Specialized Torch 1.0 Road Shoes

The Specialized Torch 1.0 Road Shoe is an affordable and comfortable entry-level design, now with a Boa dial closure.

• Pros: Boa dial closure, looks more expensive than it is
• Cons: No longer takes SPD cleats

Last year I reviewed the Velcro-only previous incarnation of the Torch 1.0 and gave them a rating of 'Good', noting the fit was OK, and being able to use SPD cleats increased the value.

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This latest version of the Torch drops the SPD cleat option but adds a Boa dial closure – thus eliminating what is a popular cleat choice for commuter and recreational/audax pedals and shifting the Torch 1.0 more towards the 'performance-orientated' cyclist. That is, assuming you consider SPDs to be inferior to 3-bolt SPD-SL 'road' cleat designs, which many don't. You can go down a rabbit hole of SPD vs SPD-SL thinking in Mat's recent report.

One can only assume Specialized has done some homework on the cleat choices of Torch 1.0 buyers and removed the option because few were taking it up, which would save weight and allow budget to go towards the Boa closure.

The Torch 1.0 is Specialized's entry-level three-bolt-cleat shoe, featuring a plastic sole with about half the stiffness of the range-topping S-works carbon models. Unless you're putting out 1,000 Watts in a sprint you likely won't notice, and if you feel you need an ultra-stiff sole to up your mental game of a Sunday morning, these probably aren't the shoes you're looking for.

The uppers are synthetic, with 94 little holes to aid ventilation. Winter kicks these are not, unless paired with a good set of overshoes. The tongue is well padded, with a retaining loop that the Boa wire passes through to keep it in place. The Velcro strap across the forefoot didn't seem to offer much in the way of adjustability, but like any synthetic shoe the fabric's not going to give much so anything's better than nothing if you need to tweak the feel. On the outside there's no longer a reflective heel patch to aid night cycling, which possibly further indicates a move away from the Torch 1.0 being aimed at commuters.

Shoe fit is totally personal and there's no rhyme nor reason why a £250 shoe should feel more comfortable than a £90 one. If Specialized's Body Geometry fit works for you, chances are you'll find the Torch 1.0 comfortable enough. My feet run slightly narrower than a hobbit, so I did feel a bit restricted after a few hours – that was with a thick winter sock on mind. Nothing actually painful though.

Speaking of which, my nominal Euro 45 size suited the indicated 45 size just right. I've always found Specialized's sizing to be fairly accurate, so no change is good here.

The heel cup once again is quite low. I didn't feel any slippage, but I do like a bit more of a snug fit. Again, it's more a personal preference than a performance issue.

Out on the road the shoe was comfortable and innocuous – I didn't feel like a wing-footed god, but then these are £90 shoes. The Boa is the lower-spec type where needing a loosening adjustment means pulling it out so it slackens completely, then you re-tension to suit. I didn't experience any issues with pressure points or whatnot, but again would have liked slightly more width.

> Buyer's Guide: Essential advice for choosing the right cycling shoes

Getting a Boa closure at a sub-£100 price point used to be impossible, but there are a few competitors at the £100 mark now, including the Bontrager Circuit which, amazingly, is still the same price two years on, and the Scott Road Comp Boa. Shimano's RP4 SPD-SL shoes are a close competitor but £109.99.

All in all, for £90 the reimagined Torch 1.0 is a good option if you like SPD-SLs and want the more-pro adjustability and look/feel of a Boa closure, especially if you're not too wide of foot.

Verdict

Good entry-level option now with a Boa dial closure, but only for SPD-SL cleats