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S-Works Recon SL Shoe Goes Full Gravel, Gets Wider, and Adds a Tunable Pedal Interface

Specialized S-Works Recon SL both shoes
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Specialized S-Works Recon SL tops side by side
Photos c. Jordan Villella

What’s New: Specialized S-Works Recon SL 

There are many updates to the new S-Works Recon SL, most notably the reduction in weight, updated wider fit, and a more Torch-like appearance. Still, the shoe is laser-focused on off-road performance but leans more into the gravel side than anything. 

Specialized S-Works Recon SL toebox

Specialized moved the BOA dials slightly, eliminating the constricted feeling of the previous version of the Recons while still having a sturdy fit. Now there are two BOA dials and no extra Velcro strap near the toes. 

Specialized S-Works Recon SL carbon soles

Looking at the bottom of the shoe, you can see most of the updates. The matte carbon sole of the shoe is sculpted. On the structural side of things, Specialized updated the sole with an internal I-beam like the Torch to add stiffness and strength. The I-beam eliminates the need for additional bracing while allowing the shoe to stay extremely lightweight. 

Specialized S-Works Recon SL cleats

If you look at the toebox, you’ll notice zero spots for additional toe spikes. Cyclo-cross racers will be bummed, but this is an opportunity to shave weight and eliminate extra hardware.

Specialized S-Works Recon SL toebox

If you look closer, you’ll notice the toebox is slimmer than the beefed-up section near the cleat. The front of the shoe is slightly flexible, while the mid-pedaling platform is super stiff. 

Specialized S-Works Recon SL heels

Updated Fit 

The new Recon SL and Recon ADV addressed a common thread among many riders: the width of the shoe. The new Recon SL and Recon ADV are 4 mm wider than the standard width and 8 mm wider than the previous S-Works Recon Mountain Bike Shoes. 

Specialized S-Works Recon SL BOA laces

Why the change to wider? The design team at Specialized gathered more than 100,000 foot scans from RETÜL fit data. After studying the scans, the team recognized that a standard fit and a wide carbon base plate would best serve the spectrum of human foot shapes. 

Specialized S-Works Recon SL all colorways

The inside of the shoe is what you’d expect from the Specialized S-Works tier and includes a varus wedge, longitudinal arch, and metatarsal button. A new piece that Specialized is offering for the S-Work Recon SL is high-density pontoons (shims) that allow riders to tune their pedal interface.

Specialized S-Works Recon SL pontoons

Though we have yet to experiment with them, the shoes arrive with two options, threading into the tread. Additional 3mm, 6mm, and 9mm pontoon shims for leg length discrepancy and cleat stacker are available through Specialized Rider Care. 

Specialized S-Works Recon SL both shoes

Specialized S-Works Recon SL: Key Features 

  • High-density pontoons and new shims allow riders to tune their pedal interface for maximum efficiency and a road-like pedal platform  
  • Features Body Geometry technology by way of the varus wedge, a longitudinal arch, and a metatarsal button
  • An asymmetrical heel counter supports the medial side while removing material from the lateral side, allowing for a lower collar
  • Using an internal I-beam adds stiffness and strength — eliminating the need for additional bracing and allowing the shoe to stay extremely lightweight
  • Zoned reinforcement across the quarter and forefoot maximize support while the updated BOA routing improves lockdown — eliminating the need for a toe strap
  • Additional 3mm, 6mm, and 9mm pontoon shims for leg length discrepancy and cleat stacker available through Specialized Rider Care 
  • For a wider fit — the new base plate is 4 mm wider than the standard width (8 mm wider than S-Works Recon Mountain Bike Shoes)
  • Available sizes: 36-49 
  • Weight: 288 g (size 43)
  • Available now
  • Price: $450
Specialized S-Works Recon SL in bag

First Impressions

We’ve had minimal time on the S-Works Recon SL shoe. From our time in them, it’s safe to note — they fit astronomically better. I have a slightly wider foot and gravitate toward Shimano shoe lines. The updated fit is a significant difference from the Recon SL shoe. Those slightly shoehorned into the previous S-Works Recon version will be excited. 

Specialized S-Works Recon SL weights

Weight and fit are the most notable characteristics that stick out. They feel like road shoes when you put them on because of the weight and the locked-in sensation. The updated placement of the BOA dials is another huge update. 

Previously, the wire from the BOA dials would dig into my foot and create an over-tightened sensation that was not great. The new placement, however, eliminates that and adds a nice secure-wrapped feeling. 

The front of the shoe where the toe spike could/would be is slightly flexible. This slimmer toe area could reduce weight and offer off-the-bike comfort. I’m curious to know if this will withstand the demands of running and sloppy hike-a-bike sections of gravel races. 

There’s only one way to find out. We’ll put these shoes through the races and paces this spring and report back with a full review. Currently, the prospects look good; they fit excellent, are lightweight, and look very fast! 

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Tom Wenzel
Tom Wenzel
10 months ago

For a wider fit — the new base plate is 4 mm wider than the standard width (8 mm wider than S-Works Recon Mountain Bike Shoes).

This is huge, literally. I’ve had to refrain from purchasing Specialized shoes because of their narrow width. They offered the S-Works Recon in wide (Black only), but they’re unicorns. They last about 10 seconds when someone sells a used pair on Pinkbike. It’s evident they have one underpaid intern manning their forecasting department, so it’s about time they address the sub-120-pound, non-handlebar moustache-wearing rider demographic.

