I have a pair of SL7's which I really rate, but they get very hot and the ventilation is poor, so hot feet are a big problem. I bought a pair of Sworks Vents and a pair of Sworks Ares to compare, but the Ares are a clear winner. The fit seems narrower and less roomy in toe box, I can feel the little toe against side quite distinctly, and I have narrow feet so I'm not sure if these would suit wide feet, see the photos for comparison, they are all size 44.5 which suits my UK10 feet. The Ares are incredibly comfortable, it's like wearing trainers with the sock feature and the fabric inner liner, and they are more breathable than my old SL7's. A good sign of well fitting cycling shoes is when you don't actually need to tighten them down to feel securely held in the shoe, and the Ares straps do exactly that. Mega expensive for what they are, but shoes could definitely be considered a significant item to buy the best possible.
Product Details
Specialized S-Works Ares Road Cycling Shoes
Featuring an ergonomically inspired design and the highest quality materials, the Specialized S-Works Ares Road Cycling Shoes are a state-of-the-art offering.
Two BOA Li2 dials feature per shoe with the top dial being arranged with a three-point anchoring system to reduce pressure hot spots and to lock the fit around the metatarsals for increased pedalling efficiency. The lower BOA dial is positioned nearer the toes and tightens independently to grant a personalised level of fit.
Got questions about which cycling shoes will work best for you? Check out our guide or speak to an expert.
S Works Ares Highlights
An innovative, tongueless sock-like upper is realised in a super soft and stretchy material to donate sublime comfort. This upper integrates Dyneema fibres, that are 15 times stronger than steel, in refined quantities across specific areas to heighten foot support during high-intensity efforts. The security offered by this upper is complemented by the PadLock heel construction that eliminates slipping at the rear of the foot.
Body Geometry features such as a Longitudinal Arch to prevent foot arch collapse, a knee aligning Varus Wedge and a numbness-reducing Metatarsal Button combine to add up to seven watts to the rider's output and reduce the incidence of overuse injuries. The lightweight FACT Powerline sole completes the S-Works Ares, using its stiffness index of 15.0 to maximise power transfer during sprints and demanding climbs. This sole has titanium nuts that offer good adjustability with three-bolt cleats and a non-slip, replaceable heel pad.
Sizing note
Specialized road shoes run approximately half a size small. When in doubt, size up — most customers find they need one size larger than their usual EU size.
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Features
- A state-of-the-art road shoe boasting enhanced efficiency and comfort
- BOA Li2 dials are positioned in a twin formation to lock the fit around the metatarsals and prevent foot roll
- Super comfortable tongueless, sock-like upper is reinforced with Dyneema for increased foot support
- Body Geometry Longitudinal Arch is moulded into the outsole to prevent foot arch collapse
- Body Geometry Varus Wedge concept subtly tilts the foot outwards to improve knee alignment
- Body Geometry insoles have a Metatarsal Button to reduce pressure on the blood vessels and nerves
- Form Fit last gives plenty of room for the toes to prevent numbness
- PadLock heel construction prevent slipping at the rear of the foot
- Specialized’s lightest FACT Powerline carbon sole has a stiffness of 15.0 to maximises power transfer
- Titanium alloy nuts fit all major 3-hole cleats and offer 5mm of fore-aft adjustment
- Non-slip, replaceable heel pad
- Manufacturer claimed weight: 220 grams per shoe (size 42)
Specifications
- Composition
- 75% nylon, 25% carbon
- Cleat Compatibility (Road)
- 3-bolt (Look/SPD-SL)
- Shoe Size System (Footwear)
- EU
- Closure Type
- boa
- Gender
- Unisex
- Intended Use (Footwear)
- Road Cycling
- Primary Material (Upper)
- Synthetic, Knit
- Stiffness Index
- 15
- Width / Fit
- regular-standard
- Breathability Rating
- High
- Materials (Detailed)
- outsole-carbon-fibre
- Outsole Type
- TPU
- Thermal Insulation / Temperature Rating
- Not insulated
- Product code
- 1347393 / 54295768269146
Size Guide
| EU Shoe | UK Shoe | CM |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | 2.5 | 22.5 |
| 36 | 3.25 | 23 |
| 37 | 4 | 23.5 |
| 38 | 4.75 | 24.5 |
| 38.5 | 5 | 24.75 |
| 39 | 5.5 | 25 |
| 39.5 | 6.25 | 25.25 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 25.5 |
| 40.5 | 6.75 | 25.75 |
| 41 | 7 | 26 |
| 41.5 | 7.5 | 26.5 |
| 42 | 8 | 27 |
| 42.5 | 8.3 | 27.3 |
| 43 | 8.6 | 27.5 |
| 43.5 | 9.25 | 27.9 |
| 44 | 9.6 | 28.3 |
| 44.5 | 10 | 28.6 |
| 45 | 10.5 | 29 |
| 45.5 | 10.75 | 29.3 |
| 46 | 11.25 | 29.5 |
| 46.5 | 11.6 | 29.9 |
| 47 | 12 | 30.2 |
| 48 | 12.75 | 30.9 |
| 49 | 13.5 | 31.6 |
| 50 | 14.5 | 32.3 |
Sizing note: Specialized shoes run approximately half a size small. When in doubt, size up — most customers find they need one size larger than their usual EU size.
Accurate sizing guidance can be gained by measuring the length of your feet from the back of the heel to the tip of the big toe. This measurement corresponds to the "CM" column in our size chart.
Reviews
Stiff, lightweight well made. Unfortunately too narrow for my EE wide feet. My right foot is 115mm wide. 270mm long. The size guide was spot on for length but just too narrow compared to my lake shoes.
Care
Shipping & Returns
Free UK delivery on orders over £50. Orders are dispatched within 1-2 working days and typically arrive 1-2 working days later.
Return unused items in their original packaging within 30 days of delivery. Return postage is £3.50.
Q & A
4 questions answered
Hi, I’m a UK11 but the size generator is saying EU44 all my other shoes are EU46. What size do you recommend
Hi there, If you have size 11 feet I would recommend the eu46 in this shoe Many thanks Joe W
Is the sock material washable? Have seen them in the pro peloton and a lot of them seem to have gone grey rather than white.
Hi Tom, I'm afraid this inner sock cannot be removed and washed, Many thanks Joe W
Hi, I bought these shoes from Sigma Sports and I'm trying to rotate the cleat nuts but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to do it. Any help would be appreciated.
HI Ed, Could you please contact the Customer Care team on customercare@sigmasports.com and they will be able to help you with this issue, Many thanks Joe W
About Specialized
Innovate or die.
Founded in California in 1974, Specialized began with a simple promise: serious riders deserve serious gear. Half a century later, the brand still funds its own wind tunnel, builds its own carbon, and tests every bike with the world's best so that you ride your own best.
The first production mountain bike. The first cycling-specific shoes. FACT carbon, the Win Tunnel, S-Works. Specialized has a habit of building the things the rest of cycling ends up copying.
