Product Test: Specialized 2FO 1.0 Shoes

Flat pedals have become more popular in recent years among trail and enduro riders who are looking to build skill and have a whole lot of fun doing it. The 2FO shoes from Specialized were updated and relaunched in August of 2017 and have been gaining traction ever since. Utilizing Specialized’s unique Body Geometry sole, these 2FO 1.0 flat shoes are designed to be just as competitive as any clipless shoe but with the bonus of allowing you to ride foot out, flat out. We’ve put quite a few flat-pedal shoes to the test in recent months but had yet to give the newest version of Specialized’s 2FO shoes a proper shakedown. It’s now their turn to prove their worth.

Tech features:

The 2FOs have a casual look, but don’t let that fool you. These shoes were specifically designed for cycling. Specialized called in the help of its elite gravity and all-mountain athletes during the development process to ensure these shoes were up to par. The 1.0 model we tested here is designed for trail riders, while the 2.0 models offer additional protection for downhill and freeride applications. Our test shoes came with Specialized’s SlipNot 2.0 rubber compound and an engineered lug pattern designed to enhance pedal connection. An internal booty and a cushioned EVA midsole provide added comfort. The shoes also feature a protective toe cap and a breathable upper. A pair of laces secures these shoes to the rider’s feet, and an elastic Lacelock prevents the laces from falling into the chainring. Our size-44 test shoes weighed 320 grams. The 2FO1.0 shoes retail for $120 at any Specialized dealer or online.

Field test results:

There are tons of flat-pedal shoes on the market today; however, the 2FOs manage to set themselves apart with a few unique features. As soon as we tossed these shoes on, we found them to be comfortable and noticed they offered a bit more arch support than other competitive options. The built-in booty does a great job of keeping out dirt and debris, and the booty hugs your foot, providing a more controlled feel.

The SlipNot 2.0 soles maintain traction well, and while it’s not the same tacky connection as with as other shoes, the soles provide enough traction to ensure confidence over a range of different pedals. The Lacelock feature, which is essentially a rubber band, offers a way to secure the laces in place so they won’t flap around or get caught in your chainring. Our favorite feature of the 2FOs are the loops on the tongue and the back of the booty that makes it easy to pull the shoes on and off. Overall, we would recommend the 2FO 1.0 shoes to a trail rider looking for light protection and a comfortable fit he can wear all day. www.specialized.com

Hits

• Integrated booty adds comfort and keeps out debris
• Lacelock feature holds laces in place

 

Misses

• Not as much grip as other options
• Limited protection for downhill and freeriding

 

Star Rating: ★


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