Gabor Garai
Gabor Garai
9 months ago
Reply to  Tom Wenzel

I just called them. Despite the hoopla, the wide version doesn’t exist. Just the normal one. They say maybe they’ll get the wider version later…..

Andrew
Andrew
10 months ago

This is a huge improvement – I’ve been unable to wear Specialized shoes for the last ~10 year due to the poor (for my anatomy) Boa/strap/tongue placement. Unfortunately, they lost me at the lack of Toe spikes though. With toes spikes I’d be rushing out to buy these shoes today….. looks like I’ll need to wait for this fit to trickle down to other versions where the weight of toe-spike threads isn’t a concern.

n8sters
n8sters
10 months ago

Curious how people think these will fare in the real world. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stubbed my toe trying to ride between large boulders on my gravel bike here in Colorado, and as cool as these are I feel like I’d break my little toe if I hit a rock at any sort of speed wearing these. Are these solely targeting the hardcore gravel race scene?

Joenomad
Joenomad
10 months ago

One size doesn’t fit all. Like stating that the systems shows most men are a size 43 and therefore will be the only size available. There is a reason for the width scale from narrow to extra wide.

Tom Wenzel
Tom Wenzel
10 months ago

Shimano shoes have the unfortunate quality of being butt ugly. When I see people in Shimano shoes, they always fit the profile of, “Could careless about looks and quality and fit, but damn were they cheap.”

Tom Wenzel
Tom Wenzel
10 months ago
Reply to  Joenomad

I’ve no idea what they’re doing in their forecast department, as I implied in the first post, but with that trove of data you’d think they’d have enough shoes to fill demand, but every time sizes 43 thru 45 are always OOS, 36 and 49 available years after initial launch, so this Retül trove of data doesn’t seem to be doing them any good other than providing great marketing fodder for a marketing-driven company.

Oliver
Oliver
10 months ago
Reply to  Tom Wenzel

49s are usually gone instantly. As with the two colorways they have initially in stock. Both went within hours.

Tom Wenzel
Tom Wenzel
10 months ago
Reply to  Oliver

I wasn’t clear. I am talking about the SW Recons of yore. Where are you finding 49s? My riding buddy worked at Specialized, so the info I have is straight from the source. Is your info just to be a typical internet contrarian?

Oliver
Oliver
10 months ago
Reply to  Tom Wenzel

Specialized.

Zach
Zach
10 months ago

But why are there such limited sized and colors?

MsC
MsC
10 months ago

Bare carbon sole, wish it was covered like Shimano’s XC902’s. If you have to walk on slippery sections or put your foot down on roots, wham there you go.

Oliver
Oliver
10 months ago

This is just an update to make the Recon S-Works Wide the normal, with some other superficial changes. It’s still a narrow shoe …

Laura
Laura
10 months ago

8 mm wider? Won’t fit my narrow feet. If they carry this fit over into all their S-Works shoes I guess I’ll be looking for a new shoe brand. I always bought Specialized because of the narrow fit.

Gavin
Gavin
10 months ago

It’s not at all obvious what the tuneable cleat interface is or how it works from this article

TypeVertigo
10 months ago
Reply to  Gavin

My best guess is it’s got something to do with the tread pontoons on either side of the cleat pocket, and that any screws for these will thread into the sole from inside the shoe. That should save them from environmental wear and tear methinks.

Victor
Victor
10 months ago

Any idea if it will come in an actual ‘wide’ version like the S-Works Torch?

Gavin
Gavin
10 months ago

WHY IN GODS NAME CAN’T WE HAVE WHITE? Specialized UK WHY?

Dano
Dano
10 months ago
  1. Aren’t hardcore gravel riders willing to spend $450 on shoes using road pedals on their gravel bikes? I sure do here in MN. Bigger platform, stiffer S-Works road sole. Rarely do I clip out on a gravel ride. This shoe seems to offer a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist.
  2. So, Specialized is abandoning the MTB singletrack crowd that wants a top-end S-Works shoe that will last more than 7 rides, has decent toe protection and toe spikes? Isn’t this the biggest growth segment in the market at the moment?

Iv’e been riding S-Works shoes exclusively for more than 10 years. I’ve been anxiously awaiting the launch of the S-Works Recon for a few years (without that stupid and useless velcro toe strap that does nothing but attract dirt) and now I feel like I’m forced to look elsewhere. Sigh.

Jay Ess
Jay Ess
10 months ago
Reply to  Dano

I’m assuming they’ll do a dedicated mtb shoe with more lugs and toe spikes. Lots of Specialized sponsored mtb/cyclocross riders use recon shoes and these are not going to work for them.

Greg
Greg
10 months ago
Reply to  Dano

Several years ago they made two SWorks level mountain bike shoes, the XC and a more durable Trail. I assume they’ll be doing that again. Because let’s face it, this one is pulling double duty with the gravel crowd.

Jay Ess
Jay Ess
10 months ago

So this sucks for people that like the old last. I will have to buy another pair of the old recons that worked great for non-fat foot people.

Ben
Ben
9 months ago

So I can wear these on my trek checkpoint but I’ve been riding more paved roads lately or stick to the torch model?

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