With the Torch 1.0, Specialized dispels a widely held assumption that reasonably priced automatic road shoes should be basic, black and bulky. Here we have a $120 road shoe with the clean lines of a premium model, available in six eye-catching colors.
- $120 | 590g (pair, size 42)
- 6 colors | Sizes 36 to 49 (no half sizes)
- Nylon sole with 3-bolt cleat
- Boa L6 dial and Velcro strap
The closure of this shoe is a combination of a micro-adjustable Boa dial and a single Velcro strap at the front. The nylon composite sole has a vent/drainage hole in the toe box and a rubberized gripper on the heel, and accepts three-bolt road cleats. Although Specialized offers the Torch 1.0 in an impressive range of sizes – 36 to 49 – it does not include half sizes. I’ve had my Torch 1.0 shoes for over a year. During that time, I’ve used them for everything from long hikes over mountain passes near my home in Colorado to Zwift Sufferfests in the depths of winter. The Torch 1.0 has continually impressed me with its comfort, support and good sole stiffness.
Testers agreed that the Torch 1.0 is a sleek and attractive shoe out of the box. Some even complimented the look, and many were surprised by how light the shoes were. There were, however, differing opinions on the fit of the torch. Like many cycling brands, Specialized is moving away from sizing products by gender. With limited sizes and widths available, I wasn’t surprised testers had conflicting ideas about fit. Some said the shoe was too narrow, while others said it was too wide. However, most of our testers gave the shoes high marks for fit and comfort, indicating that Specialized hit the middle ground. Testers also noted that the Velcro strip at the base of the tongue (intended to fine-tune forefoot fit) was little more than decorative and had a minimal effect on fit – an opinion with which I totally agree.
Most surprising was the positive feedback from testers who used high-end shoes before riding the Torch 1.0. These testers came away totally impressed with these shoes. That alone says a lot about the value you get for $120.
Quick advice: To avoid staining light-colored shoes, never pair them with dark-colored winter or rain booties.
AGE: 36 – LA CROSSE, WI
Chris S
‣ Height: 6′
‣ Shoe size: 45
‣ Color: White
‣ Avg. Weekly mileage: 100
‣ How I tested: I’m a bit of a shoe snob and consistently use four to five pairs between on-road and off-road riding. When Matt said we were going to buy Specialized shoes, my brain jumped to S-Works. So when the Torch 1.0 name was launched… I didn’t exactly think that would be my cup of tea. I was wrong. From the moment I tried them on I found the style, fit and finish to be excellent. You get intimate with a shoe by putting cleats on it, and these felt like an expensive shoe.
The arch and ankle support was perfect for my average sized feet. The Boa dialed well and detached easily for quick removal – honestly, faster than some shoes that cost three to four times as much. There was no noticeable flex while riding, even when sprinting. I’m not a big numbers guy, so getting to 800 watts was a big deal.
AGE: 44 – LONG BEACH, CA
Jose A.
‣ Height: 5’8″
‣ Shoe size: 47
‣ Color: Bordeaux
‣ Avg. Weekly mileage: 90
‣ How I tested: The matte brown I received is amazing. This specific color is a very attractive feature. I was surprised at how plush they felt and appreciated the ample yet comfortable arch support. It might be too stiff for some people, but I’m a heavy rider and it’s nice to have that stiff reaction from the sole when you punish the pedals. After a month of riding a few hundred miles I would say they have loosened up a bit, which is a good thing.
These shoes are very breathable. I discovered this on a cold morning (about 50°F), but as soon as I put on some toe covers I was ready. Due to their breathability, these shoes are ideal for Zwift. I had some great indoor walks with them and my feet stayed cool throughout the 1-2 hour workouts. I can’t wait to ride my Torch 1.0 shoes in the summer, no doubt.
AGE: 47 – DENTON, TX
Nicole S.
‣ Height: 5’3″
‣ Shoe size: 38
‣ Color: Oasis
‣ Avg. Weekly mileage: 150
‣ How I tested: On my first ride in these shoes, all I could think of was “Oh, the toebox!” These have so much room for my toes! I wore toe covers on the second ride, and the dye from the Pearl Izumi toe covers bled onto the seafoam green exterior of the shoe, so there appears to be a watermark on both shoes.
After 15 hours of riding, I felt pain in my feet, so I chose to put an insert in the shoes. The shoe was more snug and my heel was up a bit without slipping. I also went to see a bike fitter to help me position the chocks. It turned out to be a good idea! I learned that Specialized shoes have a varus wedge in the front part, and my feet are on the flatter side and would benefit from this wedge. The fitter moved the cleats and raised my saddle. Both the bike and the shoes felt good afterwards.
AGE: 64 – TUCSON, AZ
Harvey F
‣ Height: 5’5″
‣ Shoe size: 39
‣ Color: tropical teal
‣ Avg. Weekly mileage: 60
‣ How I tested: Right out of the box, these shoes surprised me with how light they were. The shoe seems very high end, although I think it is an “entry level” shoe. I didn’t like the teal color they sent me, but it gradually grew on me.
I have small feet and thin heels. For this reason I only bought Italian cycling shoes, but these fit perfectly. The Boa works intuitively, and it hugs the foot well without any hot spots, which I struggle with because of my bony feet. As I put more miles into them, they stretched out a bit, and I had to shrink the Boa a little more with each successive ride. Nevertheless, the fit remained excellent.
For more information on field testing and details on how to get involved in the program, visit bicycling.com/field-test.
