grwoolf

does anyone have experience with the specialized shoes that use the rotory closures? I'm wondering how these hold up and function compared to a traditional ratchet closure.

I've been wearing Sidi Genius Mega's (wide) because of a nerve issue in my foot, but recently had surgury to remove the nerve and I'm ready for some shoes with a normal fit. Any feedback on the specialized shoes (especially the closure system) is appreciated.

looking at these:
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...jsp?spid=57811

Breal

Have a pair of S works boas for road and cross. I love them and they are both a few years old without a hint of an issue. My next shoe will have a boa on them.

jsutkeepspining

I just recently purchesed a pair of swork road shoes, and the boa system just failed on me the other day on both shoes. The cables are now tangled and will not fully tighten. I'm going to call the shop I got them from and see if they will replace either the boa system or the shoes themselves.

mutantdunk

I just bought some slightly used on C.L. and immediately got some replacement bits from Boa to replace some closures I wasn't completely satisfied with and to also have a few extras on hand.

These bits were free as Boa has a lifetime guarantee on everything that's not sewn into the shoe. The replacement was slow for the 1st knob but much quicker on the next one.

There are plenty of videos on the Boa's website and some are specific to S-Works shoes. The fit is great and I look forward to a number of years of service.

One note, Speedplay says to use the second pair of wedges on the sole for Zeros, this is obviously wrong. Use the first set that come attached to the shoes (edit: I meant cleats)

Chris R.

I have these: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...jsp?spid=57054
and love them. I've used them an entire season and am debating buying another pair so that when these wear out, I'll have another pair!

grwoolf

Thanks for the responses. I bought a pair of the Experts today. It looks like there are 2 different boa systems on the specialized shoes. The s-works shoe allows turning the knob either way (tighten or loosen) and it works on resistance like a clutch. However, I was able to loosen the system just by flexing my foot on one of the shoes. There must be a way to adjust the 'slip' tensionn, but I couldn't figure it out and the sales guy didn't know either. The expert model makes you push the knob in to lock and then you can tighten, but can't loosen without pulling the knob back out (no way for it to slip). I actually preferred the way the expert model worked vs. the s-works. Also, the expert model fit me better and was much cheaper, so I went that direction.

nacler22

I have two road and one cross pair and also love'm. Awhile ago my seven yr. old daughter was playing with my road shoes and somehow jammed up the boa. Took it to my LBS and Jason pulled out the S-works tool kit and fixed it in < 2 minutes. No worries since.

mutantdunk

That particular knob was probably not screwed down tight. You need the tool (a torx I think) that comes with the replacement parts. Properly tightened, they don't slip.

mvMcfly

I've ridden 1st gen S-works boa shoes for a year. They are the best shoes I've worn to date. For my B-D width feet they fit great, but more on point the Boa system works great. Even tension over the length of the foot and the coil mechanism has worked well. The newer 2 coil shoes are supposed to feel/fit better than the single tension versions mine are. I have not had malfunctions in the tension mechanism after 1 year, ~ 4,000 miles, of riding with my shoes. I live in SoCal, so a harsher climate may give varying results. In my opinion, there is not a better shoe for the money.

phee

The boa system is warranteed for life. I have had to replace one of the knobs when I broke it off falling off my rollers (dog came through in a rush Was quick, easy and painless. I would have bought a pair of the Specialized shoes if I hadn't gotten such a deal on the pair of Lakes that I had just recently purchased. Can't remember which model it was, but I tried a pair on at the LBS and they felt great. When/if I need another pair I will be looking at them again, and the boa closure system will most definitely be on them.

teterider

I got the S-Works shoe a few years back with the full BOA system. I loved the system but hated the shoe. For me the form last wasn't right and it was too wide (sounds like that may be good for you); so when the BOA system was tightened the sides of the shoe bulged out and rubbed the crank arm with each revolution.

But if the shoe fits, the BOA was real nice.

techlogik

Got a pair of expert carbon a few weeks ago, love them.

recon455

I had a pair of running shoes with Boa laces, and they were sweet. One lace snapped one time when jumping down stairs(not what they are designed to do), and Boa sent me a new lace for free and the tool to change it. That and a pair of cable cutters and you can make them good as new. I would not expect any issue with cycling shoes.

(I stopped using those shoes because they wore out after many miles when I used to run more)

SkyeC

I love mine.

The only downside I found in the S Works version is that they're too well ventilated this time of year, so I taped over the upper toe vents and the lower toe vent. My toes would be frozen by the time I got home. And yes, I know I could use shoe covers, and I have them, but it wasn't THAT cold out.