These silver and pink shoes from Specialized not only look fantastic but offer a perfect balance of comfort and stiffness for both training and racing on the track and road.

Like the Motodiva MTB shoe we tested last year, the whole of the Torch shoe is designed around a women’s foot, taking into account for narrower heels and lower volume forefoot. The heelcup is deeper too for a real snug and comfortable fit; smaller feet will love the anatomic fit.

The internal support is right where you need it, reducing foot fatigue and cramp too, it’s only when you find a proper fitting shoe that you realise what a difference this can make to performance. Insteps and arches are fully supported thanks to the snug footbed.

The soles are injection-molded, glass-reinforced, they are efficient without sacrificing comfort or having the price tag or a carbon soled shoe.
For the light weight of the shoes and svelte look, they are stiff enough to support the foot and add confidence when putting power through the pedals.

The shoes are made from a MicroMatrix synthetic leather outer which we found was supple yet incredibly durable and after a few crashes on the track they’ve barely scuffed. The outer is also water resistant – handy when you’re stuck out in an inevitable British rain shower and means that the shoes are ideal for all year round riding.

Combining Body Geometry ergonomics and form-fitting ratchet closure with Velcro straps these shoes do provide a spot on women’s specific fit.

• The Torch design is compatible with Shimano SPD, SPD-R, SPD-SL, Look, Time and Speedplay pedals.
• Approximate Weight: 587gm/pr. (Size 39)
• Price: £79
• Sizes: 36-42
• Performance: 9
• Value: 9
• Great fit and race worthy performance
• Contact: Specialized UK 020 8391 3502 www.specialized.com

Second opinion

The fit on these shoes is highly supportive with a closer fit around the midfoot and arch and a smaller heel cup. The Body Geometry design of the insole supports the foot around the arch more than other shoes we’ve tested and there’s a raised section just behind the toes which allows the toes to spread comfortably and reduces cramping on long rides. After many months of riding I still struggle sometimes with the clasp that releases the top retention strap though, it could be smoother?Bex Hopkins