Test the new Specialized S-Works Ares 2 shoes

Specialized unveils the S-Works Ares 2, cycling shoes designed for competitors and engineered to provide a seamless connection with the bike. Designed to optimize power, precision, and rider comfort, this new iteration promises improved performance while reducing forefoot pressure. A combination of performance and comfort that we wanted to test on the route during a test over several hundred kilometers, especially since the price is very high.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr/DR

Building on the success of previous ones S-Works Ares, launched four years ago and crowned at several world championships, this new version has been perfected thanks to feedback from World Tour riders and practitioners. Specialized's goal? A shoe that eliminates unwanted movement, optimizes every watt the rider provides, and redefines the feeling of connection with the bike., while remaining comfortable over time.

Although they bring together a number of features specific to each of Specialized's top-of-the-range models from previous years, the S-Works Ares 2 do not strictly speaking replace the S-Works Torch current. This is a complementary offer, proposed at a very high price from 549 €.

A design focused on efficiency

The S-Works Ares 2 is based on the Body Geometry concept, a scientifically validated ergonomic approachThis was already the case for the brand's previous models such as the S-Works Torch, but the brand wanted to go even further.

Among the new features, a unique last shape eliminates flutter to maximize power transfer. With an optimized heel counter and a patented closure system with a triangular grip, the Ares 2 also offers a precise, firm and secure fit, and positions itself as a new benchmark in the field of competition shoes.

Beyond the explanations provided by Specialized, and based on my experience in the field, I could summarize the new S-Works Ares 2 as follows: they take the hyper rigid heel support of the S-Works 7 (the flagship model from 2018 to 2021), the upper material and the outsole of the S-Works Torch (launched in 2022) and the clamping system of the S-Works Ares (launched in 2021). But unlike the latter, the front part of the shoes is a little more rounded, with a tightening in this area positioned slightly higher.

As a result, you quickly feel a very, very (yes, I insist!) effective tightening at the heel, instep and midfoot when you put them on, but without compression at the front. That's promising before leaving on the route.

Body Geometry: science at the service of the foot

Body Geometry technologies address common cyclist issues: forefoot numbness, feeling of fire at the foot, sagging of the arch of the foot or even knee pain.

These inconveniences, which affect power and increase the risk of injury, are corrected thanks to un varus wedging (a 1,5 mm outward inclination of the sole), superior arch support thanks to the very structure of the shoe, a metatarsal button integrated into the insole, and a new form of footwear.

The latter results from the analysis of more than 100 scans from RETÜL 000D postural studies and 3 hours of tests. Its aim is to adapt to the natural morphology of the foot, with a toe box wider for increased comfort and significant pressure reduction on very sensitive areas.

Power and sustain combined

The triangulated closure system, which increases the contact surface by 20%, combined with a redesigned forefoot locking zone and an enlarged heel counter, is designed for optimal stability. Indeed, this system, already featured on the first Ares, is very effective. The tightening is progressive thanks to the Boa Li2 aluminum wheel, well distributed over the top of the foot, and above all very firm.

Here it relies entirely on an upper with a synthetic material that is relatively soft to the touch but inextensible, unlike the first generation Ares, on which a less rigid mesh fabric was used. The difference between the two models is therefore very noticeable in terms of the rigidity felt in the middle of the foot.

At the front, the tightening has been slightly shifted. On the first Ares, it was applied almost directly to the metatarsals, which could sometimes be a hindrance to comfort and the feeling of mobility of the toes. Here, it applies a slightly higher hold on the foot, therefore less restrictive over time, and which has the effect of lock unwanted twisting movements above the arch of the foot.

Locked heel

On these S-Works Ares 2, the concept of the first Ares slipper is abandoned for a return to an almost traditional tongue, which overlaps a good part of the top of the foot. Thanks to the placement of the two tightening systems and the absence of pressure exerted by the Boa cables, this tongue did not need to be reinforced or padded, which presents an advantagetage in terms of breathability on the top of the foot.

At the heel, we notice a rigid reinforcement on both sides, as was the case with the S-Works 7, whereas on the latest S-Works Torch for example, the reinforcement is only placed on the inner side (crank side). This feature has the effect of holding the heel very firmly, both in the push phase during the pedaling cycle and in the pull phase.

On the other hand, as with the S-Works 7, the slightly stiff ankle collar is likely to create some minor discomfort just below the ankle. This was the case for me during my first outings with the shoes.

