S-Works performance without the S-Works price
Words Sam Challis Photography Lizzie Crabb
The ‘trickle down’ concept is common in cycling.
Clever design features begin life on top-tier kit before making their way down the price range, and it only takes a glance at Specialized’s new Torch 3.0 shoes to see evidence of it.
They now have the sleek looks and asymmetric closure system of the S-Works Torch shoes that sit above them in the lineup, yet in this case there is also a rare example of ‘trickle up’.
‘Despite a host of changes, there has been no change in fit for the Torch 3.0s,’ says Richard Salaman, product manage at Specialized.
‘We actually brought the S-Works Torch shoes in line with them, rather than the other way around.’
That means the Torch 3.0’s shape is still derived from Specialized’s Body Geometry data, which includes a bank of more than 100,000 foot scans from the brand’s Retül fit system.
As such, Specialized promises a wider-than-usual fit at the toe box to ensure riders’ forefeet aren’t cramped.
An asymmetrical heel cup that is higher on the inward-facing side of the shoe is a feature from the latest S-Works shoes, which Salaman says offers support against pronation (where the foot wants to roll inward) without unnecessary bulk on the outside, where supination (outward roll) is much less of an issue in the pedalling action.
The biggest differences between the S-Works and the 3.0s are the uppers and the soles.
The upper in the 3.0 uses a seamless TPU and mesh blend material but doesn’t have the ‘zonal layering’ of the S-Works shoe, which varies the thickness of the material in different areas.
The sole is unidirectional carbon and has similar arch-support contouring but is not quite as stiff and is a touch heavier, pushing the weight for a pair of size 43s up to 591g (compared to 462g, claimed, for the S-Works).
That’s on the heftier side of shoes at this price point, but not by a meaningful amount.
Blazing a trail
As the forebear to the supremely comfortable S-Works Torch shoes, it isn’t a surprise that the Torch 3.0’s shape is similarly accommodating.
I have a fairly wide forefoot, but in use the shoes felt noticeably roomy, with plenty of scope for my toes to wiggle.
That sense extends to the rear of the shoe too, where the heel cup is less constrictive than previous designs.
Those with narrow heels might not welcome that, but I think it will suit more riders without alienating those who were a fan of the brand’s old fit.
While the shape overall is relaxed, the sole is stiff enough and the relatively simple closure arrangement belies how securely it can hold the foot.
The dual Boa Li2 dials and asymmetric opening do a great job of tightening the shoe evenly.
As a result, my feet felt fixed in place without being compressed, making the shoes comfortable in a range of circumstances, from prolonged, steady rides to intense intervals.
That said, the upper does lack suppleness, at least initially.
The layered upper of the S-Works Torch stretches where it needs to and holds firm where it doesn’t.
By comparison, the Torch 3.0 upper is not as well finessed and consequently a little stiff, though that feeling is reduced to an extent after wearing the shoes in.
Ventilation is another area where the Torch 3.0 stumbles.
The perforations on the upper facilitate ventilation by allowing heat to escape rather than by encouraging airflow.
While that works for the S-Works shoe, the added bulk of Torch 3.0’s upper acts as insulation to a greater degree.
It means these aren’t the coolest shoes to ride in, although not to the extent that it would be a deal-breaker.
Being so closely related to the S-Works Torch shoes in both looks and features is bound to invite comparison, but to be overly critical of the areas in which the Torch 3.0 cedes a little ground would be doing the design a disservice considering the shoes are around two-thirds the price.
If anything, that Specialized has kept the performance discrepancies so minimal despite the huge disparity in cost is very impressive.
THE SPEC
Model Specialized Torch 3.0
Price $380
Weight 591g (size 43)
Sizes available 36-49
Colours available White, black
Contact
specialized.com/au
