MTB

Reviewed: Specialized Women’s 2FO Flat 1.0 Shoes

"Foot-Out, Flat-Out" The new Women's 2FO Flat 1.0 from Specialized

We know how hard it can be to find a good pair of cycling shoes. Whether it’s road or MTB, they cost a small fortune and with so many features promised to enhance our riding, it’s hard to know what’s actually good and what’s marketing waffle.

Now, we’ve ridden in just about everything from SPDs, flats and even our Vans (for when we forgot our shoes) so we know a thing or two about what to expect from a quality mountain bike shoe.

How to find the right MTB shoes for you

One of the latest pairs of women’s trail footwear to hit the stores are the Specialized Women’s 2FO Flat 1.0 MTB shoes, and we’ve been lapping the trails in them.

Specialized Women’s 2FO Flat 1.0: Tech

Designed to be the ideal all-day trail shoe, the new 2FO Flat 1.o shoes from Specialized have been carefully created with your needs in mind.

The low-profile shape and minimalist design make them ideal for not only riding in but for the post-ride chill as they’re comfortable to walk in and look discrete enough to pass off as a casual trainer. The 2FO Flat 1.0’s are lightweight, weighing approximately 540g a pair and the slim fitting shape keeps them looking slick.

Starting with the Body Geometry sole, arguably the most important part of a flat pedal shoe, Specialized has incorporated SlipNot 2.0 rubber. Boasting extreme grip, the lug pattern of the rubber sole is designed in such a way that improves contact with your pedal’s pins.

The outer shoe has some interesting features. For one, captured foam has been used around the toe, heel and instep to provide additional protection caused by impact. A smooth thermobonded upper provides snag-free durability and the mesh tongue not only provides protection but also wicks away moisture as well.

Inside is a sown in internal bootie which adds a collar around the ankle. It’s soft and comfortable as Specialized believes it improves control also. Loops on the heel make putting on your shoes a whole lot easier, and the elasticated loop on the laces keep your bows in place in any riding conditions.

Specialized Women’s 2FO Flat 1.0: Verdict

Come rain or shine, these shoes have been through it in just about every weather and trail condition.

Starting off with the shape and style, I really like what Specialized has done to keep the profile low and the weight light without having to compromise on comfort.

I quite like the neoprene inner bootie as well, it gently hugs your ankle reducing the chance of small stones, grit and trail working its way into your shoe.

No, they aren’t waterproof so they’re best in fairer weather conditions, however, if you find yourself caught out in a shower, the lightweight design means they dry pretty quickly.

Now, despite the Specialized Women’s 2FO Flat 1.0 shoes having foam protection, they are still a slim low-profile shoe so they are somewhat flexible making them ideal for all-mountain and trail riding, and less so for gnarlier downhill or for those who love to throw themselves around a little.

The Specialized Women’s 2FO Flat 1.0 MTB shoes are available in one colourway and cater for sizes EU 36 to EU 42. More information on them can be found here.