Specialized S-Works 8 Road Shoes?

Back by popular demand, the general all-things Road forum!

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AC0
Posts: 53
Joined: Mon Aug 02, 2010 2:33 am

by AC0


kode54 wrote:Worse, when the white plastic gets scuffed, impossible to get it back to white. Maybe sand it down to a smooth surface?
Use a magic eraser. Works on the plastic toe cap. On the Ares I use it everywhere but the sock liner.

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by Weenie


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MarkoP
Posts: 218
Joined: Tue Nov 05, 2019 7:48 pm

by MarkoP

Quick sizing update. Had posted that I'm a TTS US 12 and wear 46.5 in Shimano S-Phyre which provides a good snug fit.

I had ordered the new S-Works Torch in 46 but they felt too long. Today I was able to try on 45.5 which was perfect and fit much closer to the S-Phyre with respect to length. Appreciate everyone's foot is differnet but just putting it out there if helpful (1 size down from S-Phyre SH-RC902 worked for me).

For reference my feet are average width but very high arches. Looking forward to getting these set up and on the road.
Current: 2021 Bianchi Specialissima I 2021 Tarmac SL6 S-Works (Sagan Edition) l 2023 Aethos S-Works

tommyboyo
Posts: 350
Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2020 12:49 am

by tommyboyo

Logged some miles on these now.

I have quite wide flat feet, that have deteriorated over the years.

The extra width across the ball is good for my foot.

I do not like the toebox too low profile and tapered, a step back for my foot shape. Toes went numb and felt restricted, not rc902 level, but not good.

The Ares are still more comfy all round for me, even though narrower in the midfoot.

However, stability wise, these are pretty special. Sole is stiff and upper is very supportive. Feel locked in. Heel retention is excellent as ever, no ankle digging, or boa pressure points.

Something to note though, the ventilation is pretty poor. I was riding in 20c with a breeze in the UK this afternoon and they were getting hot. Not sure how they would do at proper temps.

Doubt they will stay as part of the stabe, as they don't really work with my feet. More a reflection of my feet these days than the shoes i think.

People with normal feet will probably love these though. I would have done a few years ago.

TLN
Posts: 630
Joined: Wed Jul 12, 2017 4:50 pm

by TLN

tommyboyo wrote:
Fri May 27, 2022 8:09 pm
The Ares are still more comfy all round for me, even though narrower in the midfoot.
Would you still prefer ares over torch overall ?
His: Orbea Orca OMX
Hers: Cannondale Synapse HM Disc

tommyboyo
Posts: 350
Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2020 12:49 am

by tommyboyo

TLN wrote:
Fri May 27, 2022 8:57 pm
tommyboyo wrote:
Fri May 27, 2022 8:09 pm
The Ares are still more comfy all round for me, even though narrower in the midfoot.
Would you still prefer ares over torch overall ?
For me, yes.

Everyone is different though.

ODC
Posts: 373
Joined: Mon Aug 14, 2017 9:40 am

by ODC

I’m selling my S-works Torch already.
There i’m in love with the looks the toebox low profile gives me pain in my feet and toes.
Gonna stay riding with my S-works Vent shoes. They are less pretty but a lot of more comfortable and good ventilation.

tommyboyo
Posts: 350
Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2020 12:49 am

by tommyboyo

ODC wrote:
Fri May 27, 2022 10:11 pm
I’m selling my S-works Torch already.
There i’m in love with the looks the toebox low profile gives me pain in my feet and toes.
Gonna stay riding with my S-works Vent shoes. They are less pretty but a lot of more comfortable and good ventilation.
Yeah, I also find the toe box poor for my foot structure.

AW84
Posts: 199
Joined: Fri Aug 15, 2014 7:04 am

by AW84

MarkoP wrote:
Fri May 27, 2022 5:50 pm
Quick sizing update. Had posted that I'm a TTS US 12 and wear 46.5 in Shimano S-Phyre which provides a good snug fit.

