Bike Perfect Verdict
Superb balance of trail control and downcountry power delivery in a super comfortable, durable shoe that’s worth the high cost
Pros
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Stiff power kick
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Clear trail feedback
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Ultra solid foot security
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Improved wet/cold protection
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Good unclipped grip
Cons
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Expensive
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Hotter than before
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Conventional cleat slot
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Specialized’s previous 2FO Cliplite has been my benchmark aggro trail, clipless shoe for several years so I was excited but also nervous when the brand announced a new version. I still know people who hunt round shops for the Mk5 S-Works road shoes and I didn’t want to become one of those types if the Cliplites been tweaked the wrong way.
In order to find out whether the revamp was successful or not, I’ve been giving the new version of the 2FO Cliplite shoes a run for their money, to see if they still hold up as well as they did against the best mountain bike shoes. What I can say is that it's a very useful evolution rather than revolution, and that’s great as far as I’m concerned. Read on for the details.
Design and aesthetics
Looking at the upper of the 2FO shoes it’s easy to notice some differences. They lose the lower wrapover strap that didn’t really do anything, in favor of a reinforcing rib from mid-foot over the forefoot and back. That means tensioning is done entirely via the two Boa dials, but they’re now the dual-directional, micro-adjust Li2 version.
The tough, reinforced and roomy toe-box also loses its mesh section for much better splash-proofing, although that does make the shoes hotter on summer days. You’ve still got perforated sides backed with extra-breathable mesh on the inside where the shoe is sheltered from weather. You get the same open mesh behind the center of the tough, stiff tongue, but then really generous padding around the top of the tongue and the whole heel.
The outer heel cup is asymmetric too, with a diagonal seam, inside and outside reinforcing panels and a flex rib just below the cuff to stop your Achilles from getting chewed up when walking. Between the upper and sole you get Specialized’s orthotically lumpy Body Geometry to spread the bones in your feet and support your arches for a more comfortable, less knee-stressful and power efficient foot plant.
There’s a ‘Lollipop’ nylon shank in the EVA padded midsole, while the ‘Landing Strip’ cleat pocket has been reshaped for easier entry. The polygonal tread pattern is slightly deeper and more aggressive too, and you get the latest ‘SlipNot’ soft compound gum-coloured rubber.
Performance
Despite losing the forefoot strap, the ClipLite character is still one of immediate and firmly supported security from cleat to heel. The new two-way dial adjustment makes them a lot more tuneable as feet heat and swell on big days out, or you need to click some extra kick into the next attack.
They’re noticeably stiffer than most shoes when you put the power through the pedals too, so they’re a great choice if hammering climbs, or hustling trails hard is on the agenda. They’re not so stiff you’re going to get rattled around or numbed on rocky descents, or relentlessly technical trails like an XC shoe though, and the new SlipNot rubber gives you decent grip on a broader format pedal if you decide to unclip. The reshaped ‘Landing Strip’ is faster and cleaner to get into even in filthy conditions, too.
The cleat slots are relatively short and conventionally positioned though, so the ClipLites aren’t for you if you like a really midfoot pedal position. The sole still drags on some more aggressive, pinned platform style pedals too. There are now two other, longer slotted, slightly softer-soled and flat pedal-friendly 2FO Roost and DH options if you want max grip and foot feel.
While off-bike grip is better than before on rocks and roots, thanks to the new rubber and tread, there’s still not much bite from the flat sole on slop, mud and grass, so if you’re regularly hike-a-biking in those sorts of conditions, have a look at Specialized's S-Works Recon shoes.
Despite the overall power play feel and locked down center and heel of the ClipLites, there's still plenty of toe wiggle room and the new toe box makes them a lot more comfortable than before in cold and wet weather. That makes them awesome for me in the UK, but I can see they might be steamier in Arizona or Singapore as a result. The XPEL lining is hydrophobic to stop the shoe holding onto excess moisture though, so they dry fast whether it’s been a wet or sweaty ride.
While Specialized has actually removed a couple of the bulkier bumpers from the old shoe, there’s still enough outsole projection and heel padding to fend off sniper rock attacks when you’re threading the needle on rock gardens and overgrown singletrack. So far they’re holding up as well as the seemingly indestructible previous versions did too, which helps offset the high price.
Verdict
Specialized has improved its already excellent hard kicking trail shoe with better off-bike and unclipped grip, and an even more secure, finely adjusted foot grasp for putting the power down. The more sealed forefoot adds comfort in wetter and colder climates too, though that will make them hotter in the tropics. They’re still bomber tough too, which makes the high price easier to stomach in investment terms.
Tech Specs: Specialized 2FO Cliplite MTB shoes
- Price: $200 / £175
- Weight: 942g (size 44 with SPD cleats)
- Sizes: 36 - 49 (black) 39-49 (oak)
