Just because winning an XC World Cup isn’t on your to-do list, doesn’t mean you don’t value performance, comfort and varying experiences. The Specialized Recon 2.0 Mountain Shoe is your shoe. Inspired by S-Works Recon, with Body Geometry comfort and efficiency, Recon 2.0 puts all that performance within easy reach. Employing exclusive STRIDE toe-flex technology, the nylon outsole uses a TPU injected forefoot for natural movement off-bike, while still providing a stiffness index of 6.0 for in the saddle performance. Given the user case, the designers also lifted the heel for an even more natural feeling while walking. The Standard Fit is more generous than the S-Works FormFit overall.

The comfortable, supportive upper features the XPEL mesh that is so successful at allowing water and moisture to escape, either from a hard slog on a hot day, mud puddles or a river portage where map said there was a bridge. Differing from the Recon 3.0, a single L6-Snap BOA dial is used for the upper two anchor zones of the closure set-up, but with the wire system and informed shape, cut, and placement it works great. A Velcro forefoot closure ensure micro-adjustable comfort all around, with a secure fit designed for all-day comfort and performance, whether your ride calls for open gravel, twisting single track, and even more than your fair share of hike-a-bike.

To create traction while off the bike in wet or dry, gravel or dirt, Specialized covered the nylon sole with other full coverage SlipNot compound. The tread pattern offers stability and control while pushing the bike on a trail, heading into the general store, or clambering up a rock to get a great view and a photo. A protective soft shell toe guard is always appreciated, as is generous sliding 2-bolt cleat mounting plate that also has 2 sets of mounts to maximize the fore-aft positioning.

The Recon 2.0 may not have the competition-level chops of the 3.0, but it will surely suit the needs of a huge group of sport riders who simply love to ride and choose to expand their horizons on gravel, trail, or mixed use and material paths and bike trails. These folks want performance and room to develop- to justify the Recon 3.0 next time, or just feel like they are maximizing their experience, and their money.