Ultra-rigid carbon sole

The carbon sole, with maximum rigidity according to Specialized's references, completes this set to offer 360-degree ergonomic support.. Like the S-Works Torch, the sole is a little wider (4 mm) than on the first generation Ares, and it has been redesigned to save about twenty grams. It benefits from a trapezoidal cross-section with an internal I-beam reinforcement for rigidity and refined edges.

Of course, we find the three attachment points for the cleats, with the possibility of sliding them backwards to gain 5 mm of additional engagement. However, This bridge on which the wedges rest is narrower than the surface of the soles of the previous Ares. If adjusted to extremes (either engagement or angle), part of the cleat may become overhanging, which was not the case on the soles of S-Works shoes that used the old sole.

Under the sole at the front of the foot, we find a fairly minimalist air intake, but sufficient beforehand to avoid heatstroke on very hot days. Especially since the burning sensation in the foot often results from poor blood circulation in the foot due to pressure points.

Interior comfort

Moreover, The Body Geometry insole features a metatarsal button, a small protrusion designed to slightly spread the bones of the forefoot and improve blood circulation during exercise. While this same insole does not offer specific arch support (additional insoles are available), it is already much more sophisticated than most competing models.

Note that due to the new last shape, which is more rounded at the front, Specialized is launching new insoles with Body Geometry arch support alongside the Ares 2. For custom support, the price is €30.

For those who would like to use other insoles, however, you will need to pay attention to the size of the shoe. The S-Works Ares 2 is a very true to size, more so than the S-Works Torch anyway. Choosing a half size up from other Specialized shoes might be a very good idea.

The fact remains that once I was comfortably installed inside the shoes, my feet felt quite comfortable (except for the length) whether in terms of support or in terms of the contact areas with the upper. Even when squeezing very hard, I didn't feel any pressure point.. So no numbness. No frostbite or hot spots either, depending on the weather conditions.

Shoes for competitors

On trial, I was quickly struck by the clamping power of these Specialized S-Works Ares 2 shoes. I have narrow feet, especially on the right. On all models on the market, I always feel the need to tighten the Boa dial at the instep, often having the feeling of floating between my ankle and my heel. Very often, I reach the end of the tightening, but I still need enough to feel a perfect connection with the bike.

With the Ares 2, I still have some room to spare.. I feel my instep fully connect to the back of the shoe. This was something I had already noticed with the first generation Ares. The difference here concerns the middle of the shoe, which deforms much less. Therefore, with a medium tightening, the foot retains a little noticeable angular freedom when moving from the sitting position to the dancing position. But with maximum tightening, the ankle is put back in line with the foot, which provides this feeling of total connection.

Although a little higher than on the Ares, the tightening at the front only serves to stabilize the foot. In my opinion, there is no point in trying to tighten it too much here, as the tightening at the top of the foot is more than enough to not feel any loss of energy when pedaling. And above all, applying pressure to the forefoot could cancel the forward movementtagand the redesigned shoe shape to provide more comfort.

Because paradoxically, I found the S-Works Ares 2 slightly narrower than the S-Works TorchI don't know if this feeling is linked to a tighter cut, but in any case I have never felt the need to tighten frankly in this area.

Shoes meant to last

To know, The tightening system itself makes it a little more difficult to put on or take off the shoes.The entry is less open than on the S-Works Torch. This is a point to consider for triathletes, who might be hindered during transitions between different disciplines.

For those concerned about the very high price of the shoes, or even their white color, note that The upper is easy to maintain if it gets dirty, with a damp sponge or cleaning wipe. Previous models of Specialized shoes have generally demonstrated their durability, even on an aesthetic level.

Among the details designed to ensure durability, we note the presence ofa reinforcement at the front end of the foot. On the other hand, the small heel pad intended for walking is not replaceable. That said, I have never seen one really worn out.

Conclusion: Power locked and comfort unleashed

With the new S-Works Ares 2, Specialized pushes shoe technology even further, with a model studied down to the smallest detail to combine comfort and maximum efficiency.

The bet seems to have paid off: I've been riding a bike for 40 years, and I've never felt such a connection with shoes, thanks to a super powerful and progressive tightening, but without pressure points. And while the Ares 2s are a little stiff at first, like many racing shoes, they gradually adjust after a few rides. Be careful though: I think they run a little smaller than other Specialized models.

The price remains exceptional: at €549, they are not far from being the most expensive on the market.. Fortunately at this price, the finish is absolutely flawless, the durability assured, and they already come with more sophisticated insoles than most competitors.

=> Our posts Tests