Pretty confused to see the reviews that say this shoe isn't durable because I've been using this shoe for everything (road/gravel/trail) for almost 2 years now, and it still looks nearly new. It feels plenty stiff (no hot spots) and light for road riding, but I've also done a fair bit of walking in them. I've hiked in them when I've had to, and I've even mistakenly worn them to a march and walked a couple miles on pavement (10/10 would not recommend) and they've held up great. I have a slightly wide foot, and I haven't noticed an issues with foot pain. I barely notice these shoes when I have them on (unless I'm walking on pavement- again, don't recommend). The only thing that could improve them would be a second BOA dial for a more precise fit, but I guess that's what the Recon 3.0 is for.

I was looking forward for purchasing these shoes for quite some time in my country, however the local dealer failed to get them for sizing them up, so since I already owned two other Specialized biking shoes (MTB Comp & Road Torch 2.0) size 45, I ordered a pair of Expert XC online around six months ago size 45. I kind of felt they didn't fit as comfortably as the other two pairs but decided to still ride them while giving them a chance for ""breaking"" but after a few rides I realized they were not breaking any further and they were still running extremely small on me.

I always buy specialized shoes. They fit my feet great, no hotspots, nice and stiff. These Expert Mountain shoes are no different. Super solid platform for pedaling, but I'm still able to walk in them if needed. The Boa system works great.

This is the most comfortable MTB shoe I have ever worn. Great fit and adjustability. The only change I made was the medium BG footbed insert to fit my arch. I use them on my MTB and gravel bikes. So glad I bought them.

Concerned by the number of shoes that self-destructed so quickly, I can say mine have been through the gnarliest of New England expert trails in all weather and trail conditions with some extreme hike-a-bike too. Just double-checked them now and they have held together just fine, the uppers are very durable, little wear of the sole lugs. The fit is near-perfect for my slightly-narrow foot. The BOA can be a PITA to release, the soles could be stickier, the forward velcro strap does little, but on-the-bike they're stiff and comfortable. Obviously YMMV.

Only lasted three rides before I decided to give up on these shoes. Out of the box, they look great and I was hoping for a stiffer shoe. What I didn't expect was how uncomfortable they are because the fit is odd. I couldn't even get through a couple of rides because of discomfort. After closer inspection, I found that the stitching on the last/sole is poorly crafted and lumpy. It felt like I had a pebble in my shoe. Going back to Italian made Sidis or Fiziks.

These shoes only lasted me 3 months. Definitely not worth purchasing if you plan on using them as mountain bike shoes. The inside liner separated and wrinkled in right heel cup, the outer rubber sole started to peel off of the carbon foot bed and the toe spikes ripped completely out of my left and right shoe.

I used these on a 100 mile ride the other day and was blown away with the quality. They are incredibly lightweight and stiff. They provide good comfort with the included body geometry insoles. They are all around a good xc/road shoe.

I've been rocking these shoes for about a year now with my Diverge gravel bike, which is actually my primary road bike for now. I bought these shoes because I wanted something that I could comfortably walk in due to commuting a lot on the train. It involves some walking around on occasion and I just didn't want to deal with road biking cleats. Anywho, these shoes rock. They're super comfy for hours on end and I haven't had a single issue, and they look rad.

I have large broad feet with a high foot bridge, sized up in a 48 these are the most comfortable mtb shoes I have ever worn.