Specialized S-Works Ares 2 Road Shoe

Power-enhancing S-Works Ares 2 cycling shoes lock in efficiency and race-day comfort

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:

"I’ve never felt this kind of immediate power transfer in a road shoe before. The Ares 2 locks my foot in with zero pressure hot spots thanks to the Body Geometry design, and the Dual BOA dials let me fine-tune fit on the fly. It’s the shoe I trust when every watt counts."

We chase podiums and personal records, and the S-Works Ares 2 gives us the edge to ride harder, longer, and more comfortably. Specialized’s commitment to innovation is clear in every millimeter of this shoe—from its anatomical Body Geometry construction to its ultra-efficient carbon sole. This shoe disappears beneath us on the climb, yet feels like a rocket on the sprint.

Engineered with patented technologies like the Varus Wedge, Metatarsal Button, and Longitudinal Arch support, the Ares 2 brings science to cycling efficiency. The newly refined Body Geometry Last reduces forefoot pressure by 44%, while a rigid unidirectional carbon sole channels every watt directly into the pedals. Add in the micro-adjustable Dual-Dial Li2 BOA® system, and we've got a fit so secure it feels like a second skin.

Details

Lightweight, race-tuned road cycling shoe for peak performance
Ideal for road racing, criteriums, and all-out efforts
Body Geometry technology reduces pressure and boosts power output
BOA® Li2 Dual-Dial system allows fast and micro-adjustable fit
Unidirectional carbon outsole maximizes stiffness and efficiency
All-new Body Geometry Last decreases forefoot pressure by 44%
263g per half-pair in size 44 keeps weight low and speed high
Compatible with Body Geometry SL Footbeds Gen 2 for custom support
Item #SCQ1X25

Upper Material: Dyneema-reinforced synthetic mesh
Closure: BOA Li2
Footbed: Body Geometry
Midsole: Body Geometry
Sole: FACT Powerline (carbon fiber)
Cleat Compatibility: 3-bolt
Claimed Weight: 7.7oz (220g)
Activity: cycling
Manufacturer Warranty: limited 2 year

Body Geometry
Ergonomically Designed, Scientifically Proven

Body Geometry innovation makes the S-Works Ares 2 the most locked-in, efficient shoe that's also incredibly comfortable. Featuring four patented technologies - Varus Wedge, Longitudinal Arch, Metatarsal Button, and the all-new Body Geometry Last - delivers a pain-free increase in power by 7 watts, while reducing forefoot pressure by 44%.

44% Less Pressure
All-new Body Geometry last reduces forefoot pressure by 44%.

Varus Wedge
The Varus Wedge aligns the foot, knee, and hip to increase power output.

Metatarsal Button
The Metatarsal Button prevents nerve impingement and arterial compression for a secure, pain-free fit.

Body Geometry Fit
Data Driven, Personally Crafted

You can get the same Body Geometry Fit as our World Tour riders. Body Geometry Fit finds your optimal position then utilizes Body Geometry equipment, like S-Work Ares 2, to maximize power and endurance all while making you more comfortable.

20% More Locked In
Our patented closure system increases contact surface by 20% for a secure fit that maximizes efficiency.

Extra Stability
The enlarged heel counter stabilizes the foot, eliminating heel lift during high-threshold efforts.

Our Most Secure, Connected Shoe.
The conforming upper and carbon outsole deliver 360 degrees of connected, ergonomic support.

Premium Materials
Refined upper materials clean easily, allow easy entry, and conform to the foot without unwanted stretching.

Made for Riders, By Riders

Since 1974, Specialized has built bikes and gear grounded in rider-first thinking. When quality tires weren’t available, they made their own. When cycling demanded innovation, they pushed boundaries—launching the first production mountain bike, investing in carbon performance, and even building their own wind tunnel.

They believe cycling changes lives. Through their Outride initiative, they support research, programming, and grants to back brain health, education, and equitable access to riding.

Shop All Specialized

Reviews

Q&A

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Overall Rating

1.5 based on 2 ratings

Review Summary

1 Stars - 1 reviews

2 Stars - 1 reviews

3 Stars - 0 reviews

4 Stars - 0 reviews

5 Stars - 0 reviews

Fits Slightly Large

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1 out of 5 stars

August 24, 2025

not comfortable

Familiarity:: I've used it several times

I don't find these comfortable. Maybe with the $300 custom insoles idk. But out of the box I just can't get them to be comfortable. too tight across the top and the outside ankle rubs - painful. only 110 miles in them to date but I don't think I'm going to use them again. I think it is true they have less pressure on the forefoot but it's a constant battle of loosing and tightening them. anyway at this point I'd say the sidi are more comfortable. I can't even find anyone doing the custom insoles in my area lol.

jgr105763097

Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com

2 out of 5 stars

May 10, 2025

S-Works Ares II

Familiarity:: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Shoes are very well made and stiff and comfortable. Unfortunately, for me the and some others the toe box is huge and causes foot to slide around. I actually went down a down a size usually wear 44 but bought the 43.5. After two I found I had to really cinch them up to make foot not slide around as much in the toe box. However I am now stuck with a pair of $600.00 dollar shoes that I cannot wear and or return (and get full refund). If the toe box was slightly smaller they would work out great. Also if new insoles (as the insoles that come with these shoes is paper thin and not sure why that is with the amount t of money ones spends for a cycling shoe you think specialized would step it up with better insoles instead of forcing customer to buy another insoles..but the catch is the new insoles don’t fit this shoe due to the way shoe is cut, not round at the top)…so with saying all this I am kinda disappointed with shoe that I am stuck with now that is in a box on a shelf and out $600.00. I was excited about getting shoe and using but unfortunately not the shoe for me.

Cubby