Review

First Look | Specialized’s new 2FO Cliplite and Flat Shoes

22.09.2015
by

No matter if you choose to ride on clips or flats, a decent pair of shoes will transform your riding experience. For those who choose to clip in, desirable features include a comfortable, supportive shoe that has a sole unit that balances enough stiffness for efficient pedalling while retaining enough flex for occasional hikes. Flat pedal lovers seek a shoe that is sensitive enough for an accurate feel on the pedal combined with a rubber compound that sticks to the pedal like glue. Specialized have been long known for their durable and high performance footwear, and their new 2FO range are bristling with neat features and innovative styling. The UK team have just recieved the new 2FO Cliplite and 2FO Flat shoes for testing and so before we get them filthy, it’s time to check them out.

2FO Cliplite Shoes | €219.00

The new 2FO Cliplite Shoe is Specialized’s top of the line enduro race or aggressive trail riding shoe and features a number of features that impressed us. The first thing you notice is the weight of only 473g (in a size 45), and the smooth thermobonded upper which looks as though it should shrug off trail damage well. To maintain an accurate fit the Cliplite 2FO features not one but two independent Boa S2 Snap dials for fine adjustment of the fit. We like that the Landing Strip cleat pocket has extended length cleats (4mm longer) so you can slam the cleats to the rear for aggressive riding, and the asymmetric toe box should add a layer of protection from rock strikes. At €219.00 the Cliplite 2FO’s are certainly not cheap so we are keen to see how durable they are under some rough testing.

The 2FO Clpilite is designed to push the limits of Enduro Racing or Trail Riding
The 2FO Clpilite is designed to push the limits of Enduro Racing or Trail Riding
The shoes feature two independent Boa S2 Snap dials for quick adjustment
The shoes feature two independent Boa S2 Snap dials for quick adjustment
The asymmetric toe box provides protection from rock strikes
The asymmetric toe box provides protection from rock strikes
The shoes feature a cushioned EVA midsole and moulded heel cup
The shoes feature a cushioned EVA midsole and moulded heel cup
The shoes feature a Stiff Liollipop nylon plate for high performance pedalling, perhaps the best name ever!
The shoes feature a Stiff Lollipop nylon plate for high performance pedalling, perhaps the best name ever!
The Landing Stip cleat pocket helps guide the shoe to the pedal
The Landing Stip cleat pocket helps guide the shoe to the pedal
The sole features the SlipNot rubber sole for confident traction
The sole features the SlipNot rubber sole for confident traction

2FO Flat Shoes | €139.00

What makes a good flat pedal shoe, it may sound obvious but there are many brands that get it wrong? To be a winner the shoe needs to be comfortable enough to wear all day, supportive enough to hike and pedal in, sensitive enough to feel every pin in the pedal and most importantly it needs to stick to the pedals like shit to a blanket. At €139.00 the 2FO Flat shoe looks great, the thermobonded upper is clean and stylish and the 436g weight (size 44) is certainly not portly. The injection moulded toe box and high side cuffs should help to deflect the most aggressive rock strikes and the fit is super comfortable. We look forward to putting the SlipNot rubber compound through its paces to see if it lives upto it’s name.

The shoes feature a Body Geometry sole and footbed
The shoes feature a Body Geometry sole and footbed
There is a neat elasticated toggle to keep your laces under control
There is a neat elasticated toggle to keep your laces under control
The shoes feature an injection moulded toe box, for protection from rock strikes
The shoes feature an injection moulded toe box, for protection from rock strikes
The 2F0 Flats feature a thermobonded upper and air mesh tongue
The 2F0 Flats feature a thermobonded upper and air mesh tongue
The 2FO Flats use the new SlipNot rubber tread, that claims to offer the ultimate platform pedal hook up.
The 2FO Flats use the new SlipNot rubber tread, that claims to offer the ultimate platform pedal hook up.
The sole has an excitingly named Shark-skin forefoot tread pattern, with an open hex rear for traction
The sole has an excitingly named Shark-skin forefoot tread pattern, with an open hex rear for traction

Our Impressions

The first thing our test team noted about the new 2FO shoes was their lightweight construction and comfort, but will they prove durable. The shoes have arrived at the perfect time for a tough end of season thrashing so we will report back on the 2FO’s to find out if they live upto their “Foot Out Flat Out” motto. So stay tuned as a full review is coming soon!

For more information check out the Specialized website

Words and photos: Trev Worsey

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