S-Works Ares Road Shoe
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Why We Like the S-Works Ares Road Shoe
"Innovate or die" has been Specialized's motto since 1981, and this mantra truly comes alive with the all-new Ares Road Shoe. Designed to be the most powerful performance shoe on the market, the Ares gives us race-worthy performance in situations where every watt counts, yet provides a level of comfort that's on par with our favorite casual slippers. How is this possible? It starts with an entirely new Boa closure that tightens the uppers into perfect symmetry around your foot, combined with an ultra-light, ultra-stiff carbon outsole that converts as much energy as possible into forward momentum. The Ares offers the breathability of the S-Works 7 Vent, the lightweight feel of the S-Works EXOS, and the impressive power transfer of the S-Works 7, giving you the best possible combination of comfort and efficiency.
Despite the lightweight minimalist approach, the S-Works Ares still features Specialized's Body Geometry technology that improves comfort and efficiency. Defining elements include a Longitudinal Arch support that boosts your power output, a built-in Varus Wedge that improves knee alignment while pedaling, and a Metatarsal Button that alleviates numbness and hot spots.
Details
- Slipper-like comfort meets race-worthy performance with the Ares
- Uses Specialized's stiffest carbon sole for maximum power transfer
- Symmetrical BOA closure wraps your feet in supportive comfort
- Ultra-strong Dyneema fibers prevent stretching & warping over time
- PadLock heel prevents slippage and power loss
- Body Geometry technology boosts comfort and efficiency
- Roomy toe box helps prevent numbness and hot spots
- 440g claimed weight per pair is impressively light
- Item #SCQ00IH
- Upper Material
- synthetic leather, Dyneema, TPU
- Closure
- BOA Li2 Fit System
- Sole
- FACT Powerline (stiffness index 15)
- Cleat Compatibility
- 3-bolt
- Claimed Weight
- [one shoe, size 42] 7.8oz (220g)
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited 2 year
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4 based on 17 ratings
Review Summary
Fits Slightly Small
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageAugust 24, 2024
Great Shoes but Sizing Runs Small
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
Love these shoes, very well made and no flex. Without question I can recommend these but.. just know that for me, the sizing runs small. As an example, my size 44 Time shoes are pretty much the same as my size 11 running shoes. However, I needed a size 45.5 in the Specialized Ares to fit. It took me two pairs to figure out the sizing. My recommendation is to measure the insoles of a pair of shoes that fit and then find the same measurement in these.
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
May 21, 2024
Almost impossible to get off and on
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
I ordered these shoes because I have bunions and needed a wide toe box. The interlacing of the Boa wires and the narrow heel made it virtually impossible for me to get them off and on. They appear to be very well constructed. They were just not for me (sadly, because I used to live in Morgan Hill, CA, when the company was young, and I LOVE my S-Works Roubaix bike.
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
April 24, 2023
Don't measure up to past designs
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
Have used specialized shoes for 20+ years with great success, however this shoes fit does not measure up to prior versions. They are to narrow in the front (and I have narrow feet) and difficult to put on without a show horn as result of the built in sock. The BOA closure mechanism does not operate as smoothly as past designs.
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
April 24, 2022
Far too narrow for normal feet
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
Despite following the sizing chart and getting the correct size, these shoes turned out to be far too small for me. I have never had to wear "wide" shoes, but these shoes made me feel like I must have monster feet. A few miles into their inaugural ride, I entirely loosened the front BOA to reduce the pressure on the front of my feet. Nevertheless, by the end of that ~60 mile ride, my left foot was swollen and numb for close to a week. For the price, I would expect at least a more accurate sizing chart. I have returned the shoes.
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
December 4, 2021
Many nice features but not for wide feet
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I did two 100-mile rides in these shoes with plenty of out-of-saddle climbing. They felt very light and stiff. The closure system felt great all along the tops of my feet and the length was perfect. Snug to get on with the sock liner but very secure once on. I had to return them though, because they were just a bit too narrow along the bone on the outside of my feet from heel to small toe. That side of my feet got very sore by the end of the ride. My feet measure 105 mm wide and 280 mm long using the Lake Shoe measuring system. I ordered 44.5 based on their chart. If you have narrower feet than I do these could be tremendous shoes, but they were too narrow for me.
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
August 27, 2021
Almost Perfect
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
I love this shoe. As others have written, they are by far the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn (and I have a bit of a cycling shoe thing). That would be great, but they are also excellent fitting and provide high performance. You don't need to tighten them much... just snugging them down gives excellent feel and control. The "not perfect" comes from the sock liner. I have the white shoes, and the liner (particularly at the instep) turned grey very quickly from dirt, and doesn't seem to be cleanable. The rest of the shoe looks great, but the liner... not so much. I'm still seeking a way to clean them.
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
August 10, 2021
Fantastic fit, super stiff soles!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
Let me start by saying that I'm a long time fan of S-works shoes. I currently rotate through the Sub6 (lace up), Exos (one BOA dial) and now these which are by far the most comfortable. On the hottest days here in Texas, there is no beating the Exos and for style, the Sub6 hit the mark. But these Ares are SOOOOO stinkin' comfortable that I choose them most often. There is also some magic with the stiffer sole that makes them feel super connected to the pedal; like every watt is getting transmitted directly to the pedal. I love the new BOA dials that you can turn to tighten or loosen one micro notch at a time or pop them up to instantly get them off your feet. One note on the size: I always wear a 45 in S-Works shoes and these seam just a hair larger than the other, but still fit fine. Maybe if you're in between sizes then size down. I agree with other reviewers that the looks are funky, BUT...I don't care. I'll take function over form in this situation. The cost is a little embarrassing to admit to anyone so I gloss over that bit when people ask, but I'll wear holes in my kit, wear out my chain and use no name water bottles to put extra money towards shoes like this.
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
August 2, 2021
Nice Shoes
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
I decided to go with these shoes because they were rated most comfortable in a number of reviews. Given that "comfortable" in this context is a rather relative term, I must agree: I have ridden about 600 miles in the shoes and I like them very much. The wide toe cage is a major plus for me and the fit is spot on. The double BOA system is great and allows minute adjustments. So far the have aged very well.
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
July 26, 2021
Best shoes ever
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
I?ve tried many brands and types. I finally found my feet soulmates. Not kidding. These shoes are amazing fit and comfort.
Originally reviewed on Backcountry.com
July 25, 2021
Awesome shoe
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
Nice to see that cycling shoe design finally caught up to other athletic shoes (running, soccer cleats) with a sock-like body supported by the BOA straps. The fit is snug and takes some time to get into, but once on they are light and comfortable. Plenty of room in the toe box like other Specialized shoes. I tighten the straps just enough to keep them from flopping around- that honestly all that is needed. Once clipped it it feels like the pedals are glued to your feet with no roll. No pressure points or hot spots unlike the tongue on my S-Works 7s. The only issue is sizing- these are a half-size smaller than other Specialized shoes. I wear a 43 in the S-Works 7, and the footbed and sole matched up perfectly with a 43.5 in the Ares. I can only guess Specialized was trying to market a snugger fit for these shoes so simply labeled the size differently. Hard to find but worth the quest.
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com