The new Specialized S-Works Torch shoes have been completely redesigned compared to the iconic S-Works 7, which has been the flagship model of the line for more than four years. A new material, extra width in the forefoot, and a lower cut around the ankle provide greater comfort and adaptability without throwing the brand’s loyal fans off balance—as we discovered after riding more than 1,000 km in sweltering heat.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr

With nearly 40 pairs of shoes in its lineup (for all disciplines), Specialized offers something for every taste and (almost) every budget. And even though the high-end selection is already extensive—with models featuring different specialties such as the S-Works Ares, the S-Works Vent, or the S-Works Lace, it’s the versatile S-Works 7 that has undeniably made its mark over the past four years, worn by top champions like Julian Alaphilippe and Peter Sagan as well as enthusiasts seeking performance and high-quality gear. These are very stiff shoes with a very firm fit, designed with durable materials, but sometimes considered too stiff or too uncomfortable for certain users. The new S-Works Torch models are replacing the S-Works 7 in the lineup.

Every foot is different, and just as it’s difficult to choose the ideal saddle for each person, it’s hard to establish an absolute truth when it comes to the comfort of a pair of cycling shoes. To best address this crucial issue of comfort without compromising performance, Specialized drew on statistics from its subsidiary Retül—which specializes in postural analysis—to examine over 100,000 scans of cyclists’ feet, ultimately reaching an indisputable conclusion: cycling shoes should be slightly wider than they are typically made to ensure greater comfort for the majority of riders.

A sole that’s 4 mm wider

The new S-Works Torch shoes are therefore not just eighth-generation S-Works models. They’ve been redesigned in terms of fit and materials, featuring numerous refinements without completely throwing long-time fans of the brand off balance. For example, the arch height and thickness of the carbon soles are identical across all S-Works models, as is the outward angle (1.5°)—the famous varus alignment for optimal hip/knee/ankle alignment. The two Boa S3 Snap closures with the aluminum dial from the S-Works 7 have also been carried over, providing precise, micrometric tightening and loosening, though without a quick-release feature. It also features the same Body Geometry insole, complete with the metatarsal button—a small protrusion designed to slightly spread the bones of the forefoot and improve blood circulation during exercise.

The carbon outsole maintains the same level of stiffness as other S-Works models and the same length for the same shoe size, but it is designed differently. First, it is 4 mm wider in the midfoot and forefoot areas. This is intended to reduce positioning constraints in those areas and allow the forefoot to spread out more comfortably within the shoe. An S-Works Torch Wide model is even available, featuring an outsole that is an additional 4 mm wider. This sole features a trapezoidal cross-section with an internal I-beam reinforcement for stiffness and tapered edges to save a little weight (20 g compared to the previous sole, according to Specialized).

It features the same three cleat mounting points, with the option to slide them backward for an additional 5 mm of engagement. We noticed that these cleat mounting points are positioned just a tiny bit further back than on the S-Works 7, so it’s best to use a caliper when adjusting the position. There is only one air vent at the front of the sole, but this has little effect on heat buildup, as we’ll see later. Due to the width of the sole, the inner edge of the shoe can now be positioned slightly closer to the crank than on the previous model. It’s in the range of one or two millimeters, but it’s noticeable for those who want to pedal with their feet as close together as possible.

As for the shoe’s construction, Specialized now uses its own material instead of the Dyneema found in previous models. This material is slightly more flexible, layers more easily, and creates fewer creases when tightened. It is also more breathable and is reinforced at the Boa dial attachment points and on the inner side of the toe area. On the rest of the shoe, it offers a bit of flexibility to minimize pressure points or discomfort caused by minor irregularities in the foot.

The Boa cable in the midfoot has been moved downward and angled to prevent the arch from lifting. This has eliminated the Velcro strap found on the front of the S-Works 7, but the overall shape of the fit when tightened helps eliminate pressure points and prevent restricted blood flow. The thicker tongue easily withstands the tension of the Boa cables, allowing you to tighten them very firmly without feeling any particular discomfort. With the absence of the Velcro strap and a wider front section, the front of the shoe appears rounder than the previous version, and it is indeed wider, though not taller.

At the back, the heel cup is asymmetrical, with reinforcement placed only on the inner side. This helps maintain proper knee alignment while pedaling and provides excellent support, while offering greater adaptability for a wider range of foot shapes thanks to a more flexible outer section. All around the ankle, the shoe sits lower than the S-Works 7, and the contact with the edges is softer. This primarily provides greater freedom of ankle movement while still delivering superb support.

