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In March 2023, Specialized presented two brand new gravel shoes. The Specialized Recon ADV is specifically designed for adventure and bikepacking, while the S-Works Recon is more geared towards racing and performance. This review is all about the gravel shoe for adventure: the Specialized Recon ADV.
The Specialised Recon ADV in figures
- Sizes: 36 - 49
- Weight: 549 grams (size 39.5, with cleats)
- Price: 390 Euro >> available here
The S-Works Recon in a practical test
At the RadRace120, a road bike team event, online editor and shoe tester Sandra Schuberth competed with the S-Works Recon. The day before Gore Wear presents the Distance Kit including test ride - This photo was taken in the process.
In addition to racing, our two pairs of test shoes were worn on mountain bike tours, on the way to work and on many gravel tours.
The first impression: high quality. The shoe not only comes in a cardboard box, it also comes with a transport bag - suitable for shoes designed for racing.
Fit and wearing comfort
The ergonomic adaptation in the footbed is special and takes some getting used to at first. A wedge in the forefoot area, which slides under the ball of the big toe, is designed to enable better power transfer from the forefoot to the pedal. Our impression: After a short familiarisation phase, you feel comfortable and have the feeling that you can exert more targeted pressure on the pedal with the forefoot.
The shoe is slightly narrower than the Specialized Recon ADV, but comparable to the Quoc Grand Tourer XC. If you are looking for narrower shoes, you could find a suitable model at Fizik, such as the Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon. Shimano shoes, on the other hand, are slightly wider: The Shimano RX8/SH-RX800 has the highest sole stiffness.
Function
Specialized has created the S-Works Recon as a gravel shoe that almost feels like a road bike shoe - even when walking. This also defines its area of use: fast gravel laps, races and tours that don't involve a lot of pushing.
BOA fastener
Two Boa twist fasteners ensure that the shoe sits snugly on the foot. The fasteners work reliably and can also be adjusted while riding.
The upper material
The upper material of the S-Works Recon moulds well to the foot. None of the testers had any problems with heel slippage or a slipping tongue. The shoes are airy, good for warm days, not so much for cool ones and not at all for wet ones. Overshoes help. If the shoes do get dirty, they can be quickly cleaned with a wet cloth.
The sole
The sole is maximally stiff - a performance shoe with a good, not too narrow fit. The carbon sole is sensitive. When walking over hill and dale or even if you click into the pedals impetuously, you will quickly collect new scratches.
Advantages
- Stiff sole
- Comfortable fit
- sits firmly on the foot
Disadvantages
- It also feels almost like a racing shoe when walking
- Carbon sole scratches quickly
- expensive
Conclusion on the gravel shoes
The S-Works Recon delivers what it promises. It feels like speed as soon as you slip it on. Even when walking, the minimalist profile and stiff sole are reminiscent of a road cycling shoe, but it offers more grip. Incidentally, it can also be an alternative to road bike shoes and is an option for all those who prefer to ride with MTB pedals. On a gravel bike or mountain bike, the shoe is particularly suitable for fast tours with little or no pushing and carrying sections. The fit is narrow to medium-wide, the foot is well enclosed. Shortcoming: At 390 euros, the S-Works Recon is anything but a bargain.
The path to the right shoe
In our large gravel shoe article you can find more shoes in the test. We also explain the effects of a shoe that is too tight, why it is not a good idea to simply buy one or two sizes larger, and how to find the right shoe.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
