S-Works Ares 2

I've been wearing S-Works shoes forever. Sure, the price has gone from $300 to $600 in just a few years, but this new design is very disappointing. They moved the BOA dials to the top (?) of the shoe, creating pressure points on the inside side of the shoe. The old design, with BOA dials on the side, created pressure over the top of the foot, which is what you want for efficiency and comfort. The new style creates a point that digs into the side of the foot. It seems like they changed something for the sake of change. And they increased the price!

I had a hard time to find shoes to replace my sworks 7 , the ares 2 are the ones. Yes expensive but all you need is one pair. Best shoes I have ever owned. Im not sure if its real or just a feeling but the transfer of power is much better than previous shoes.

Got this in 42 Wide and compared to 42 sworks torch and sworks 7, this is about 3-4 mm wider than those at the widest point based on comparing the stock insoles. Both the torch and 7 have same insole shape and size. The Ares's wider toe box (by default) and overall extra width (due to getting Wide) make these much more comfortable for me. Both torch and SW7 would give me excruciating pain after 50 miles or so in summer on the outside of my foot at the widest part (pinky toe metatarsal area). Rode for 100 miles a couple days ago with no issues. This shoe did rub on my left outside ankle for first week, but I solved that issue by putting toe of other shoe in ankle area of other shoe to stretch it out a bit when I was not using the shoes. Right now, I'm happy. Nice a lightweight. Good looking. I do think the shoe could be a tad wider though for me, as my foot still does extend beyond the insole at the widest point.

Until the Ares 2, S Works Torch was the benchmarks. Stiff, delivers power, good ergonomics (size 42. 5 regular). Notably, Torch was absolutely superior to S Phyres flexing too much. 35-50 km hour starting weight 88 kg and peak, 77-79 kg, that means needing the best in class shoe. May 2025, spooling for the season, buy Ares 2. July mount and try, purposely comparing Torch. The Ares 2 delivers on promises. Ergonomic toe box, better pull upper wrap. Roomy toe box area. Stiffer sole vs Torch. 80kg+ rider needs this. Cleat mounting dead center on the thickest carbon portion, a bit further (5 mm) more rear than intuitive at eye glance. One issue- tongue itself needs careful tightening, bunching a bit. Note, I never tried Nimbl . Price, N/C. 7 watts saving riding? unsure as shoe angle can also affect aero, anyhow.

I bought this in wide and it is no wider than my S-Works Torch regular on the side at the base of my little toe where I wanted a wider shoe. Yes the toe area is more square/wide but it is not wider where I need it, on the side of my foot. It looks like the S-Works Torch in available in white and wide now, this shoe is not worth a extra C note.

However, this was the shoe that stopped my small toes from going numb. Been suffering for years and tried many other wider offerings by other brands that only made it slightly better. I have a 110mm wide foot and the Ares 2's wide, straight last shape fit like a glove for my feet. Highly recommened.

This shoe is so good that it now makes my mtb/gravel shoes feel sub par. I can't wait for the off-road version. This shoes works as advertised. Toe box is both wider and foot shaped. If you need this it helps a lot. Also has a fairly tall toe box. This makes it easier to spread the toes out. Top of the shoes holds the instep well and keeps the heel in place better than my past shoes. The only niggle I had was that it took a couple weeks to break in the ankle area of my right foot. I never felt this on the left foot, but it worked itself out as the shoe broke in.

Love the new “foot” design! Used to have issues w/ spec shoes due to being fairly narrow or just having slightly wider feet, no longer a problem w/ the new Aries II. Fits like a glove👌. Only gave 4 stars because I haven’t ridden them yet, but they feel great around the house! Can’t wait to test them out later today.

Specialized cycling shoes are Superior! Most comfortable, stiff and user-friendly. Highly recommend these shoes for cyclists on all levels of skill and experience!

Finally a Specialized shoe that finally seems to be shaped like a human foot in the toe box. It's what we've alll been waiting for. Wunderbar!!! Well played Specialized and thank you to the designers. Hopefully the same shape will be coming to gravel/ mtb shoes soon.

Significant improvement over original Ares and even the current Torch for that matter. This shoe wraps around the foot like a glove, making it feel super secure. The new strap design hugs my foot right where its needed, providing a solid connection without any weird tight/loose spots. The wider footbed is much appreciated too. I've worn barefoot shoes for years and these cradle my foot without creating any pinching or hot spots on longer rides. The price may be tough to swallow, but its also tough to say they aren't worth every penny. .