Among the details designed to ensure durability is a reinforcement at the front of the shoe, which is very useful for preserving the shoe’s integrity over time and was not present on previous models. Overall, the very understated look of the S-Works Torch and a material that’s easy to clean—even after a ride in the rain—should help keep the shoes looking practically brand-new for a long time. It’s especially the absence of mesh panels on the upper (which get very dirty), unlike the S-Works 7 Vent or the S-Works Ares, that should make all the difference here.

Top-Notch Comfort and Performance

At first touch, you immediately notice how flexible the upper is. Thanks to the traditional tongue and the two Boa closures—which can be easily released—your foot slips effortlessly into the shoe. The S-Works Torch feels very flexible at first, but once you adjust the two closure cables, you’ll feel a gentle, progressive hug around your foot. You can tighten them firmly without ever feeling any pressure points. Around the ankle, they feel less constricting than previous S-Works models, but once tightened, the heel sits perfectly in place, and there’s never any sense of slippage.

Inside the S-Works Torch, we also appreciate the absence of seams or extra padding that could create pressure points. The shoe feels really comfortable against the foot, regardless of the type of socks you wear.

As for cleat adjustments, as we mentioned earlier, there’s a slight misalignment in the positioning of the mounting holes. Nevertheless, it’s possible to precisely replicate the cleat settings. The sole thickness is identical to previous models, as is the arch support. So, regular users of the brand won’t need to adjust any settings on their bike when switching from one model to another.

The S-Works Torch is slightly wider than the S-Works 7, but it’s important to note that it isn’t any taller. Your feet spread out more freely at the toe of the shoe during exertion, but they don’t float higher. An extra 4 mm is just enough to reduce stress and feel more comfortable, and even allows the foot to find its perfect position relative to the pedal platform when delivering maximum power. But the support remains stable, and aside from this feeling of increased comfort, we never feel like we’re switching to a different product category.

The carbon sole remains, of course, just as stiff and effective as the previous one. As for the two Boa closures, we note that they are very effective, and while the upper cable can be tightened firmly without causing any discomfort on the instep, the lower cable must be handled with care to avoid a tingling sensation. This is proof of its power and the validity of this new, highly effective midfoot placement.

From the very first few kilometers, what strikes you first is the feeling of renewed freedom around the ankle. In terms of pedaling feel, the S-Works Torch is similar to Bont shoes, with a very low-cut rear that allows for greater ankle movement. After a few adjustments to the tightness—though far fewer than with the S-Works 7 during the same ride—you’ll find that you quickly forget you’re even wearing the Torch.

Despite the mid-summer heat, you stop thinking about what’s on your feet

Despite the mid-summer heat, you stop thinking about what’s on your feet, and at the point when you’d usually need to readjust the tightness to improve blood circulation—that is, after a good two hours of cycling—here, absolutely… nothing happens! A ride lasting over 4 hours in an average temperature of 39°C definitively proves the concept. Even with relatively narrow feet, the S-Works Torch feels great—even though they’re wider than the S-Works 7. This wider fit prevents the foot from shifting inside the shoe and doesn’t compromise performance during sprints or hard climbs in a high gear. The upper is breathable, and since there are no pressure points inside the shoe, the foot isn’t constricted; there are no circulation issues, and ultimately, you don’t feel any unbearable heat under or on your foot.

Our take on the Specialized S-Works Torch shoes

We really liked the S-Works 7 (or the S-Works 7 Lace) for their support and stiffness, and we had legitimate concerns that a new last, a new fit, and a new material might compromise the performance of the S-Works Torch. That’s not the case at all. Without sacrificing any of the performance qualities you’d expect from a pair of S-Works-level shoes, the Torch offers greater comfort thanks to a host of small details that ultimately make a big difference. As for their drawbacks, some might criticize their slightly too understated look (especially in black) and, above all, their very high price—though it’s worth noting that Specialized shoes are generally very durable.

The SPECIALIZED S-WORKS TORCH shoes at a glance… Rating: ***** Pros: design, stiffness, support, comfort, durability Cons: very understated look, very high price Outsole: FACT carbon – Comfort insole: Body Geometry – Closure: two Boa S3 Snap – Upper: proprietary material, breathable, flexible, and reinforced in strategic areas – Heel: asymmetrical – Cleat nuts: alloy, swivel – Replaceable heel pad with screws integrated into the sole – Colors: black, white, oak – Weight: 424 g per pair in size 39 – Sizes: 36 to 49 (half sizes from 38 to 47) – Price: €440 Contact: specialized.com

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