I had ordered the new S-Works Torch in 46 but they felt too long. Today I was able to try on 45.5 which was perfect and fit much closer to the S-Phyre with respect to length. Appreciate everyone's foot is differnet but just putting it out there if helpful (1 size down from S-Phyre SH-RC902 worked for me).

For reference my feet are average width but very high arches. Looking forward to getting these set up and on the road.
Have you by chance tried the SW7? I also wear a 45.5 (but an 11.5 in tennis shoes). Grabbed a pair of the SW7 on sale yesterday, but all they had was 46. Going to give it a try, but I suspect they'll be too big and I'll be sending them back for the Torch in 45.5.

ABogle
Posts: 111
Joined: Mon Jun 21, 2021 8:21 pm

by ABogle

The torch seems to be very heavily tapered and therefore not so great for squarer toes, can anyone confirm that please?

I have an Ares and despite it not being very wide, it has a more rounded toebox which works me. S-works 7 and the entire Lake, Shimano, Fizik & Sidi ranges were hopeless.

MarkoP
Posts: 218
Joined: Tue Nov 05, 2019 7:48 pm

by MarkoP

AW84 wrote:
Sat May 28, 2022 4:45 am
MarkoP wrote:
Fri May 27, 2022 5:50 pm
Quick sizing update. Had posted that I'm a TTS US 12 and wear 46.5 in Shimano S-Phyre which provides a good snug fit.

I had ordered the new S-Works Torch in 46 but they felt too long. Today I was able to try on 45.5 which was perfect and fit much closer to the S-Phyre with respect to length. Appreciate everyone's foot is differnet but just putting it out there if helpful (1 size down from S-Phyre SH-RC902 worked for me).

For reference my feet are average width but very high arches. Looking forward to getting these set up and on the road.
Have you by chance tried the SW7? I also wear a 45.5 (but an 11.5 in tennis shoes). Grabbed a pair of the SW7 on sale yesterday, but all they had was 46. Going to give it a try, but I suspect they'll be too big and I'll be sending them back for the Torch in 45.5.
Sorry, I don't have experience with the SW7. If you're 11.5 in tennis shows I'm guessing 46 will be too big but who knows :)
Current: 2021 Bianchi Specialissima I 2021 Tarmac SL6 S-Works (Sagan Edition) l 2023 Aethos S-Works

tommyboyo
Posts: 350
Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2020 12:49 am

by tommyboyo

ABogle wrote:
Sat May 28, 2022 11:26 am
The torch seems to be very heavily tapered and therefore not so great for squarer toes, can anyone confirm that please?

I have an Ares and despite it not being very wide, it has a more rounded toebox which works me. S-works 7 and the entire Lake, Shimano, Fizik & Sidi ranges were hopeless.
Correct.

Wider in the midfoot, but a shallow and narrower toe box. It is not terrible, but if you have square toes that splay (like me), then it might not be ideal.

ABogle
Posts: 111
Joined: Mon Jun 21, 2021 8:21 pm

by ABogle

tommyboyo wrote:
Sat May 28, 2022 11:40 am
ABogle wrote:
Sat May 28, 2022 11:26 am
The torch seems to be very heavily tapered and therefore not so great for squarer toes, can anyone confirm that please?

I have an Ares and despite it not being very wide, it has a more rounded toebox which works me. S-works 7 and the entire Lake, Shimano, Fizik & Sidi ranges were hopeless.
Correct.

Wider in the midfoot, but a shallow and narrower toe box. It is not terrible, but if you have square toes that splay (like me), then it might not be ideal.
Thanks for coming back on that. I know the tapering makes for a very pretty shoe but god its annoying.

ToileySiphon
Posts: 91
Joined: Fri Jul 19, 2019 2:58 am

by ToileySiphon

ms6073 wrote:Ordered a white pair for the wife who rides Speedplay pedals, so it will be interesting to see how the new sole design works out.
Interested in that!
The new plate shape worries me a bit.



by Weenie


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jasjas
Posts: 439
Joined: Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:15 am

by jasjas

cyclespeed wrote:
Fri May 27, 2022 4:53 pm
Review on line!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1I9zGsZ5h8
Good review but do you give your shoes to your dog to chew after every ride?

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