight the non personally fitted aftermarket insoles are just a dumb way to go, easy to be argued soles should always be fitted to your personally needs and not a generous retül costumer... 🙈 Go with winsoles or other ortpedic costume made ones for cycling and try the lake cycling shoes, those are a way to get some quality for your money

I have three pairs of cycling shoes and guess which ones are my favourites and most comfortable? Yup, the cheapest ones. £385 for shoes….. that’s just mad. “work in any situation”? They’re shoes, you wear them on your feet and you pedal a bike. These must be for rich doctors.

Where wide length that I can compare with my toe

The S-Works 7 are the most horrible shoes I ever wore cycling. I am 57 years old and have been cycling since childhood. The shoes started coming apart after the first ride. Not what one expects from a $500US product. Specialized replaced them, however they soon became my least favorite cycling shoes. Glad someone likes them. But for me they just did not make the grade.

Sidi is the best

Finally no more velcros

The ASMR starts @14:00

These shoes cost more than my bike 😬

£370 lol I'll have two pairs🤣

I would destroy these crisp white shoes with dirt and mud in the first two minutes!

The price is just ... a big no no thank you very much.

Are you being paid by Specialized ?? It is all positive, no buts….

Simply don’t fit me. Same with shimano… reg or wide. 😢

Booo wide fit only in black

So pretty much they just copied bont

Made in China ?

Too bad they don't make wide range. So much for body geometry 😪

@crimson177

2 жыл бұрын

Its the body geometry of the pros. That is feet that are 80mm wide and have a sharp point in middle apparently.

@rjcayabyab8965

2 жыл бұрын

@@crimson177 seriously what is this 😅

Arch-support rip-off.