Specialized S-Works 7 Lace Shoes Review

With the S-Works 7 Lace, Specialized launches a new pair of high-end shoes that combine classicism and modernity, complementing the American brand’s already extensive offering. How does this new model compare to other S-Works shoes? Is lace closure still justified in terms of comfort and performance compared to more recent solutions? Answers on the road.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: @3bikes.fr / DR

The new S-Works 7 Lace complete Specialized’s range of high-end road shoes, following the S-Works 7, S-Works Exos, S-Works Vent, and S-Works Ares. The brand reintroduces a lace closure that had already been offered on the previous version of the S-Works a few years ago, and even in a limited edition on the Exos. It’s also a solution still offered by some competing brands like Giro or DMT on certain models. At a time when manufacturers also offer various solutions such as Velcro strap closures or micrometric buckles, the return to a lace closure seems almost anachronistic. It is certainly less practical, even if the system is not without interest, especially in terms of weight. Indeed, if we compare the S-Works 7 Lace and the S-Works from which they are directly derived, with the same sole and the same upper materials, the gain is 60 g per pair. We must admit that this is not negligible!

Another advantage of lace closure, and not the least: the possibility of applying uniform and perfectly distributed tension over the entire top of the foot. However advanced they may be, other types of closure always apply a little more pressure under the cable passages of micrometric closures or under Velcro straps. With lace-up shoes like the S-Works 7 Lace, the closure can thus be very firm, but without causing venous stasis (a tingling sensation or pain on the top of the foot by crushing blood circulation with a pressure point).

A very classic aesthetic that hides great features

The lace closure system has never been completely abandoned by Specialized, especially on the S-Works Recon Lace off-road shoes. These Gravel-specific shoes adopt the aesthetic codes of the discipline, with sober or nature-inspired colors, and seemingly simplified features, although far from minimalist when considering the materials used. The American brand uses the same recipe with the S-Works 7 Lace, which are based on the manufacturing quality of the S-Works 7, only replacing the closure system.

The outsoles are still made of Fact Powerline carbon, with a stiffness index of 15 out of 15, which are among the most rigid on the market. These soles retain a very slight outward tilt (varus wedge, 1.5 mm) to optimize alignment between the hip, knee, and foot. They also offer molded arch support to prevent foot collapse. The titanium alloy cleat nuts can pivot, allowing the cleat to be shifted 5 mm backward if necessary. The Body Geometry insoles, meanwhile, offer a little more density than average under the midfoot.

The upper is made from Dyneema, a light, thin, and ultra-resistant polyethylene fiber, which conforms to the contours of the foot, but does not deform under traction.

The Padlock heel cup firmly holds the back of the foot during accelerations or sharp bursts of speed.

At the front, the Form Fit last shape is designed to leave enough room for the toes, without disturbing the overall fit of the shoe.

The S-Works 7 Lace also retain their traditional tongue system, largely padded with a high-density material that does not deform over time, as we have observed after more than 20,000 km with S-Works 7. These shoes maintain their characteristics after thousands of kilometers in all weather conditions, without deforming or loosening, and always offer the same support. Everything therefore suggests that it will be the same with the S-Works 7 Lace.

Finally, note that on the tongue, a small elastic band is provided to hold the lace loops, and prevent them from flapping in the wind (or getting caught in the crankset). A detail that does not seem superfluous, because the laces otherwise seem excessively long to us.

The shoes are available in three colors: two traditional options in black or white and a more original marbled pattern called Vivid Coral/Cast Umber. The S-Works logo on the sides remains quite discreet, which contributes greatly to the “classy” and sober look of the shoes. Regarding the all-white upper of our test model, there is little concern about its durability over time. The Dyneema is very easy to clean with a sponge, and obviously only the laces will eventually lose their luster here. This is an easily replaceable element later on, although it should be noted that these are non-stretch models.

The price, finally, is quite high, as usual for high-end cycling shoes, at 350 €. But they are still cheaper than the S-Works Exos (375 €), the S-Works 7 (410 €), the S-Works 7 Vent (430 €), or the S-Works Ares (440 €).

An effective and comfortable closure

Let’s clarify right away, lace closure is not ideal for all riders. We are thinking first of competitors, who may need to tighten or loosen their shoes on the fly depending on the circumstances. We still remember images of Julian Alaphilippe tightening his shoes as he approached a final sprint (as for example at Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2021, or just before his decisive attack in the first stage of the Tour de France 2021). However, it must be specified that a lace closure can be just as effective as a Boa dial closure if it is well adjusted from the start, with well-distributed tension. The S-Works 7 Lace benefit from 12 eyelets (6 on each side) for the laces, which allows the foot to be comfortably enclosed, whereas a Boa adjustment system (with overlapping layers to create the envelope) can in some cases generate pressure points.

With laces, you inevitably need to allow a little more time to put on the shoes before riding, and to adjust the tension. On the first two rides, I had to stop each time to readjust the tension on my right foot, which is slightly thinner than my left. But subsequently, and with experience, I was able to find the right tension from the outset, helped by the small dirt marks left by the eyelets on the laces.

The test was carried out over 900 km, with three rides on Zwift, and the rest outdoors equipped with shoe covers, due to the outside temperature. Humidity due to perspiration or showers did not seem to disturb the tension, nor did it loosen the shoes. I was unable to test the shoes in extreme heat conditions, but I am rather optimistic about their comfort in this situation. The outsole does have a large ventilation hole at the front (which I take care to obstruct on very cold days!), but above all, the ideal distribution of tension over the top of the foot does not restrict blood circulation, which is the main cause of the burning sensation in the foot in mid-summer. The breathable characteristics of the upper on the sides of the shoe are also remarkable in this regard.

The sizing of the S-Works 7 Lace is very versatile, with a fairly wide and very comfortable toe box, and an instep that adapts to both wide and narrow feet. The heel cup provides excellent support, even during sprint drills from a standstill. On the side, just below the external malleolus, the edge of the shoe is firm and can even feel a bit harsh on the first two or three rides, similar to the S-Works 7 or S-Works Recon. But this sensation disappears once the shoes have “broken in.”

In terms of performance, the S-Works 7 Lace are very similar to the S-Works 7. The outsoles are very rigid, and the foot is perfectly held during the most intense efforts. The support is a little different from the S-Works Ares, which firmly enclose the heel but allow more freedom on the sides around the entire front part. The last shape of the S-Works 7 Lace is more traditional, with a foot better supported laterally, while the connection to the heel depends primarily on how the laces are tightened.

Overall, the new Specialized S-Works 7 Lace shoes are impressively efficient, under the guise of a traditional appearance that hides great features. Lightweight, high-performing, very comfortable, they also seem as durable as their older sisters with Boa closure, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. So of course, lace closure is not the most practical a priori, nor the most modern. But it brings so many other things, such as a truly custom fit and an almost timeless look, whether for rides with friends or for truly intense sessions.

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