The ares are sexy. I want a pair. I’ll try in my size but if they’re true to size my feet will not like the standard width their shoes have and will likely squish my feet. I hope in your experience with the shoe I’ll have a similar result. Fingers crossed
Exos, love them! Think shoes have 3 key deciding factors, Age, Ability and Riding Style. The older/mature a rider Exos all the way (unless in comps then keep the Vent) Younger or Sub 50's Vent for sure such a great all round shoe. The new Ares, I'm a week in to wearing them and finding it hard to adjust to the weight, "feel" and stiffness of them think they would be more of a spring/summer shoe and not winter so can't give thumb up/down as of yet. The Exos though is like Bovril/Marmite you either love them or hate them!
Looks wise the exos is best purely as it has less bits. If you get free power out of the ares they will be the ones to have. I have exos 99s. Great but can’t wait to try the Ares.
I absolutely love my sworks7 road shoes. I started cycling on the Torch 3.0, but quickly moved onto the sworks7. It's almost incomparable how much better it is. The fit, stiffness and materials; all of it. I like the shoe so much that I went out and bought a backup pair, to wear on café rides 😀
Interesting, have been questioning whether I should go midrange with something like a Fizik R3, Torch 3.0, Giro Regime or high end like S-works 7, Giro Empire, etc... Do you find the SWorks 7 any less comfortable, compared to the Torch 3.0? This video makes them sound pretty brutal for long rides.
I was able to try the Ares on about 2 months ago. They are, truly, the most comfortable cycling shoe I have ever tried on! The reinforced Dyneema "sock" really helps with the comfort level. If your local shop has them, try them on! Seriously. I just got my red ones in today 😬 Super excited!
I have the Vents. While expensive, they are fantastic shoes. I really like the rubber toe. I think, it adds durability. For the cost, I expect them to last a long time, and the build quality seems very good. The vents, however, to me, did not offer any noticeable cooling.
I love my sworks 7s. I hope I can get another pair before they discontinue them. Or I hope the ares or vents are good. IMO good shoes are worth every penny, as long as they're comfortable. I'm an old man who rides a round tube road bike, but even I benefit from having a sworks shoe over lower level models.
After struggling with "the feel" of two other brands, I got a pair of S7’s (Orange Down Unders)... loved them enough to get a second pair (white) late last year... agreed on the strap being totally useless... I tried on the Exos and while I love the look of the shoe, the lack of lateral/heel support was a turn off... my only gripe is these shoes cost more than a pair of retro Jordan’s... 😆.. as always another very informative video!! 🍻
Don’t have them all. I have exos99, excellent shoe. Only issue is the heel grip on my left shoe isn’t as good as I would want. I put out over 1500 watts max so I’m no lightweight cyclist. I will be trying the exos. Will be trying ares next. No need for the vent as I always have cold feet.
The sworks 7 really digs in to the bottom of my outer ankle ball on both sides..other than that they have amazing power transfer. Returning and buying torch 2.0 for extra comfort.
I think the 7 will break in...going to use them for fast days and try the torch for big base miles. Thank you for always putting up these great videos!!
I think the most important feature of the Ares is TENDON RELIEF. The 7s are TERRIBLE where the top Boa dial sits on the shoe. I hope the next version includes a similar thing as the ares so my foot can stop hurting.
Ive never invested in sworks shoes.. Scared to make the jump. Im just so hesitant to try to justify 3-400 for shoes. Ill come back to this when my torches wear out. I have bunions too so that vent sounds attractive. Definitely feel it on long rides
yea go for the vents they are very forgiving fo rthat reason the only thing I dont like about vents is they show the color socks you are wearing so sometimes it looks weird
I bought the vent a couple of month back. Caused me lots of problems. Got the insoles, did a fit and changed my paddles. Nothing worked. I use it for my indoor trainer now and still I feel that the shoes is unbalanced as compared to Saidi lake. I like the way the ares look but will never buy a specialized shoes again because of the pain and the price point
The biggest thing I hate is non replaceable Velcro straps. Serious deal killer. Don't even know why they bother using Velcro any more, it's an eyesore too.
