Specialized Torch 2.0 shoe review 

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

It’s been overhauled for 2024, using a new last shape and uppers designed to improve the fit with an asymmetric cut-out on the outside of the tongue. What’s more, there’s a full-carbon sole – a rare feature at this price (£165 / $180 / €200 / AU$270).

Although it’s lacking some of the bells and whistles of its pricier siblings, if you get on with the fit, I’d struggle to think of a better-specced option at this price point. 

In testing, I’ve found the Torch 2.0 to be a solid performer, although the relatively stiff uppers mean 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”, said to improve fit and ventilation. They’re not quite as luxurious as the uppers found on the Torch 3.0 with their heavier construction. 

The asymmetric heel cup found on the S-Works Torch trickles down to this shoe, which Specialized says provides more instep support. 

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

Specialized admitted it did this to maintain a features gap between its shoes.

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

There’s a single Boa Li2 dial with a Velcro strap at the bottom of the shoe. The Boa dial is a shrewd spec choice, allowing for minute tension adjustments in both directions, as well as the ability to fully relieve the shoe’s tension by lifting it up. 

Less impressive is the Velcro strap, which Specialized says doesn’t serve any function for fit – it’s simply there to give newer riders reassurance their foot is locked in. 

A pair of size EU42 Torch 2.0 shoes is claimed to weigh 536g. My size EU45 shoes weighed 628g for the pair. 

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

Specialized Torch 2.0 shoe sizing and fit 

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

Not everyone got on with the S-Works 6’s fit and, since then, Specialized has steadily been widening its shoes. 

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

Out of the box, the Torch 2.0s fitted me reasonably well, although I found the length a little disproportionate – they’re on the long side for their width compared to other brands. 

Specialized Torch 2.0 shoe performance

I tested the Torch 2.0 over 1,000km in a variety of weather conditions, with ambient temperatures ranging from 5°C to 26°C. 

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

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

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

The brand was quick to send a replacement pair out, and said a rider experiencing such an issue would be entitled to a replacement set of shoes under its two-year warranty.

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

For those who prefer a cleat position further behind the ball of their feet, the limited adjustment range may be a dealbreaker.

Putting the shoe on is straightforward, with a wide entry, while the Boa Li2 dial and Velcro strap combination is straightforward to use. While Specialized says the Velcro is a superfluous feature, I’d rather have it than not because it can help increase or relieve pressure over the toebox. 

Out on the road, the shoes are an efficient platform to pedal in, with no unwanted flex at the woven carbon sole. Perhaps expectedly, the soles aren’t as stiff as on my older S-Works 6 shoes, though.

While I had no problems with discomfort in the left shoe, I found the upper on the right shoe started to be a little uncomfortable after the three-hour mark.

I felt the shoe could have been a little wider, but if I’d have opted for a larger-sized shoe, the additional length would have been too much. Given this, the EU45 represented the best compromise for me. 

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

The upper material itself isn’t as forgiving as on some other shoes, particularly at the side of the forefoot, and this may also explain why I didn’t fully get on with the fit. 

A thinner and more flexible upper would likely be more forgiving for fit consistency, such as on the latest Trek Velocis, which has a softer and more perforated upper. At £229.99 / $249.99 / €249.99, those shoes are notably more expensive, though.

Adding additional perforations would also further bolster the ventilation, which I found to be good at the front of the Torch 2.0 but less so at the thicker heel and sole.

My feet weren’t uncomfortable during one particularly hot and long ride in Spain, but I’d have nevertheless appreciated a little more ventilation in this kind of scenario.

That said, I did need to wear overshoes on colder (sub-10ºC) rides, because the airflow through the front of the shoe is noticeable.

Although the shoes aren’t light at 628g for the pair, that’s fairly competitive for their price point. They’re lighter than Van Rysel’s RCR shoes (£169.99 / €169.99 / $162.94), which weigh 626g in an identical size EU45. 

However, the Fizik Vento Omna (£170 / $170 / €165 / AU$273) trumps the Torch 2.0s at 574g (also in an EU45), though these forego a full-carbon sole.

Other than some scratches on the sole, which is to be expected, the shoes aren’t showing any signs of wear after a couple of months of testing. 

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

Digital writer Jack Evans raved about the Fizik Vento Omnas. He found the average ventilation to be their only real flaw but didn’t find the composite sole too much of a compromise. 

Specialized Torch 2.0 bottom line 

The Specialized Torch 2.0 shoes are a solid offering, with almost everything you could reasonably expect of a road cycling shoe at this price point – a carbon sole and a Boa Li2 dial, while not compromising too much on weight. 

Ventilation could be better and it’s a shame the cleat holes are fixed solely to maintain a features gap.

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