Gear Review: 2014 Specialized Motodiva Mountain Bike Shoes

• Contoured women’s fit
• Body Geometry outsole and Footbed optimize alignment, improving rider comfort and performance
• Injection-molded nylon composite outsole with rubber tread for moderate pedaling stiffness and phenomenal trail traction: 6.0 Stiffness Index
• Single Boa® S2-Snap dial micro adjusts on-the-fly
• Dial/lace assembly is fully replaceable in seconds with Snap cartridge system
• Hard molded toe kick for protection and durability
• Stitched synthetic and mesh upper with asymmetric strap closure for comfortable fit
• 2-bolt SPD-style cleat pattern, compatible with all major MTB pedals
• Approximate weight: 335g (1/2 pair #39)

Retail Price: $160

My Thoughts:

• Tread Durability: I got my 2014 version in April, and by the end of May it was apparent that the tread lugs and soles were wearing away too fast, especially for shoes that aren’t really walked on like normal shoes are.  The tread by the toes were almost worn flat, leaving little to grip on steep or slippery inclines.  A rep from Specialized even photographed my shoes at a demo day when I brought it up.  I still carried on with them, but while racing in Iowa in July where there were several very muddy and slippery hills I had to run up it became very apparent that I couldn’t make due with these shoes come ‘cross season.  Very very very disappointing as my 2013 versions still show little wear aside from a broken ratchet and have way more miles and use on them.
• Ease of Use: Well, you’re not going to slip into these shoes quickly… the tongue is sewn in, which usually leaves me doing a two handed dance to yank them on my feet.  Definitely no slip on and go… this is barely redeemed by the ease of using BOA dials.
• BOA Dials: I LOVE BOA dials on my road shoes.  I won’t own road shoes without BOA dials.  But my excitement faded when it came to mountain biking.  I realized that with mountain biking and cyclocross I don’t want my foot tightly held down in my shoe, as it feels uncomfortable when walking, running, and also just during general movements on the bike that you don’t necessarily do when road biking.  So if you need some wiggle room in my mountain biking shoes, BOA’s aren’t exactly a selling point because ratchet strap systems accomplish the same thing.  I think if the shoe had BOA lacing for everything it would be better instead of just concentrated across the top.  However, I will never complain about BOA technology trickling down to the more affordable options!
• Fit:  I ordered them in a 41, which is what my old Motodivas were, and the fit was still true.  Even with Specialized BG green +++ high arch foot beds I felt like the fit was comfortable and I really didn’t have to break in the shoes.
• Construction:  These are some sturdy shoes, which is awesome for me because I’m always pedal striking on stuff.  They are a built bulkier, and therefore heavier, than their earlier counterparts.  They’re not touted as lightweight XC race shoes, though, so I wouldn’t expect anything different.  I like the protection they can provide my feet.  They also wash up nicely when sprayed off with a hose 🙂
• Toe Spikes: Earlier Motodivas have screw covers over the holes where toe spikes (most commonly for cyclocross) can be installed.  You do not find this on the new models, so I *think* you can cut out circle and the threads will still be there.  *think*