We’re big fans of Specialized’s 2FO range here at Wideopenmag so we were keen to get our hands on a set of the new 2FO Roost Canvas numbers.
We know what you’re thinking, canvas MTB shoes…? In the winter? We had the same thought. Specialized’s 2FOs are firm favourites here and with some water repellent tech and Body Geometry features, the 2FO Roost Canvas might be just the ticket.
Key features:
- XPel lining
- EVA foam midsole
- Varus wedge
- Metatarsal button
- Longitudinal arch support
- New SlipNot SuperTacky outsole rubber compound
- Sizes 36-49
- £110.00 RRP
- Specialized.com
Canvas shoes certainly won’t be the first pick when you think of riding shoes for the UK, but the XPel upper means that they’ll do a good job of keeping the crap away, and they’ll dry too thanks to the canvas and suede, combined with the EVA foam midsole.
The new SlipNot SuperTacky rubber aims to grip the pedals better by being harder and slower rebound, claims that the rubber is almost inert. That combined with the dot sole mean they’re designed to grip a flat pedal and grip it well.
At £110.00 they’re in the realms of the sensible when it comes to flat pedal shoes, but the proof will be in pudding as they’ll be battling the Scottish winter soon enough. Hopefully they’ll stay together and prove good value.
The 2FO Canvas offerings fit my feet well, and I do have a skinny foot and the Euro 41 size seems to be about bang on length-wise too. The Body Geometry additions are subtle enough to not make the shoes feel weird when you put them on either.
I’ll be the first to admit that it’s been a while since I rode flat pedals. So this is a new venture for my feet and riding experience. I guess if I gel well with the 2FOs then that’s surely a good thing. They’re paired with a set of Pinnd CS2 pedals.
So far, so good. The 2FOs have been comfy, gripped well and kept the late autumn cack at bay. I haven’t ventured to anything too wild as the return to flats has me slightly concerned for my safety but I am confident they’ll keep me right. They’re stiffer in the mid-sole than most flat shoes I have experienced in the past, so hike a bikes might be interesting, but they do seem to put the power down well.
I am looking forward to reacquainting myself properly with the art of flat pedal riding. For now the 2FO Roost Canvas are my route to doing so. Watch this space.
