Sorry to rehash an old thread, but can anyone advise if these shoes are worth the expense? I’m having a hard time finding a 48 with a generous toebox (not a wide size though). I tried on a Recon 3.0 in 49 and everything seemed good but just too big/long. I’ve been having toe issues and hot spots on long rides even with custom insoles so I think a stiff shoe with a bit more toe room may do the trick.
Thanks!!
Between the 3.0 and Sworks? I don’t think you’ll note anything except the material difference in the tongue, interior, and exterior. The Sworks has no padding on the tongue and is made out of lighter materials (that are easier to clean).
In my experience, the Specialized and Bontrager shoes have the widest toe area for a comparable size. Giros was good. Shimano OK. Mavic, Northwave, DMT, etc were narrow. Wide versions of these shoes weren’t actually wider in the toe. Size the length by where the arch hits your foot first, where the curve of the toe (inner / outer knuckle and upward curve) next, and the actual length is unimportant as long as it’s not too short.
Thanks so much!!
I’ll see if I can find a 3.0 in a 48. The S-Works is stiffer on Specialized’s scale but I wonder if that’s noticeable to an average rider like me…
I was having some hot spot issues with a pair of Fizik shoes so I’m thinking I may need a stiffer shoe. That’s what got me looking here.
I’ve got the Sworks and 3.0 Recons, they are like chalk and cheese to me.
The Sworks are brilliant, except for gravel / touring type riding where the tread on the bottom is insufficient for doing much walking (they are a race shoe after-all) and mine has started to crumble away. This is why I’ve picked up some 3.0, as they look better for hike-a-bike and wearing as my only shoes, for example when bikepacking/camping. The Sworks are now reserved for racing and road where I also use SPD.
I’m still just wearing the 3.0 around the house to check fit before committing but they are really uninspiring. The Sworks have better dials, fit closer, feel lighter and cooler.
Awesome input…Thank you!! I have to be ready for some hike a bike, so maybe the 3.0 would be a better option in my case. I’ll never notice what I’m missing if I don’t try on the S-Works haha.
I’m still on the fence about 2 good pairs of shoes, 1 with road cleats and 1 with SPD, vs 1 excellent pair with SPD.
The S-Works Recon are STIFF. I use mine for both gravel and road. I agree with what’s been said about the tread and loose grip during hike-a-bike situations. Surprisingly I feel like I have less grip and confidence walking on dirt than my Shimano RX8 “gravel” shoes, which has less lugs. I think it’s a combination of the material compound (too hard) used on the S-Works and the lug shape and distribution.
I would definitely try out both shoes if possible or find a retailer with a decent return policy. I had to “modify” the tongue and collar on the S-Works a bit to get rid of a hot spot that would hit the front of my ankles.
What did you do for the tongue? I noticed this on the Recon 3.0 49 that I had to return, so I’m expecting something similar if I can find a 48. Thanks!!!
For me, the problematic spot was at the collar particularly where the plastic retainer for the BOA strap is. I used a heat gun (low setting) to soften up the shoe material at this spot. After getting it nice and toasty, I used some pliers to bend the material up and allowed it to cool to keep the deformed shape. If you mess up, I found that you can “reset” the material by simply heating it back up again.
I’ve attached some pictures showing this molded area. I also have some thicker insoles from my old Shimano XC shoes to fill up some of the volume, which helps alleviate this issue too.
Disclaimer: Not responsible for any damage done. Proceed at your own caution.
I agree on the stiffness. You don’t need infinitely stiff shoes ever, and you don’t want infinitely stiff CX/MTB/Gravel shoes. You want to be able to walk. The Recon 3.0 say they have a flexible toe. The Shimano RX8 has the lugs more inboard for walking compared to the XC9.
Yes, mountain bike shoes can be too stiff. I have S-Works 7 road shoes, and these puppies are stiff. Awesome if you are on the bike, but walking is a pain and not easy. I look like an elephant on skates when I walk flights of stairs. So the Recon 3.0 sound great.
However, let me suggest an alternative since you mentioned you need a wider toebox: Velokick’s Lactics. They are a steal. I have used mine 5 times a week for my daily commute and they are amazing. They fit well for people with wide feet (my previous MTB shoes and my S-Works 7 are wide, my running shoes are super wide) and they now come in sizes up to 47, I believe. Plus, they are very inexpensive. But the build quality is top notch, I would only like to have a rubberized sole.
I would try these in a second if they had the right size. Thanks for the tips!!!
What size do you need?
49 
Same here… I forgot what mine is but purple ish fantastic color scheme light carbon but wretched it causes pain to the bone below ankle goshhh help
