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Specialized
S-Works Ares Road Shoe

4.2 out of 5 stars
15 Reviews
Current price: $276.24 Original price: $424.99
35% off
Color:Flo Red/Maroon

Size:

Size Chart

Quantity


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
2 years

Overall Rating

4 based on 15 ratings

Review Summary

1 Stars - 1 reviews
2 Stars - 1 reviews
3 Stars - 1 reviews
4 Stars - 3 reviews
5 Stars - 9 reviews

Fits Slightly Small

Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.
Runs smallTrue to sizeRuns large

What do you think about this product?

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2 out of 5 stars

April 24, 2023

Don't measure up to past designs

Familiarity:
I've used it several times
Size Bought:
44.5 (11)
Height:
5' 11"
Weight:
145

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.

Lawrence R
1 out of 5 stars

April 24, 2022

Far too narrow for normal feet

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer
Size Bought:
43.0
Height:
5' 11"
Weight:
175

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.

Anthony R
4 out of 5 stars

December 4, 2021

Many nice features but not for wide feet

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
Size Bought:
44.5
Height:
5' 8"
Weight:
145

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.

Bob S
4 out of 5 stars

August 27, 2021

Almost Perfect

Familiarity:
I've used it several times
Size Bought:
42.5
Height:
5' 9"
Weight:
156

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.

joh106003996-0
5 out of 5 stars

August 10, 2021

Fantastic fit, super stiff soles!

Familiarity:
I've used it several times
Size Bought:
45
Height:
5' 11"
Weight:
163

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.

Lisa J
5 out of 5 stars

August 2, 2021

Nice Shoes

Familiarity:
I've used it several times
Size Bought:
45
Height:
5' 10"
Weight:
166

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.

Eran L
5 out of 5 stars

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.

Beth L
Backcountry.com

Originally reviewed on Backcountry.com

5 out of 5 stars

July 25, 2021

Awesome shoe

Familiarity:
I've used it several times
Size Bought:
43.5
Height:
5' 8"
Weight:
175

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.

Ian F
4 out of 5 stars

June 22, 2021

Stability, good biomechanics

Familiarity:
I've used it several times
Size Bought:
43

I have feet of two different sizes. As a result, my smaller foot can slide alot in the shoe or feel "unglued" from the pedals. I used to use the Giro Imperial because the boa dials locked in my feet, but the upper stretched on those overtime and when i cinched down on the boas i got hot spots and numbness in my smaller foot. The Ares solved all of those problems. I can cinch down on the top dial really hard without hotspots, and I can tighten down the toe dial just enough to make my toes feel stable but not constricted. All of my feet pain and "sliding around" are now a thing of the past. The 1.5 degree outward tilt and (subtle) ankle support helps with the power transfer and prevents knee pain. I don't feel like a SPECIFIC muscle is sore after I cycle because every muscle from the hip down feels engaged. The shoes are a bit hot, but not overly so. If you use a well ventilated sock it should not be an issue. Also, the fit was a tiny bit smaller than the Giro Imperial. I wear Nike in Size 10, Giro in size 43.5, and the Ares are perfect in size 43.

Aamer K
5 out of 5 stars

April 30, 2021

These shoes are AMAZING

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer
Size Bought:
45
Weight:
185

I came from a pair of 2007 Specialized road shoes that had the traditional velcro over the ball of my foot and ratchet near my ankle. The ratchet finally broke after nearly 1500 rides. Well, these are so far and above those shoes it's hard to even put into words. They fit my foot like a glove. I'm in Texas, and contrary to what I read, my feet do not get hot in these. They fit so well, I no longer have to "grab" the inside of my shoe with my toes like I had to before. I can ride with my whole foot relaxed and it's like the shoes are PART of my foot. I can't recommend these enough!

Brandon C