Specialized S-Works 7 Vent Shoes Review

Directly derived from the brand’s high-end shoes, popular with professional riders and avid amateurs, the Specialized S-Works 7 Vent were created to promote maximum foot ventilation during exercise, especially in hot weather. The finish and styling exercise are remarkable, but the product is slightly different from the model worn by Julian Alaphilippe or Peter Sagan.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: 3bikes.fr

Three shoe models are now at the top of Specialized’s shoe range, with the S-Works 7 at €379, the S-Works Exos at €499, and the S-Works 7 Vent at €399. These three models top a total of six models just for road cycling, including the Torch 1.0, available from €99.

While the general appearance, shape, and materials used are (almost) similar to the S-Works 7 worn by professional riders, the Vent are designed for maximum ventilation with work done on the soles and the entire upper. They thus differ from the Exos, where the emphasis was on weight savings, with a shoe weighing 136 g in size 39 (compared to 213 g for a Vent in the same size).

They also feature the same perforated Fact Powerline carbon outsoles, with a stiffness index of 13 out of 15 (compared to 15 for the S-Works 7). These soles also incorporate Body Geometry longitudinal arch support and Varus wedge, for a studied alignment of the hip, knee, and ankle joints.

Like the other two models mentioned, the insole features a slight bump under the forefoot called the metatarsal button, to optimize support and promote blood circulation.

Finally, like the S-Works 7, the Vent use a closure system composed of two machined alloy Boa S3-Snap dials that offer micrometric tightening and loosening in both directions, a Velcro strap on the forefoot, all on a lightly padded tongue for very powerful support. The PadLock heel is comfortable and enveloping, offering excellent foot hold during effort.

The shape and features are ultimately very close to the model used by professionals, with an identical fit (cleats, foot positioning, and support system). Only the upper’s structure, with a thinner and perforated material, is different, which still influences the feeling of tightness.

A thin but very resistant material

To continue the work already done on the outsole, Specialized chose to use Dyneema Mesh in addition to the Dyneema of the S-Works 7. This material, with a very fine, flexible, and non-stretchable mesh placed in strategic areas, is said to reduce the sensation of heat by up to 15°C on very hot days. It is reinforced by the already proven Dyneema (a light, very resistant, and stiffer material).

With this combination of materials, the goal is to promote good support while accelerating air circulation around the foot, to facilitate cooling and moisture evaporation. This last point is essential for perspiration but also during summer showers, to prevent water accumulation in the shoe and ensure extremely fast drying.

With the reinforced toe area and the heel cup, the durability objective of the S-Works 7 Vent has not been forgotten. It is a complex and very technical model but not fragile. Ultimately, only the mesh parts are likely to lose their luster after a few rides in the rain, but without altering the technical qualities of the shoes.

A different fit

However, the foot support is different from that of the S-Works 7, mainly due to the structure of the upper with the mesh parts. In terms of width at the forefoot, the foot feels a little more at ease, which may encourage choosing a half-size smaller than the aforementioned model. And even with this half-size, some creases are noticeable when tightening, which shows the extreme flexibility of the material.

The heel support is beyond reproach, as is the power and range of adjustment of the two Boa dials. With cables directly connected to corresponding tightening notches and no “zig-zag” routing, the adjustment is fine and precise. The dials are practical and extremely easy to use. At the front, the Velcro adjustment is much more sensitive than on the S-Works 7, due to the mesh surrounding this part. Consequently, if tightened firmly to limit forefoot movement, the strap may cause some discomfort.

The tongue is also slightly thinner than on the S-Works 7, which can make the top of the foot sensitive if tightened very firmly.

However, note the perfect cut of the area surrounding the malleolus, especially on the outer side. Compared to the very first S-Works 7 models which could cause injury in this area, this part has been slightly lowered on the outside of the ankle. The support remains excellent, with the rear part of the foot perfectly anchored in the shoe.

On the road, the difference in outsole stiffness compared to the S-Works 7 is imperceptible. But it must be said that the latter are recognized as being almost the stiffest on the market. No sensation of flexion when pedaling and a comfortably supported heel, which promote power transmission. Nevertheless, we also notice the difference in overall stiffness of the upper with the feeling of being less enveloped than with the S-Works 7. As a result, one may be tempted to tighten the closure more firmly, especially with narrow feet. While the shoes have enough flexibility to adapt to all foot shapes in terms of tightening, the creases and deformations caused here by the differences in material flexibility are likely to create deformations detrimental to comfort due to certain pressure points.

In the heat, you feel less drenched in sweat, and the slightest cool breeze in the mountains on a windy day provides a pleasant shiver.

Tested in scorching heat and also at around twelve degrees Celsius, the S-Works 7 Vent certainly fulfill Specialized’s objective regarding ventilation. In the heat, you feel less drenched in sweat, and the slightest cool breeze in the mountains on a windy day provides a pleasant shiver. We also tried them without socks, which highlights their good internal finish by providing a fairly soft contact with the skin, while further increasing the sensation of freshness.

A final point that may interest triathletes, especially since their ability to dry very quickly can be an asset right after the T1 transition when exiting the water.

For whom?

Designed to promote ventilation, the S-Works 7 Vent feature a complex construction primarily based on two materials with almost opposite stiffnesses. The sensation is therefore less enveloping than that provided by the S-Works 7 usually used by pros, and can even be uncomfortable if tightened too much, highlighting the differences in stiffness at certain pressure points.

Perfectly crafted, the S-Works 7 Vent are very high-end shoes that will primarily suit riders with wider feet, or those who don’t like to over-tighten their shoes. This way, the contours of the shoes can perfectly match those of the foot, avoiding volume compensation with tightening.

=> SEE ALSO: All our Gear articles

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