Specialized S-Works Ares 2 Road Shoes

When every acceleration matters, the S-Works Ares 2 delivers one of the most secure and efficient connections between rider and bike that Specialized has ever created.

The Specialized S-Works Ares 2 Road Shoes are built for competitive cyclists who want maximum foot stability, efficient power transfer and dependable comfort during high-intensity riding. Developed using Specialized’s Body Geometry methodology, the Ares 2 combines an updated fit, unidirectional carbon sole and precise dual BOA® adjustment in a lightweight, dedicated racing shoe.

Whether you’re sprinting for the line, attacking a climb or pushing the pace during a fast group ride, the Ares 2 provides the secure connection and support needed to make every pedal stroke count.

Body Geometry Performance

Specialized’s Body Geometry sole construction and footbeds are ergonomically designed and scientifically tested to support efficient alignment through the feet, knees and hips.

Specialized claims the Body Geometry design delivers a seven-watt increase in power while reducing pressure across the forefoot by 44%. For the rider, this means a more stable pedalling platform with less concentrated pressure during hard or sustained efforts.

A Secure, Race-Ready Fit

The updated Body Geometry last has been shaped to improve fit and foot stability. It holds the foot securely during sprints, hard accelerations and out-of-the-saddle efforts, helping reduce unwanted movement inside the shoe.

This locked-in feel makes the Ares 2 particularly well suited to racing and high-intensity riding, where stability and immediate response are essential.

Maximum Power Through a Carbon Sole

A unidirectional carbon outsole provides the stiffness required for direct and efficient power transfer. Under load, the rigid platform helps minimise energy loss between the rider and the pedals.

This creates the responsive feel competitive riders expect when accelerating, climbing or maintaining high power over longer efforts.

Precise Dual BOA® Adjustment

Two BOA® Li2 dials allow small, accurate adjustments across separate areas of the foot. Tension can be increased or reduced in either direction, helping riders create a secure and personalised fit.

The dual-zone system also makes it easy to fine-tune the shoes while riding as your feet expand or conditions change.

Lightweight Race Construction

At approximately 263g per shoe in size 44, the Ares 2 combines its supportive fit and stiff carbon sole with a suitably lightweight construction.

That balance makes it an effective choice for racing and climbing without removing the structure needed to keep the foot stable during powerful efforts.

Customisable Footbed Support

The Ares 2 is compatible with Specialized Body Geometry SL Footbeds Gen 2, allowing riders to select the level of arch support that best suits their feet.

Correct footbed support can further improve comfort, stability and alignment, particularly during longer rides and repeated high-intensity efforts.

Key Features

• Body Geometry construction supports efficient hip, knee and foot alignment
• Claimed seven-watt increase in power
• Claimed 44% reduction in forefoot pressure
• Updated Body Geometry last improves fit and pedalling efficiency
• Secure, locked-in feel supports high-intensity riding
• Unidirectional carbon outsole provides maximum stiffness
• Dual BOA® Li2 Fit System with precise two-way micro-adjustment
• Compatible with Body Geometry SL Footbeds Gen 2
• Three-bolt cleat pattern fits major road pedal systems
• Approximate weight: 263g per shoe, size 44

Why Riders Love the Specialized S-Works Ares 2

• Exceptional stability during hard efforts
• Immediate and efficient power transfer
• Secure fit without unnecessary forefoot pressure
• Precise adjustment across separate areas of the foot
• Lightweight construction for racing and climbing
• Body Geometry support for improved alignment
• Customisable footbed options
• Purpose-built performance for competitive road cycling

Who Are These Shoes For?

The Specialized S-Works Ares 2 is designed for competitive and performance-focused road cyclists who want a firmly supported, race-ready fit.

It’s particularly well suited to riders who sprint, climb or regularly produce high power, as well as cyclists who notice unwanted foot movement inside less supportive shoes.

Which Specialized Road Shoe Is Right for You?

• Torch 1.0: An accessible first road shoe focused on everyday comfort and ease of use
• Torch 2.0: A lightweight performance upgrade for training and longer rides
• Torch 3.0: Carbon-soled performance with precise dual-zone adjustment
• S-Works Torch: Elite efficiency with a refined, adaptable fit for racing and long-distance riding
• S-Works Ares 2: Maximum foot stability and a locked-in fit for racing, sprinting and high-power efforts

Perfect For

✔ Road racing
✔ Criterium racing
✔ Sprinting and high-power efforts
✔ Competitive training
✔ Fast group rides
✔ Long climbs
✔ Riders wanting maximum power transfer
✔ Cyclists who prefer a secure, locked-in fit

Our Thoughts on the Specialized S-Works Ares 2

The Ares 2 is the shoe we’d recommend to riders who want their feet to feel firmly held in place, particularly during sprinting, climbing and other high-power efforts. The fit is noticeably more locked in than the S-Works Torch, so it works especially well for racers and riders who find their feet moving inside more conventional road shoes.

Despite the secure feel, it doesn’t simply clamp down across the foot. The updated last and dual BOA® dials spread the pressure well and make it easy to fine-tune each shoe while riding.

This is a focused racing shoe, so getting the size, footbed and cleat position right is important. We recommend trying it on and taking advantage of our fitting knowledge to make sure the Ares 2 suits your foot shape and riding style. When properly fitted, it provides an exceptionally stable and direct connection with the pedals.

Why Buy from Chain Reaction

✔ Official Specialized Dealer
✔ Expert cycling shoe sizing and fitting advice
✔ Retül bike fitting knowledge and cleat setup support
✔ Experienced help with road pedal compatibility
✔ Finance options available
✔ Nationwide New Zealand delivery
✔ Ongoing support from our Christchurch team

Specifications

• Sole: Unidirectional carbon outsole
• Fit: Secure performance fit
• Last: Updated Body Geometry last
• Closure: Dual BOA® Li2 Fit System
• Adjustment: Two-way micro-adjustment
• Footbed compatibility: Body Geometry SL Footbeds Gen 2
• Cleat pattern: Three-bolt road
• Pedal compatibility: Major three-bolt road pedal systems
• Approximate weight: 263g per shoe, size 44
• Intended use: Road racing and performance cycling