Excellent video. Despite the widely voiced concerns about the width of the shoe I'm struggling to find any details as to the specific width of the shoe so I can find what size is right for me having not owned a pair before (not even the specialized site gives the measurements). @GC Performance As you say you wear a 44.5 in the video, could you measure the width of your foot so I can cross-check this against my one, please? I wear a size 44.5 Nike running shoe/wear a 44 generic cycling shoe. On that basis can you please confirm what size in the Sworks 7/Ares you think I should buy? I would be so grateful for your help!
They all look really nice, not sure the price justifies but I guess that’s what they brand market them for. I have the same issue with the front strap, does nothing for me except cramp my front foot. So I loosen the Velcro all the way as well, perhaps I have the same wide foot issue.
Have you sold many of these yet? What is the feedback? I've had a few rides and am finding the sock liner too tight on the top of my foot, unsure if that's likely to loosen a bit. If not I'll have to sell them
yes I have sold alot and alot of people like them alot, they are very comfrotable even for me I rode them for 40 miles not alot but from those rides I havnt had any major issues
Great video! Thanks for sharing it. I have a question: I have normal to wide feet, bunion and I am not sure which one of these would fit me the best. The LBS says to me that Torch is wider than S-works. Which one would you go for considering I like long rides and many hours on the saddle? Thanks!
I stopped by my bike shop to try them on before ordering online and Im so happy I did. After trying on several different shoes, I ended up getting the Ares. I wear a 43.5 and with the 7's, vents or Exos, they all ran a tad bit smaller. Ares was a much more comfortable fit. I also bought a pair of the Specialized 3+ Orthotics (footbed) since I have a high arch. all in all, everything felt just right. I noticed my avg power increased by 20points. not sure if its the shoe plus orthotics or simply training. if you have a medium to high arch, please do you self a favor and get some orthotic insoles.
So what makes a high end shoe better than a mid range shoe? I have a pair of North Wave Extreme GT2 but I'm tempted to try either the S Works 7 or Ares. Which would you recommend and why?
I ride spd shoes because I don‘t know to be honest. Is there a difference in speed / efficiency between different sdp models. Is there a difference between spd and these ones here?
I ride them too. I have a pair of giro empire vr90s, and a pair of rapha explore shoes. They're both super comfortable, and have carbon soles for good power transfer. But I ride spds because u enjoy the walkability. And now owning a gravel bike it just makes more sense.
so the idea is true road bike pedals give you a wider platform for putting down power and will cause better power transfer and less hotspots where as mountain bike pedals are in the center of the foot and can cause hotspots in the middle fo the foot
They all come in size 49, you could maybe fit a 49? I'm 6'9, wear a 16 or 15 depending on brand. Just ordered the Ares in 49. You can take out the footbed for a little bit more room too.
@@augustusmb Thanks for the info. I've tried some 49's and I was barely able to get half my foot in them. I've had success with Sidi, Lake, Shimano and Giro all 50's. If you can fit them, I should have no problem fitting them too. Ride on.
Specialized, bicycles: built a lightweight bike, aero bike, and a climber bike. Oooo no our riders want one bike to rule them all drop everything else. Specialized footwear. Let's build shoes for climbers, sprinters, all rounders. 3 years down the road. Oooo no our pro riders wanted one shoe to do it all.
@@GCPerformance18 Sidi has been my shoe of choice for that reason, stiff heel cup, heel lock for a sprint, and the mechanism locks the volume down, and pulls the heel in like snowboarding bindings. You pay a slight weight penalty but the fit is semi-customized. never had issues riding long distance, putting out power, or climbing (no stretch which is awesome too). I just have super narrow feet so never been able to try the specialized shoes.
WHICH SHOE DO YOU LIKE OUT OF ALL OF THEM!!!
The ares are sexy. I want a pair. I’ll try in my size but if they’re true to size my feet will not like the standard width their shoes have and will likely squish my feet. I hope in your experience with the shoe I’ll have a similar result. Fingers crossed
How does the 7 compare to the torch 3.0? In terms of stiffness and comfort? (In real time use, not on a “stiffnessindex”) thx!
