You have to take care of your feet. Clipless mountain biking shoes have to be one of the most important component purchases you make. Uncomfortable feet will ruin a ride and even worse…can ruin your feet. As you read this review, please keep in mind…you should try on several different brands/styles and pick out the best shoe that fits your feet on and off the bike.
A year ago, I decided to make the switch to a different shoe. My Sidi’s were on their way out, and I was in the mood to try something new. During a trip to Asheville, NC, I stopped by a local shop and tried on some Specialized BG Comp’s and they are what I have been running ever since.
What Is Body Geometry?
According to Specialized.com, this is how their Body Geometry technology affects their shoe line:
BG Shoes have a 1.5 mm varus wedge built into the outsole to keep the foot, knee and hip better aligned while pedaling. A raised longitudinal arch built into BG Shoe soles turns your flexible arch into a ridgid lever – so you can put the power where it belongs – on the pedal. There’s also a raised metatarsal button section in the forefoot of the shoe that spreads yours metatarsal bones to prevent nerves and blood vessels from being compressed reducing hot spots and discomfort.
So what does all of this mean? The Specialized Body Geometry shoes are supposed to be more comfortable while helping you transfer more of the power from your legs to the cranks.
Specialized BG Comp Shoe Specs
- New low profile and lighter weight M-lock SL buckle for secure closure
- Lightweight nylon sole with sturdy co-molded lugs for off-the-bike traction
- Hard molded toe kick protector
- Engineered Micromatrix upper is light, durable and supple fitting, with welded reinforcement in high wear panels
- Performance-enhancing BG contours in the outsole and footbed
- 2-bolt SPD-style cleat pattern, compatible with all major MTB pedals
- Approximate weight 810g pair (#42)
- Price $140.00
For 2009, the BG Comps are available in Black or Brown.
Fit And Feel – Specialized BC Comp MTB Shoes
The two velcro straps and upper buckle strap keep your foot secure in the shoe and allow for enough adjustment for most foot types. The buckle strap also has two mounting options for a tighter or looser fit. In my case, I have long, narrow feet, so I moved it down one spot to get the buckle position more towards the middle of the grooved strap. The two straps pull easily and stay securely in place.
The first thing I noticed when I tried these shoes on for the first time was how well they fit. Keep in mind, I was coming straight off Sidi Dominator 5’s, so I knew what a high quality MTB shoe was supposed to feel like. Right away, these felt better than my 225.00 USD shoes! A trip on the bike would have to be the test as well as long term durability.
Note: These are not the carbon soled version of the Specialized. For 175.00 or 225.00, you can upgrade to the carbon mid sole for extra stiffness throughout the shoe.
Also…you can purchase different body geometry insoles to fit your foot type. The stock versions were the best for my feet.
On The Bike – Specialized BG Comp MTB Shoes
Stiffness
The nylon mid sole of the BG Comp’s has adequate stiffness and foot bed support. I didn’t miss the Sidi’s at any point in the ride and I still don’t. For this reason, I am not feeling any need to upgrade to the carbon soled versions. The shoes flex just enough to be comfortable but not so much that you notice. That is the balance that I look for in a MTB shoe.
When Wet
Like it or not…we are going to run into situations while we ride when our feet are wet. With the Specialized, they dried very quickly. What I found even more important is that they did not stretch when wet. My biggest complaint with the leather on the Sidi’s was their tendency to stretch when wet causing you to have to re-strap the shoes. This was not the case with the Specialized.
Durability
Mountain biking shoes take a serious beating. Specialized uses a hard molded tow to protect your feet against hard hits. This molding also makes the shoe a lot more durable for trail use.
In over a year, I have only had one issue with my shoes. The buckle broke leaving my foot stuck in the shoe. The Specialized buckle…like most MTB shoe buckles…is make out of lightweight, thin plastic in an attempt to keep the shoe light and the buckle low profile. Unfortunately, this also means it is not going to be extremely durable. One call to Specialized and a buckle taken off another shoe was on the way.
The soles and leather of the shoes are scratched up but functioning perfectly as you can see by the pictures.
Off The Bike
These are the first pair of MTB shoes (with plastic tread not FR/DH clipless shoes) that don’t feel completely clumsy off the bike and on the trail. Most of the mountain biking shoes on the market today feel like road shoes with tread. That is not the case with the Specialized. You can take those hike-a-bike sections with a little bit more confidence than the ice skates you were wearing before. Keep in mind…they are still clipless specific shoes, so they are not completely stable off the bike…but they are better than the other clipless specific shoes on the market.
They do come with two spikes for the toe’s, but I have never used them…or felt the need.
Overall Riding Comfort
I have zero problems with hot spots or numbness with these shoes. With other shoes I have tried in the past, I had a real problem with the outside ball of my foot getting hot and eventually going to a numb pain. With the switch, that problem has disappeared.
Do I feel extra power to the cranks? No…not any that I can measure, but the shoes are comfortable on the bike and that is what matters the most. I will let correct form during pedal strokes and leg power do the transfer to the rear wheel. There are no shoes that are going to provide a magical formula for that.
When I was strapped into the BG Comps, I also had no issue with heal slip.
Conclusion
These are the best overall performing shoes I have ever owned, and my next set will be Comps as well. One thing to keep in mind…picking up a set of these may prove to be a little bit difficult depending on your location. Specialized gear can only be bought through an authorized dealer or their website. What this equals to you, the consumer, is a fixed price and limited avenues for purchase. Price is not really a player because even at 140.00 (up 20.00 from last year), these shoes area deal. Availability of test fits can be a large issue.
Good News for the BG Comps
- Extremely comfortable on and off the bike
- Not just another road shoe with tread
- Do not stretch when wet
- Hard toe protection keeps the toes from getting smashed
- Velcro straps that stay put
- Price – 140.00 is an affordable pair of MTB shoes at this performance
- Great customer service
Bad News for the BG Comps
- Lightweight buckle is prone to breaking
- Availability
- Hyped up marketing
What Is Different Between The ’08 and ’09?
Not much…basically 20.00 USD, new colors and a revised clamp. If you are looking for a great all around shoe for your mountain biking needs, the Specialized BG Comp will be hard to beat.
Check out this page on Specialized.com for their full line of mountain biking shoes.