The revamped 2020 Specialized Recon shoe line features heavily lugged SlipNot soles and come in three models. Each looks promising for trail riding, bikepacking, gravel, or whatever you call your brand of off-road cycling….

The 2020 Specialized Recon shoe line was just released and features three tiers segmented by performance and price (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0). Each model has a slightly different design, but all share a similar MTB trail shoe demeanor, two-bolt SPD platforms, and what appear to be hike-a-bike friendly, heavily lugged “SlipNot” rubber soles. All three models come in several different colorways and are available in EU sizes 36-49 (plus half sizes) at dealers now. Here are details and specs on each, starting with the Recon 2.0 which strikes a balance of features and aesthetics.

2020 Specialized Recon 2.0

The main feature that sets the 2020 Specialized Recon 2.0 apart from the others is that it gets a single BOA dial with a forefoot Velcro strap. As you’ll see below, the other two models differ in that regard. It also has a welded upper for comfort and durability. The 2020 Specialized Recon 2.0 is available in Dusty Turquoise, Black, and Rocket Red for $160. Find the specs below.

2020 Specialized Recon 2.0 shoes, gravel and mtb
  • Body Geometry sole and footbed are built with purpose and backed by science to boost power, increase efficiency, and reduce the chance of injury by optimizing hip, knee, and foot alignment.
  • Injection STRIDE toe-flex technology allows for natural toe movement off-bike but remains stiff for pedaling: Stiffness index 6.0
  • Welded upper reduces seams for superior step-in comfort.
  • BOA® L6-Snap dials for on-the-fly micro-adjustment.
  • SlipNot™ rubber tread for confident traction on all terrain.
  • Two-bolt cleat pattern fits all major MTB pedals.
  • Approximate weight: 357g (1/2 pair, Size 42)
  • Price: $160
  • Details here
  • 2020 Specialized Recon 2.0 shoes, gravel and mtb
  • 2020 Specialized Recon 2.0 shoes, gravel and mtb
  • 2020 Specialized Recon 2.0 shoes, gravel and mtb
  • 2020 Specialized Recon 2.0 shoes, gravel and mtb
  • 2020 Specialized Recon 2.0 shoes, gravel and mtb

2020 Specialized Recon 1.0

The entry level Specialized Recon 1 loses the Boa closure and gets three Velcro straps instead. Otherwise, it has the same sole, toe flex, and build as the Recon 2.0 without the steam welded upper. The 2020 Specialized Recon 1.0 is available in Aqua, Black, and Rocket Red for $110. Find the specs below.

2020 Specialized Recon 1.0 shoes, gravel and mtb
  • Body Geometry sole and footbed are built with purpose and backed by science to boost power, increase efficiency, and reduce the chance of injury by optimizing hip, knee, and foot alignment.
  • Injection STRIDE toe-flex technology allows for natural toe movement off-bike but remains stiff for pedaling (stiffness index 6.0)
  • SlipNot™ rubber tread for confident traction on all terrain.
  • Two-bolt cleat pattern fits all major MTB pedals.
  • Approximate weight: 331g (1/2 pair, Size 42)
  • Price: $110
  • Details here
  • 2020 Specialized Recon 1.0 shoes, gravel and mtb
  • 2020 Specialized Recon 1.0 shoes, gravel and mtb

2020 Specialized Recon 3.0

The 2020 Specialized Recon 3.0 moves one step closer to Specialized’s super stiff S-Works race shoe. The Recon 3.0 features two BOA dials and a carbon sole which Specialized claims is stiff, but still has some flex. The Recon 3.0 comes in Hyper, Black, Rocket Red, and Aqua for $225.

2020 Specialized Recon 1.0 shoes, gravel and mtb
  • Body Geometry sole and footbed are built with purpose and backed by science to boost power, increase efficiency, and reduce the chance of injury by optimizing hip, knee, and foot alignment.
  • Carbon STRIDE toe-flex technology allows for natural toe movement off-bike but remains stiff for pedaling: Stiffness Index 10.0)
  • Fully-welded upper reduces seams for superior step-in comfort.
  • Independent BOA® L6-Snap dials for on-the-fly micro-adjustment.
  • SlipNot™ rubber tread for confident traction on all terrain with removable toe studs.
  • Two-bolt cleat pattern fits all major MTB pedals.
  • Approximate weight: 355g (1/2 pair, Size 42)
  • Price: $225
  • Details here
  • 2020 Specialized Recon 1.0 shoes, gravel and mtb
  • 2020 Specialized Recon 1.0 shoes, gravel and mtb
  • 2020 Specialized Recon 1.0 shoes, gravel and mtb

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