33 . In fact, there’s no discernible off-plane wiggle when used with Shimano SPD pedals. For example, if I were racing gravel with rare off-the-bike sections, I’d choose the crazily-efficient-feeling S-Works.The Shimano S-Phyre XC9s are comfortable and offer a good amount of traction when the wheels stop turning.Shimano’s use of Boa IP1 dials allows for both easy release and micro adjustment.The Shimanos are certainly more forgiving in fit though. Don't miss out on MBUK – get your next 3 issues for just £5Already have an account with us? Shimano provides a footbed with a Velcro-based, interchangeable wedge support.
The Specialized heel cup is more rigid, deeper and with a rubber-like texture. Specialized offers no such flexiblity — changes to arch support require new innersoles. Instead, Specialized makes it easy to release the wire loop, for faster entry and exit from the shoe. It’s best described as a road shoe, for off-road use.The Specialized’s toe box is shallower, and the Velcro strap can be used to make it narrower, too.
The Specialized Recon’s are quoted at 5.5mm versus Shimano’s 5.9mm figure for the XC9.Walking and running in the Specializeds isn’t as nice as in the Shimanos. And then the tongue design works to pull the foot down and firmly against the angular innersole.And finally, while both shoes offer impressively low stack heights (effectively the height of the shoe’s sole), it’s Specialized’s that pulls ahead and at least in theory, offers a better controlled lever between the pedal and the knee.
The heel is also similarly more relaxed but still resists heel slip well.On the flip side, neither shoes offers replaceable tread, and the harder and blockier construction of the S-Works will be more durable. No such issues were experienced with the Shimanos.My rides often involve exploring gravel roads and technical cross-country jaunts, so the Shimanos’ comfort and unquestionably better off-bike-traction win out. Much like the rest of the fit, the Specialized is somewhat more polarising, but certainly more supportive if it fits.The Specialized S-Works Recon. Products so technically advanced that they ignite your performance and empower you to achieve your next level. Both James and I tested the regular widths of each model, however, there are wide versions offered in each.Both of these shoes are unquestionably stiff and efficient when spinning circles, but the Specializeds offer something else.Part of that is the S-Works’ more rigid hold of the foot. Still, I put my previous XC9 shoes through hell, and while other parts of the shoe didn’t fare so well, the tread remains intact.If you’re after a road pedal-like feel out of a mountain bike pedal system, I’d argue there’s no finer choice than the S-Works Recon. Price as reviewed: £169.99 . Robin has always loved the technical aspect of building and maintaining bikes, and several years working in a good bike shop only amplified that.Sign up to receive our newsletter!Thanks! This will be a worthy upgrade with either shoe if you’re racing cross.The Specialized S-Works Recon offers an enormous amount cleat fore-aft adjustment.Both may feature Boas, but they’re different. Shimano XC7 SPD shoe review. They’re both perfectly functional, but there’s benefit to an upgrade.From exclusive content to premium benefits, join us and experience all we have to offer. Cyclocross soon became a winter staple, and has remained his favourite form of competition. Shimano S-Phyre RC9 road shoe review Is Shimano’s S-Phyre mark two a significant improvement? With a wider fit across the foot, the Shimanos simply provide more wiggle room. Look to the professional riders using either brand in gravel, cyclocross or cross country disciplines, and you’ll find these shoes in use. Such is the difference, that the S-Works can even feel slick walking on clean tiles, while the Shimano’s tackier nature provides a confident step.The Michelin tread on the Shimanos is certainly softer than what the S-Works Recon offers, but so far, durability has been of no concern.The alloy Boa dials used by Specialized lack a quick release function. Meanwhile, the Specialized is still designed to fit the masses, but the fit is far less forgiving.So we can keep doing this to the best of our ability, please join our mission by becoming a member.Both shoes offer toe protection against rock strikes.For my flat feet and fussy, bony ankles, the Shimanos were simply more comfortable.