Specialised Recon 1.0 on test: Comfortable entry-level shoe
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Like all shoes from Specialized, the favourable Recon 1.0 on the Body Geometry concept, which is based on 25 years of body measurements in our own laboratory and is therefore ideally adapted to the needs of the feet when cycling. Soles and insoles with Body Geometry technology are ergonomically designed and scientifically proven - for better performance, greater efficiency and reduced risk of injury thanks to the optimum alignment of hips, knees and feet.
More gravel shoes in the test
- Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon >> e.g. available here
- Mavic Cosmic Boa SPD >> e.g. available here
- Northwave Razer >> e.g. available here
- Quoc Gran Tourer XC >> e.g. available here
- Scott Gravel Pro >> e.g. available here
- Shimano RX801 >> e.g. available here
- Specialised S-Works Recon
- Suplest XC/Gravel Performance
Specialised Recon 1.0 with MTB technology
Specialized also uses its own concept for the sole construction: a stable nylon sole is used under the cleat area, while the toe area is curved particularly strongly upwards and should also flex noticeably more for better rolling behaviour. For the tread, the Americans use the sticky SlipNot rubber of MTB shoes.
The two-piece upper gives the Recon 1.0 a high-quality look. Lasercuts are designed to improve ventilation. The feet are secured in the shoe via a single Boa L6 twist fastener with a stylish Dyneema rope. A rubberised heel is not yet in the budget at this price.
Pressure marks? Not a chance!
Comfort was high on the list of requirements for the Recon 1.0. The material nestles comfortably around the feet - pressure points? Not a thing. There is plenty of room for the toes, while the rest of the shoe is normal to narrow. If you have to get off your bike, you'll notice the grippy rubber of the Slip-Not sole - even if it could be wider for better grip. Those who are used to wide MTB soles will miss some stability here.
Due to the strong curvature of the sole in the toe area, the Recon 1.0 rolls smoothly, but you are surprisingly heel-heavy in this shoe, which also takes some getting used to when walking.
Unfortunately, the single Boa fastener does not manage to optimally secure the foot in the shoe. The foremost strap is therefore barely under tension. In combination with the rather unstiff nylon, the Recon 1.0 doesn't transfer power to the pedals as optimally as some other gravel shoes. This is also confirmed by our laboratory test: at just 171 N/mm, the Specialised Recon 1.0 is the least stiff shoe in the comparison.
Noticeable: The stance on the pedals is also high and therefore slightly wobbly in technical situations. The small laser cuts on the upper material hardly allow any wind to reach the feet, and on hot days the Specialized Recon 1.0 tends to get warm.
Info & price of the Specialised Recon 1.0
- Price: 120 Euro >> available here
- Weight (size 46): 724 grammes
- Sizes: 36-49, no half sizes
- Sole / StiffnessNylon / 170.9 N/mm
- Made inVietnam
- EquipmentBoa L6 twist lock; Body Geometry sole; flexible sole; SlipNot rubber profile
- FitMedium to narrow, slightly airier in the toe area, true to size
Test grade & conclusion
With the Recon 1.0, Specialized delivers a solid entry-level shoe for relaxed gravel tours. We liked the comfortable cut and the grippy sole. You have to get used to the strongly curved sole and you also have to accept some compromises in terms of power transmission. Nevertheless, 120 euros is a very fair offer.