Exos, love them! Think shoes have 3 key deciding factors, Age, Ability and Riding Style. The older/mature a rider Exos all the way (unless in comps then keep the Vent) Younger or Sub 50's Vent for sure such a great all round shoe. The new Ares, I'm a week in to wearing them and finding it hard to adjust to the weight, "feel" and stiffness of them think they would be more of a spring/summer shoe and not winter so can't give thumb up/down as of yet. The Exos though is like Bovril/Marmite you either love them or hate them!
Looks wise the exos is best purely as it has less bits. If you get free power out of the ares they will be the ones to have. I have exos 99s. Great but can’t wait to try the Ares.
@@robertnoltefavorite no comparison. The sworks7 are the best. I've owned both.
I absolutely love my sworks7 road shoes. I started cycling on the Torch 3.0, but quickly moved onto the sworks7. It's almost incomparable how much better it is. The fit, stiffness and materials; all of it. I like the shoe so much that I went out and bought a backup pair, to wear on café rides 😀
hahahah nice!!!!!!
Interesting, have been questioning whether I should go midrange with something like a Fizik R3, Torch 3.0, Giro Regime or high end like S-works 7, Giro Empire, etc... Do you find the SWorks 7 any less comfortable, compared to the Torch 3.0? This video makes them sound pretty brutal for long rides.
Just bought a pair today. I started with Torch 2.0 and now switched to sworks7. Do you have any issues?
I’d love to try the ares coming from a soccer background the sick feel of the cleats are amazing!
yea they are going the route of a sports shoe with extra support for the ankle
@@GCPerformance18 I’ve wondered if they do collaborative work with Nike given some of their design/engineering direction.
I was able to try the Ares on about 2 months ago. They are, truly, the most comfortable cycling shoe I have ever tried on! The reinforced Dyneema "sock" really helps with the comfort level. If your local shop has them, try them on! Seriously. I just got my red ones in today 😬 Super excited!
okay...... who is your connect to get them 2 months ago!!!!! I want them too :)
@@GCPerformance18 Let just say I work at a bike shop also that carries Specialized.
Did the sock liner get looser over time? I'm finding it too tight over the top of my foot
Great as always... I wish Specialized would make the S-Works 7 wide in white... their regular shoe is absurdly narrow!
You and me both!
Another quality video by GC! Thanks for the awesome comparison.
Glad you liked it!
I have the Vents. While expensive, they are fantastic shoes. I really like the rubber toe. I think, it adds durability. For the cost, I expect them to last a long time, and the build quality seems very good. The vents, however, to me, did not offer any noticeable cooling.
Good to know!
I love my sworks 7s. I hope I can get another pair before they discontinue them. Or I hope the ares or vents are good. IMO good shoes are worth every penny, as long as they're comfortable. I'm an old man who rides a round tube road bike, but even I benefit from having a sworks shoe over lower level models.
yea the 7s are a very nice shoe I dont know for sure if they are leaving for good but that might be the rumor
Great review! I need to find the right shoe for my cycling partner who is an avid rider. I know he likes Specialized.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks, I’ve been looking for comparison like this, very helpful
After struggling with "the feel" of two other brands, I got a pair of S7’s (Orange Down Unders)... loved them enough to get a second pair (white) late last year... agreed on the strap being totally useless... I tried on the Exos and while I love the look of the shoe, the lack of lateral/heel support was a turn off... my only gripe is these shoes cost more than a pair of retro Jordan’s... 😆.. as always another very informative video!! 🍻
Simulator to you I have black and white s works 7s, also have retro Jordan which are half the pride 😂
yea I didnt like the exos at all and im glad you like agreed about that bottom strap hahaha
@@GCPerformance18 LOL... I kept thinking "what is it here for, it does nothing." LOL
@@jasonhowes6431 🤣🤣🤣🙌🏽
Preventing foot-roll is sometimes the difference between successfully clipping out and lying on the ground in embarrassment.
lmao this is true
Looking at 450USD shoes and not being able to clip out does not really ...match ;)
@@anderslagerqvist4287 It's just bike review ASMR. I ride with some entry-level clipless shoes. :p
@@vomErsten hehe fair enough ;)
I like the Ares. It reminds me of the pair of Kaepa Hightops I used to wear in HS in the 80s
I have ordered the Red/Black Ares to go with my SL7. I also have the Vent (need them here in Dubai in the summer) They are super comfortable.
the red and blakc match perfect for the red and black sl7
@@GCPerformance18
I have found a company here that will paint my Shiv Disc to match my Red/Black SL7.
