S-Works Ares 2 cycling shoes reduce pressure, boost watts, and dial in race-ready fit
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:
"I’ve tried a lot of road shoes over the years, but nothing locks in fit and delivers power quite like the Ares 2. The redesigned last and four-part Body Geometry system make a real difference in long efforts—I get less numbness and more drive with every pedal stroke."
The S-Works Ares 2 is engineered for serious riders chasing every last watt. Specialized took race-day focus to the next level with a redesigned fit, scientifically backed ergonomics, and a platform that prioritizes both power transfer and comfort. The result is a shoe that feels like an extension of our body, not just gear.
Ares 2 integrates Specialized’s Body Geometry system—Longitudinal Arch support, Metatarsal Button, and Varus Wedge—creating optimal foot alignment for reduced nerve compression, increased circulation, and higher sustained power. The new Body Geometry Last drops forefoot pressure by 44%, which is huge for long-haul comfort without sacrificing responsiveness. It’s also paired with a unidirectional carbon sole that remains featherlight yet maximally stiff, ensuring no energy goes to waste.
On top of this tech foundation, the Dual-Dial Li2 BOA® system locks in the foot with pinpoint precision. Compatible with Body Geometry SL Footbeds Gen 2, riders can further fine-tune support for their unique biomechanics. We reach for the Ares 2 when race day is on the line—or any day we demand peak performance.
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
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
2 based on 1 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageMay 10, 2025
S-Works Ares II
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Size Bought:
- 43.5
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.
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