Specialized S-Works Road Shoe and BG Footbeds Input
 

Looking for some input and/or experiences with the S-works road shoes. I've been wearing my Nike shoes for a few seasons and they just aren't that comfortable. I run Speedplay peddles and I'm intrigued by the Sidi Ergo 3 Speedplay option. My LBS was previously a Sidi dealer, but is no longer. I was recently in the new Sidi dealer, but didn't see many options in stock to try. Thus, I'm looking into other options. Is the BG system all it's cracked up to be or are most able to simply use the stock footbeds?

Thanks for the input!

I had the Sidi 5.5 and it gave me crazy hot spots with speedplay. Switched to S-works and no longer has hot spots. S-works is by far the best shoes I've ever owned.

My previous shoes were Nikes and I was forced to upgrade from the stock soles to the BG Blue Footbeds which made a HUGE difference in comfort. I was using Look, than Shimano SPD-SL pedals with those shoes. When I switched to the S-works shoe I needed more arch support since the S-works was so much stiffer than the Nikes so I upgraded to the Green footbeds. I currently run speedplay zero pedals with the sworks shoes. Definitely recommended.

My shoes are Shimano R087's and they are great, except that they used to give me terrible foot pain. I got red BG footbeds and a varus shim in my right foot. That resolved all of my foot pain. YMMV

I just upgraded to Specialized Expert road shoes and Speedplay pedals a few weeks ago. So far both work great. I really like the Boa lace design. I did get some inserts. My shop has a tough time keeping these (and most good shoes) in stock, so I just ordered them through the shop. When they came in, they did a mini fitting for me, installed the cleats, and made sure everything fit/worked well.

Keep in mind that I upgraded from MTB shoes and pedals, where nearly anything would be an improvement. My shoes really never felt tight enough, and I never get that feeling now.

+1 Best road shoes I have ever worn.

I have the road comp expert with blue footbeds. Friend of mine put my shoes on and road my bike a mile or so, one of the first comments were the footbeds and support. He bought some.

Also run speedplay zeros.

Lastly, dont put your footbeds in the dryer if they get soaked, they will shrink 5 sizes and you will be out $50. Duh.

Glad to hear all the positive responses. Seems that folks have switched from several different brands to Specialized with positive results. I'll plan to stop by my local Specialized dealer to try out the S-Works. Do most dealers have the Arch-O-Meter?

this for me as well...shoes are very personal and everyone fits different...but I cured my frequent foot pain when I switched to S works with BG footbeds.....I choked at the bill, but not any longer....

I've tried about every single shoe on the market from 700 dollar customs to the 60 dollars specials to try to find a shoe, and the specialized shoes, no matter the level always ended up on my feet. so now, its all i ride. with the green footbeds and a few shims i have no issues.

worth every penny

Most will. Just make sure you use it sitting down as your arch changes when standing and can mess up the reading

I switched from Nike's to S-Works. I liked the green footbeds the best, hard to get use to the arch at first though. They do not feel right when you put them in and just stand up and walk around, but when your pedaling the arch support is very good. I use Esoles now. But the S-Works is the best shoe for my feet so far. I would say if your going to use a footbed, if at all possible, try the footbeds with the shoes before you buy for sizing purposes.

I've tried Shimano, Mavics, Lakes, and a variety of Sidi's. The Specialized S-Works I ride now are, without question, the most comfortable riding shoes I've ever owned. No hot spots, numbness, tingling, or discomfort no matter how challenging the ride might be. I might be sore in other areas, but not my feet.

-Bert

I use Spec BG footbeds in my Sidis (three pairs). They take some volume form them but it is worth it.
I would buy Spec shoes but I got Sidis cheaper.

Sidis dont work for me at all - too narrow
Spesh dotn work for me at all - all that wedge causes havoc with my knees, unless you currently wedge your cleats i'd steer clear
Shimano work a treat for me

I went from Sidi to Specialized 74 (same last as the S-Works) and the wider toe box has been absolutely wonderful.

I'm on my 3rd pair of Spec BG Pro(?) shoes in about 6 years... believe they're the next one down from the S-Works. Excellent shoes, fit my high arches well and my clown feet don't get any hot spots.

Check the specialized site often if you're not in a hurry to buy, they have specials and closeouts on shoes which can save you some $$. The pair I have now were $120, over $140 off their MSRP.

Thanks for all the input. I'm somewhat surprised in the sheer volume of positive posts for the S-works shoes. I definitely consider that to be a strong endorsement. I'm hoping to stop by the local shop to try on a pair this weekend.

I think I'll also check with the Sidi dealer to see what my options are to try the Ergo 3. I'd hope they'd be somewhat willing to work with a potential purchaser of ~$500 shoes! Hopefully the S-works will be as good as you guys have made them sound and I won't need to worry about spending the extra money on the Sidis.