I am really tempted.
shiv & sl7 what do you all do, to justify spending so much in cycling?
Nice comparison. Would be interested in weighing all four shoes
okay lemme find my scale maybe I make an instagram video
Can’t tell you my exos 99s at size 43.5 are 100g and 101g. Take the insoles out if you want to go lighter. Not comfortable though.
Don’t have them all. I have exos99, excellent shoe. Only issue is the heel grip on my left shoe isn’t as good as I would want. I put out over 1500 watts max so I’m no lightweight cyclist. I will be trying the exos. Will be trying ares next. No need for the vent as I always have cold feet.
very nice I know peopel who love the exos and its a shoes they use as daily driver
@@GCPerformance18 my 99s are my summer shoes do indoor shoe. I live in Scotland. Will be trying the Ares. Upto over 1600 watts let’s see if they help.
There is just something about thise Ares I love....I see a new pair in my future....lol
yea same with me alot of people hate it ouit fo the gate but I love the look of it
I like the Ares, they remind me of a pair of Kaepa High tops I wore in high school back in the 80s
Those black / red omg 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I know they look amazing
Easy, try them on and go with the most comfortable.
truth, btut hey are hard ot find in stores right now excpet for me :)
The sworks 7 really digs in to the bottom of my outer ankle ball on both sides..other than that they have amazing power transfer. Returning and buying torch 2.0 for extra comfort.
the vent is s a ncie option too
I think the 7 will break in...going to use them for fast days and try the torch for big base miles. Thank you for always putting up these great videos!!
dayyyum son, cycling is quickly becoming a heck of an exspensive hobby................my wife is gonna murder me
of course!!!!! just ditch the wife lol
My excuse is it’s keeping me alive. Had a quintuple heart bypass 3 years ago. My bike is worth more than both our cars together.🙈
Wives are overrated anyway 😃
@@ayowser01 and more expensive than any bike.
@@OFFSHOREDOUG even more so when they are no longer your wife! 😀
I think the most important feature of the Ares is TENDON RELIEF. The 7s are TERRIBLE where the top Boa dial sits on the shoe. I hope the next version includes a similar thing as the ares so my foot can stop hurting.
yea I am excited to try them for surethey felt nice and snug when I tried them on
Ive never invested in sworks shoes.. Scared to make the jump. Im just so hesitant to try to justify 3-400 for shoes. Ill come back to this when my torches wear out. I have bunions too so that vent sounds attractive. Definitely feel it on long rides
yea go for the vents they are very forgiving fo rthat reason the only thing I dont like about vents is they show the color socks you are wearing so sometimes it looks weird
@@GCPerformance18 lol come on man you’re always supposed to match socks! Have fun with it!
I just ordered a pair of the white 7s.... let’s just say that my level of speed doesn’t match with owning a pair of the new Ares 😂
none of us match these shoes, they are pro tour rider shoes but hey we got the money for them
I bought the vent a couple of month back. Caused me lots of problems. Got the insoles, did a fit and changed my paddles. Nothing worked. I use it for my indoor trainer now and still I feel that the shoes is unbalanced as compared to Saidi lake. I like the way the ares look but will never buy a specialized shoes again because of the pain and the price point
Good one on the people trying to walk on cleats lol smh good video btw
hahahahha thanks!!!
The biggest thing I hate is non replaceable Velcro straps. Serious deal killer. Don't even know why they bother using Velcro any more, it's an eyesore too.
I hate velcroooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Excellent video. Despite the widely voiced concerns about the width of the shoe I'm struggling to find any details as to the specific width of the shoe so I can find what size is right for me having not owned a pair before (not even the specialized site gives the measurements). @GC Performance As you say you wear a 44.5 in the video, could you measure the width of your foot so I can cross-check this against my one, please? I wear a size 44.5 Nike running shoe/wear a 44 generic cycling shoe. On that basis can you please confirm what size in the Sworks 7/Ares you think I should buy? I would be so grateful for your help!
