€ 550 | Manufacturer’s website
With the S-Works Ares 2, Specialized roll out the second generation of their high-end Ares road shoe, designed for sprinters and performance-focused riders. Their aim? To build on the success of its predecessor through targeted updates that promise even more stiffness, improved ergonomics and a laser-sharp focus on power transfer. Gone is the sock-like inner of the original Ares model. In its place, Specialized have introduced a new BOA dial system, paired with a wider toe box and a reworked last for a more refined fit. According to Specialized, the carbon sole has also been further optimised – it’s now lighter, with increased torsional stiffness. At € 550, the Ares 2 sits firmly in the premium league. But how does it hold up in the real world, during everyday training, high-intensity intervals and flat-out sprint finishes?
All That Glitters Isn’t Gold: A Closer Look at the New Specialized S-Works Ares 2
The new S-Works Ares 2 was developed in close collaboration with Specialized’s WorldTour pros, including Primoz Roglic and Tim Merlier. The mission: waste no watts. That clear focus shows in the construction; this is a shoe made for performance-driven riders who prioritise fit, stability and maximum power transfer. Weighing just 224 grams in size 41, it’s also one of the lightest options on the market. Price-wise, it’s not so light on your wallet: Specialized certainly stay true to their premium positioning. At € 550, the Ares 2 sits right at the top end of the road shoe market – in fact, you can buy yourself a whole Specialized Sirrus bike for only € 99 more. When it comes to design, Specialized continue to make a bold statement, with a high-end perforated upper, silver BOA Li2 dials, and a striking S-Works logo along the side.
Compared to the original Ares, one thing stands out immediately: the construction of the upperi has been completely redesigned. The integrated, sock-like fit familiar from the original Ares or the Canyon Tempr CFR is gone. In its place, Specialized have introduced a newly developed closure system with two finely tunable two-way BOA Li2 dials.
At first glance, that might sound fairly conventional, but the execution here is anything but. The upper BOA dial is positioned high across the instep, designed to provide maximum support, especially when you’re out of the saddle, or putting serious force through the pedals in a sprint. At the same time, Specialized promise easier entry and even more direct power transfer than the outgoing model. The last has also been reworked: the toe box is noticeably wider, and shaped more anatomically. This is meant to give your toes more room to splay naturally, and reduce pressure on the forefoot.
At the 2025 Tour de France, it didn’t quite come together for the sprinters riding on Specialized teams. Merlier and Meeus might not have done as well as they hoped, but we don’t think their shoes were holding them back. These shoes are among the stiffest we’ve ever ridden, and you can feel the firm grip of the heel cup the moment you slip them on.
We tested the Ares 2 over several weeks, putting in around 1,000 kilometres of intervals, long rides and tough training sessions. Our first impression? The Ares 2 is stiff: y you notice it straight away. Combined with the carbon sole, the shoe delivers an incredibly direct pedal stroke, with hardly any flex – even when launching into sprints, or laying down serious power. Under heavy load, your foot stays locked in and stable.
The new, wider toe box creates an unfamiliar yet surprisingly comfortable fit. It gives your forefoot more breathing room, and noticeably reduces pressure on your toes. Overall, we would say the fit is quite generous, without being sloppy; the shoe can be cinched down tightly enough to keep your foot firmly in place, even under maximum load. That’s mainly thanks to the positioning of the upper BOA, which wraps wide across the instep and pulls your foot snugly into the shoe. Be warned: overtightening it can backfire. A few of our testers experienced numb toes after just a short time: finding the right balance between support and comfort takes a bit of finesse. Once you’ve dialled it in, though, the fit is spot-on – no slipping, no pressure points.
The silhouette of the Ares 2 looks a bit more bulky than the old Ares at first glance, and with its wider toe box, it does look a little orthopaedic from some angles. But maybe there’s something to be said for wearing shoes that are shaped like feet? On that note, we recently tried out some barefoot shoes for everyday use, which you can read about here. They might not be pretty, but they’re certainly interesting.
The glossy white finish looks premium straight out of the box, and there’s no doubt these shoes carry a high-end look – at first. The white toe guard at the front quickly showed signs of wear during our test, and the exposed carbon sole wasn’t spared either, though battle scars are a familiar sight on pure white, high-end shoes with unprotected carbon soles.
Compared to the S-Works Torch, the Ares 2 offers slightly less comfort – mainly due to its sprint-specific construction. The high-mounted BOA closure pulls the foot firmly down into the shoe, delivering an exceptionally firm hold under load. That’s great for stability during intense efforts, but it noticeably limits flexibility across the instep.
Not Made for Walking? Who Are the New Specialized S-Works Ares 2 Shoes For?
The S-Works Ares 2 is aimed at riders who aren’t willing to compromise when pushing to the limit. Think sprinters who value rock-solid support over quick entry. Riders with powerful legs who want every ounce of their energy to translate into forward motion. And of course, it’s for anyone who wants a shoe that looks the part alongside their special edition S-Works Tarmac SL8 – complete with that bold S-Works branding and glossy finish.
Conclusion
The S-Works Ares 2 isn’t built for compromise – and certainly not for a relaxed Sunday spin with a cappuccino stop. This is a shoe made for maximum performance under full load. If you’ve been looking for more room in the forefoot, you’ll likely find it here, though you’ll have to sacrifice a bit of comfort elsewhere due to the stiff sole and tight grip across the instep. The secure fit delivers outstanding stability in sprints, but it does require careful adjustment to avoid pressure points. If you thrive on explosive efforts and want every watt to hit the pedals with zero loss, the Ares 2 is one of the stiffest, most supportive shoes on the market.
Tops
- very clean white aesthetic
- extremely direct power transfer
- plenty of room for wide feet
Flops
- BOA adjustment requires a bit of finesse
More infos at specialized.com.
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Words & Photos: Jan Fock