Specialized Torch 2.0 shoe review

The new Torch 2.0 is the third sports shoe in Specialized’s road range, described as “the ideal intersection of high performance and comfort”.

It has been updated for 2024, with a new last shape and an upper designed to improve fit, with an asymmetrical cutout on the outside of the tongue. Additionally, there’s a full carbon sole – a rare feature at this price (£165 / $180 / €200 / AU$270).

While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of its more expensive siblings, if you go by the fit, I’d struggle to think of a better-specified option at this price.

During testing I found the Torch 2.0 to be a solid performer, although the relatively stiff upper means this wouldn’t be a shoe I’d choose for my longest rides.

Specialized Torch 2.0 shoe construction

In terms of fit, the Torch 2.0 is said to be inspired by the S-Works Torch, using a slightly wider last (the model foot around which a shoe is built) than the previous design.

There’s an all-new “fully perforated, single-layer synthetic and seamless upper,” which is said to improve fit and ventilation. They are not as luxurious as the Torch 3.0 uppers with their heavier construction.

The asymmetrical heel cup of the S-Works Torch trickles down to this shoe, which Specialized says offers more instep support.

Unfortunately, however, the bolt holes for the cleat are fixed on the Torch 2.0 shoes, limiting the range of adjustment for the cleat positions.

Specialized admitted that it did this to maintain space between the shoes.

For reference, compared to their positioning on the S-Works Torch, the cleat holes are in the forward-most location.

There is a single Boa Li2 dial with Velcro on the bottom of the shoe. The Boa dial is a smart choice, allowing for small tension adjustments in either direction, as well as the ability to completely relieve tension from the shoe by lifting it.

Less impressive is the Velcro closure, which Specialized says has no function whatsoever for fit – it’s just there to reassure newer riders that their foot is secured.

It is claimed that a pair of Torch 2.0 shoes size EU42 weighs 536 grams. My size EU45 shoes weighed 628 grams for the pair.

The shoes are available in four colors: Black, White, White Sage and Deep Marine/Terra Cotta, and in sizes 36 to 49, with half size options from 38.5 to 45.5.

Specialized Torch 2.0 shoe size and fit

It’s been a while since I last wore a Specialized shoe, with my dearly departed S-Works 6 kicks holding a dear place in my heart due to their extremely narrow heel cup but roomy toebox.

Not everyone liked the fit of the S-Works 6, and since then Specialized has steadily expanded its shoes.

I opted for an EU45, which is identical to what I use with most brands other than Sidi. For reference, my feet are quite wide with a narrow heel.

Out of the box, the Torch 2.0s fit me quite well, although I found the length a bit disproportionate – they are on the long side for their width compared to other brands.

Specialized Torch 2.0 shoe performance

I tested the Torch 2.0 for 1,000 km in various weather conditions, with ambient temperatures ranging from 5°C to 26°C.

It’s worth noting that I tested two pairs of shoes – the first pair had a manufacturing defect, where I discovered there was a small bump on the inside of the upper of the right shoe that pressed uncomfortably against my big toe.

I discovered this after having to sit off the bike for the better part of a week with an inflamed big toe after using that pair.

In Specialized’s defense, this is the first time I’ve ever seen a problem of this nature on one of its shoes (and that includes the best part of seven years working at a Specialized dealer).

The brand quickly sent a replacement pair and said that a rider experiencing such an issue would be entitled to a replacement set of shoes under the two-year warranty.

Given the fixed bolt holes, I found I had to place my cleats far back to achieve my preferred fit.

For those who prefer a shoe position further behind the balls of their feet, the limited adjustment range may be a deal breaker.

Putting on the shoe is easy, with a wide instep, while the combination of the Boa Li2 dial and Velcro strap is easy to use. Although Specialized says the Velcro is an unnecessary feature, I’d rather have it than not as it can help increase or relieve pressure on the toebox.

On the road, the shoes provide an efficient platform to pedal on, with no unwanted flex from the woven carbon sole. Perhaps it is to be expected that the soles are not as stiff as on my older S-Works 6 shoes.

While I didn’t have any issues with discomfort in the left shoe, I did notice that the upper of the right shoe started to get a little uncomfortable after three hours.

I felt the shoe could have been a little wider, but if I had chosen a larger size shoe, the extra length would have been too much. Given this fact, the EU45 was the best compromise for me.

For reference, the shoes were 98mm at their widest point.

The upper material itself is not as forgiving as some other shoes, especially on the lateral forefoot, and this may also explain why I didn’t go all the way with the fit.

A thinner and more flexible upper would likely be more forgiving in terms of fit consistency, as with the latest Trek Velocis, which has a softer and more perforated upper. However, at £229.99 / $249.99 / €249.99, those shoes are considerably more expensive.

Adding additional perforations would also further enhance ventilation, which I liked on the front of the Torch 2.0, but less so on the thicker heel and sole.

My feet weren’t uncomfortable during a particularly hot and long ride in Spain, but I would still have appreciated a little more ventilation in these types of scenarios.

That said, I did have to wear overshoes on colder rides (below 10ºC) as the airflow through the front of the shoe is noticeable.

While the shoes are not light for the pair at 628 grams, that is quite competitive for their price. They are lighter than Van Rysel’s RCR shoes (£169.99 / €169.99 / $162.94), which weigh 626 grams in an identical size EU45.

However, the Fizik Vento Omna (£170 / $170 / €165 / AU$273) outpaces the Torch 2.0s by 574 grams (also in an EU45), although these forego a full carbon sole.

Apart from some expected scratches on the sole, the shoes show no signs of wear after a few months of testing.

Finally, the Torch 2.0s are competitively priced. The Van Rysel RCRs cost £5 more and senior technical writer Simon von Bromley found they had stiffer carbon soles but a narrower forefoot fit.

Digital writer Jack Evans raved about the Fizik Vento Omnas. He thought the average ventilation was the only real downside, but didn’t think the composite sole was much of a compromise.

The result of Specialized Torch 2.0

The Specialized Torch 2.0 shoes are a solid offering, with almost everything you’d reasonably expect from a road cycling shoe at this price: a carbon sole and a Boa Li2 dial, without compromising too much on weight.

The ventilation could be better and it is a shame that the cleat holes have only been repaired to maintain a gap in the features.

However, if the fit works for you, the Torch 2.0 is a competitive option at this price.