4.5 inches you could always order form them directly and they take free returns if it does not work out
How different are the Vents or the S7 from the Torch 3.0? I don’t plan on riding in 100+degree weather but my feet do get hot quickly
you think the Ares could be used for a Ironman? looks like it could slip on fairly easily
no way at all those shoes are so hard to slip on, I have to be sitting down to egt my foot in there with some pressure
They all look really nice, not sure the price justifies but I guess that’s what they brand market them for. I have the same issue with the front strap, does nothing for me except cramp my front foot. So I loosen the Velcro all the way as well, perhaps I have the same wide foot issue.
yea I dont think the price is ever jsutifiable but its what the market calls for, for sure
Lmao ‘I didn’t like these because my big toe makes the front crease and it didn’t look cool’ spoken like a true pro rider
hahahahha it looked so weird
$$$$$$ Just but the most expensive ! ! ! ......and....with color match to Your bike ! ...... who care about fit and comfort You here to look amazing
not gonna lie I do the same thing...... dont care about comfort just wanna look good lol
My Ares are scheduled to come this week! 😬
very nice!!!! we got them here!!!!!!
the red one looks cooler so it must be more aero, right?
hahahhahhaha come one now
Have you sold many of these yet? What is the feedback? I've had a few rides and am finding the sock liner too tight on the top of my foot, unsure if that's likely to loosen a bit. If not I'll have to sell them
yes I have sold alot and alot of people like them alot, they are very comfrotable even for me I rode them for 40 miles not alot but from those rides I havnt had any major issues
Great video! Thanks for sharing it. I have a question: I have normal to wide feet, bunion and I am not sure which one of these would fit me the best. The LBS says to me that Torch is wider than S-works. Which one would you go for considering I like long rides and many hours on the saddle? Thanks!
Ares is looking good, i also have somewhat wide foot and my Fizik are a little narrow
the ares fit me perfect no lie from a standard fit
Which ones would be your top pick for using on an indoor trainer? The S-7, EXO, or Vent?
vent all day
I stopped by my bike shop to try them on before ordering online and Im so happy I did. After trying on several different shoes, I ended up getting the Ares. I wear a 43.5 and with the 7's, vents or Exos, they all ran a tad bit smaller. Ares was a much more comfortable fit. I also bought a pair of the Specialized 3+ Orthotics (footbed) since I have a high arch. all in all, everything felt just right. I noticed my avg power increased by 20points. not sure if its the shoe plus orthotics or simply training. if you have a medium to high arch, please do you self a favor and get some orthotic insoles.
thats awesome info!!!! thanks so much for the feedback, the shoes really do feel comfy and they feel very supportive for sure
Are the cleat holes movable on the 7’s? Looks like they could be, but mine are glued in…
the only way they can be moved is not by sliding but you can remove the sole and then take them out and flip them
Sworks 7 for race because of stiffness & power transfer.
Sworks vent for longer and endurance ride because of comfortable.
vents are so comftoabel
Ares are great - just use a small shoe horn to put on. Taking off is easy.
I have a older SWorks shoes with the little heel stubs. Any chance of getting them a replacement?
They don't seem to last much.
you can go to any specialized dealer and bring in the show and they should be able to get a replacement..... stop walking around in them so much lol
I think I’d got for the Vent, living in Miami my feet get so freakin hot and swell up (especially after long rides)
Yea trust me, I know the vents are perfect for around here, they really do make the shoes perfect for hot weather!!!
Would you go for a bigger size of for the regular? I use 43 daily but i tried the vents in 43 and...i am.not sure if i should take +1
So what makes a high end shoe better than a mid range shoe? I have a pair of North Wave Extreme GT2 but I'm tempted to try either the S Works 7 or Ares. Which would you recommend and why?
Very nice explanation
Thanks and welcome
I ride spd shoes because I don‘t know to be honest.
Is there a difference in speed / efficiency between different sdp models.
Is there a difference between spd and these ones here?
I ride them too. I have a pair of giro empire vr90s, and a pair of rapha explore shoes. They're both super comfortable, and have carbon soles for good power transfer. But I ride spds because u enjoy the walkability. And now owning a gravel bike it just makes more sense.
so the idea is true road bike pedals give you a wider platform for putting down power and will cause better power transfer and less hotspots where as mountain bike pedals are in the center of the foot and can cause hotspots in the middle fo the foot
I think that new shoe is supposed to be a sprinter shoe what’s the
Weight between The 7 vent and new? I use 7 and exo like the both
yea it is for sure the sprint shoe and maybe an 8 for an all around shoe
Any word on a sworks 8? Mostly looking at the recon versions
havnt confirmed anything yet but I have seen a ton of people using them of spy photos
I have a big bunion, considering the vent. Would you recommend?
