Gravel shoes: Test Specialized S-Works Recon - light, stiff, classy
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At Specialized, the name S-Works has always been reserved for top-of-the-line products. This is where the entire expertise of the development departments flows together in absolute high-end bikes and components. This is also the case with the new Gravel shoe S-Works Recon not otherwise.
Full carbon = full tube
The Recon weighs just 658 grams in size 46, which makes it the perfect size for the Shimano RX801 the second lightest model in our test. Of course, the ultra-stiff and very light carbon sole is partly responsible for this. Even a powerhouse like Duke Francesco Sforza, known as an iron bender, would have had a hard time bending the sole even a little bit. The very reduced profile also saves even more grams.
Amazingly comfortable racer
To ensure that comfort is not neglected in the S-Works Recon, Specialized relies on its well-known Body Geometry concept. The sole is equipped with a varus wedge, longitudinal arch support and metatarsal pad and is designed to ensure that the feet move in the optimum position and in line with the knees and hips while pedalling.
As soon as you slip them on, you realise that the toe area offers a surprising amount of freedom of movement for a thoroughbred racing shoe without being too loose. The heels are well enclosed, while the low-cut outer sides prevent pressure points on the ankles. The fit is already extremely successful.
Perfect fit, great fit
The adjustment to the foot also works almost perfectly. In typical Specialized fashion, the special Boa S3 twist closures are used, which can be very finely adjusted in both directions. This allows the Recon to be neatly adjusted to the foot over its entire length and the heel is also held firmly in the shoe. One small drawback: these fasteners cannot be opened quickly using a release function.
If you want to thunder over gravel tracks at speed, the S-Works Recon is the perfect choice, because once clicked in, the stiff carbon sole delivers pure propulsion. It feels like no watts are lost. However, you need to get the click mechanism right when getting on, otherwise the pedals will quickly become slippery on the smooth carbon - this is where the stand on more profiled models such as the Suplest XC/Gravel Performance much safer.
Better to stay on the pedal
Even pushing sections are only recommended to a limited extent with the Specialised. The Slipnot rubber from the MTB sector is grippy, but the narrow profile provides little grip and hardly any stability in off-road terrain. At least the Recon still rolls quite passably thanks to the clearly curved sole construction. Nevertheless, we recommend that Recon riders stay on the pedals.
Specialised S-Works Recon - Info & Price
- Price390 Euro >> available here
- Weight (size 46): 658 grams
- Sizes: 36-49
- Sole / StiffnessCarbon / 357 N/mm
- Made inChina
- Equipment2 Boa S3 twist locks, Body Geometry footbed, washers for cleats, asymmetric heel counter, Varus wedge, arch support, metatarsal padding
- FitMedium width throughout, with a little more room in the toe area; true to size
Evaluation & conclusion
With the S-Works Recon, Specialized delivers a thoroughbred gravel racing shoe. The rock-hard sole ensures bombastic acceleration. Nevertheless, the shoe is exceptionally comfortable - this is where the body geometry concept pays off. Only when pushing do you have to accept compromises due to the narrow profile. The carbon fibre of the sole is also barely protected by a rubber coating. The fit and hold in the shoe are excellent, the handling of the high-quality Boa S3 fasteners is a little awkward.
