SPECIALIZED declines its recognized range in three performance levels, all designed for all-terrain, mountain biking and gravel practices. These shoes share the fundamentals but target different levels of requirement and intensity of use. We have compared them for long weeks to see what concrete differences in mountain biking shoes can have according to their range levels, and what they can bring according to use and practice. Verdict:
Let’s be clear at the start on one point: mountain bike shoes can be Gravel shoes, and the reverse also. In reality, the term “Gravel shoes” does not refer to anything tangible, if not a little marketing and, sometimes, a little more inspiration from the road. If some brands still offer differentiated ranges, this is not the case of Specialized, which has gathered all its Off-Road Gravel and VTT XC range under one name: Recon.
On the other hand, if the differentiation of use between Gravel and MTB does not really have to be, the level of range will lead to greater differences in terms of expectations and uses of the different models with, for example, more or less comfort, rigidity, and a more or less performance orientation, etc.
What are the elements of a good pair of VTT or Gravel shoes, what should you be attentive when choosing your future pair of bicycle shoes? To answer all these questions, we compared the Specialized Recon 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0. If the three models have the same common name, they are very different, however, and do not intend quite the same use!
It is not the MTB or Gravel practice that will differentiate the choice of the model, but rather the desired characteristics!
To make clear, it is not the mountain biking or gravel practice that will differentiate the choice of the model, but rather the characteristics sought during use, such as power transfer, weight, comfort …
To illustrate this, we have compared the different models of the Specialized Recona range, from the 1.0 which are the most accessible, up to the high -end 3.0, passing by the 2.0 intermediaries. Let’s start with a presentation of each model:
Recon 1.0: versatile accessibility
The Recon 1.0 embodies the entry -level, at the public price of € 120. But beware, Specialized does not sacrifice the quality of design. Here we find the Body Geometry platform, dear to the brand and thought to optimize the alignment knee-ville-pied, as well as a Slipnot ™ outsole with drawing identical to that of the upper models.
With its composite sole, the rigidity index is announced at 6.0, a choice that clearly promotes comfort to pedaling without gumming any sensation. It also has a more flexible area at the toes to facilitate walking (which Specialized calls “Stride Technology”).
The closure is based on a single BOA tightening which pulls on a dyneema wire (synthetic textile fiber very resistant to traction, widely used in sail and also for the famous BERD rays on certain models of high -end bicycle wheels). The fit is flexible, easy to put on, and is tolerant for wide feet or long outings. The weight revolves around 660 grams in size 43, which is rather competitive.
Recon 2.0: The balance between comfort and performance
Going upmarket, the Recon 2.0 (200 €) switches to a hybrid architecture: a lateral BOA L6 tightening comes to take care of the main tension, always with a dyneema thread, but it is here supported by a velcro strap on the forefoot in order to ensure more precise tightening on the front part, and possibly differentiated compared to the upper part to agree with more foot morphologies.
The outsole is still in nylon injected with fibers and the rigidity index remains at 6.0, like the Recon 1.0, but the internal structure is firmed. The synthetic rod, thermoformed and apparent seamless, gains in support while keeping a certain flexibility to properly wrap the foot.
Slipnot ™ crampons are more aggressive and cover a larger area of the sole. The grip is much better on foot, especially in wet terrain or on long portions of portage. The weight climbs slightly compared to his little sister, with an overweight of about 30 g per shoe (360 g room, or 720 g per pair). It is quite common that the more rigid and higher -end shoes are heavier, except the most exclusive models that use hyper -pointed materials (and dear!) To play on all tables. The very cramped sole of this version 2.0 also largely explains overweight.
Recon 3.0: Passage to performance
With the Recon 3.0 (250 €), we enter another dimension. Here, Specialized clearly targets the competitor, the very regular practitioner in search of a reactive, rigid, but always usable fit in mixed conditions.
The closure is done via two BOA LI2 discs, more robust, finer and micro-adjustable in both directions, which allows the whole of the stem to gain in uniform tension.
A big change comes from the Stride carbon sole, with a differentiated flex: ultra rigid from the rear to the hold to maximize power transfer, and more flexible in the forefoot to facilitate walking. Specialized displays a rigidity index of 10.0, designed for performance. Despite this, the brand has kept the Slipnot ™ crampons, which largely cover the sole in order to guarantee an excellent grip during walking.
Note that the slipper here is in one room, seamless, and in Xpel fabric to protect from external bad weather while guaranteeing good evacuation of heat and perspiration. The weight is contained: 700 g in size 43, which places it among the lightest in its category with so many crampons.
Specialized Recon : le test terrain
We were able to ride with these three models on various formats: long outings both in gravel and in mountain biking, a few races, lunch wrinkles at the sustained rhythm, from the intensity training session, and even a few hikes where the passages were necessary.
The Recon 1.0 surprised us with its immediate comfort and its ease of adaptation. She is forgotten, in the good sense of the term, and is perfectly suited to those who roll for pleasure, without worrying about each Watt spent. Maintaining is necessarily less firm than on these big sisters each with two tightening zones, and the sole is more flexible.
Nevertheless, they have more support and rigidity at the pedaling than several other entry -level models that we have been able to test (for example the Shimano XC300), which is a good thing in our opinion insofar as we never have the impression of feeling the pedal under the foot. Comfort in walking is good, with well thought out flexibility, but the crampons are just correct, nothing more.
For a leisure practice, where comfort is mainly looking for, these Recon 1.0 will be a healthy, solid and reliable base.
The Reconity 2.0 was our favorite of the test: a very balanced shoe, which can be taken everywhere, in all times, and which combines effective tightening, good stability, reliable grip and real comfort over time. They do not excel anywhere, but are still at the level.
Compared to the Recon 1.0, the transfer of power improves significantly, especially thanks to better footwork by the slipper. We just regret that the front strap is sometimes superfluous: poorly positioned or too tight, it can cause unnecessary pressure. But it is a detail that is adjusted after some outings and a finer adjustment. The sole brings a real plus for walking, and in this segment they are among those which offer the most comfort and above all hooks when you have to get off your bike.
The compromise between rigidity, comfort and price is particularly well found here.
The Recon 3.0, finally, was impressive in recovery and efficiency. On an XC circuit or during an intensity session, the difference is clear. On the other hand, it requires a little habit, as well as a more precise adjustment of its holds to avoid the pressure points linked to its firmer structure, from the sole to the slipper. Some pilots with wider ankles could be embarrassed at the level of the malleoli, but in return, it offers a very enveloping, which will satisfy the narrow feet.
It is the ideal shoe for technical XC use, marathon, or Gravel Sportif, where walking remains occasional but the performance is central.
The Recon 2025 range offers three performance levels: from versatility at entry -level (1.0), comfort and grip (2.0), to pure performance (3.0). No model replaces another: the right choice depends on your priorities, your practice and your budget. Whether in mountain biking or gravel, choose your pair of shoes according to your expectations. We still feel that Specialized is a real specialist in shoes and these three models are among our favorites in their respective categories.
For more information: https://www.spetiéd.com/be/fr/shop/vetements-de-velo/chaussures-de-velo/chaussures-de-gravel