It is a great option. Not as much pressure and the vent sits right on it.
@@GCPerformance18 will try to check it out. Thank you!!
are their cleat position the same?
and the last of them, width of them
close or same?
thanks~
yea same cleat posiiton as the 7
I'd love to have a pair, but being that I'm 6'5, I need a size 50EU or 15US. I doubt anyone of these come in that size.
They all come in size 49, you could maybe fit a 49? I'm 6'9, wear a 16 or 15 depending on brand. Just ordered the Ares in 49. You can take out the footbed for a little bit more room too.
@@augustusmb Thanks for the info. I've tried some 49's and I was barely able to get half my foot in them. I've had success with Sidi, Lake, Shimano and Giro all 50's. If you can fit them, I should have no problem fitting them too. Ride on.
woah!!! the biggest we got is 49
Exos are my daily driver love the comfort since I have rabbit feet 😁👍.
lmao like I said to each there own and I know tons of people who use those all the time
Bro I have a wide foot as well 47 wat would be a good shoe with a wide toe box
go any shoe in a wide model, they are usually really big and will accomadate a person with a wider shoe
Bont! vapor s is so good i would wear them all day.
I need to get my hands on those maybe soon
@@GCPerformance18 get them. i forgot what a hotspot is since i got them!
6:19 "boom boom bada bing boom"
lmao this mannnnn thank you for the time stamp
Let's all face the fact: It's not about the esteric instead comfort .
Would the S-Works be good to use on a Peloton?
Yea they are very nice shoes :)
No free hub sound check?
hahahah next time ill throw a shoe into a moving fan hahahhahahha
Specialized, bicycles: built a lightweight bike, aero bike, and a climber bike. Oooo no our riders want one bike to rule them all drop everything else. Specialized footwear. Let's build shoes for climbers, sprinters, all rounders. 3 years down the road. Oooo no our pro riders wanted one shoe to do it all.
lmao I think they wil release an 8 for an al around shoe hahahah but I havnt heard anything yet
@@GCPerformance18 Sidi has been my shoe of choice for that reason, stiff heel cup, heel lock for a sprint, and the mechanism locks the volume down, and pulls the heel in like snowboarding bindings. You pay a slight weight penalty but the fit is semi-customized. never had issues riding long distance, putting out power, or climbing (no stretch which is awesome too). I just have super narrow feet so never been able to try the specialized shoes.
Are these all 300 dollar shoes?
S-Works are the only shoes besides Sidi that I hear people rave about.
yea sworks shoes are top notch alot of pro teams use them in the pro tours too
hot spots come from improper fitting shoe
also if the shoe is stiff, and a customer doesnt have the right arch support for them
Still love my s6
s6 look clean, super slim and not so bulky
I wish specialized uses BOA on their helmets
I dont, I dont like the boa design like oakleys, they feel cheap to me
Did you really say a BMW M7?
hahaa to be honest I dont remember what I said lol remind me again
All
Just bought the “team white” ares to replace my white S-works 7. Cant wait.
red all day
dentist and lawyers shoes
doctor?
@@GCPerformance18 them too
425$ , you must be drunk to pay that, a decent firearm yes.
I mean it’s top of the line equipment. It’s not like there crap shoe, it’s the best one they make so it’s not that expensive when thinking about it.
@@GCPerformance18 sorry they are overpriced, never lost a sprint or race from not having 400$ shoes. They are fleecing y'all.
Those SW7 are stiff.. too stiff for a normal rider like me
yea I have heard that alot to be honest
Of course these are roadie shoes, no traction at all when off bike.
Oh yea there is nothing there except for the cleats
None of them ! Buy SIDI !
not a fan of sidi, I dont like the look but thats my preference
Dude get rid of that bunion 🤣🤣🤣
lmfao.... what do you want me to doo hahhahah
Way overpriced and not that great imo.
It’s not that bad compared to the market