Specialized today added an all-new variant to its top mountain bike shoe lineup for gravel, cyclocross, and cross country, integrating a lace-up version of the popular S-Works Recon.

Available in four colors, including Aloha, the new S-Works Recon shoes are targeted at gravel riders with a penchant for gram counters. [The new S-Works Recon shoes are designed for the gravel rider who is all about the glam counter, which means Dyneema-infused upper construction, body geometry technologies such as longitudinal arch support and a built-in 1.5mm varus wedge, and a carbon fiber sole. [The S-Works Recon, with the same carbon fiber sole, has a stiffness index of 13, on par with the S-Works Vent road shoe and just two behind the S-Works 7.

Ergonomics is a highly considered factor in Specialized shoes, and as part of that, these lace-up S-Works Recons have a +1.5mm balsus wedge in the forefoot to prevent pronation. This is supported by a "metatarsal button" that allows for a more natural toe spread, which Specialized claims aids comfort.

For getting off the bike and taking in the scenery or enjoying a little hike-a-bike on gravel roads, the S-Works Recon, a lace-up shoe, features "SlipNot" rubber in the heel and toe area. Drawing on the experience gained from mountain bike shoes, the Recon is designed to make gravel shoes safer to walk in.

Another influence on mountain biking is the S-Works Recon reinforced toe box, included to protect against inadvertent terrain impacts when navigating technical off-road terrain.

Specialized is selling the new S-Works Recon lace-ups in four colors, three of which (Oak Green, Black, and Aloha) are available immediately, with a white option becoming available at the end of September.

The S-Works Recon lace-up may use a traditional tightening mechanism, but there is nothing old-fashioned about its claimed weight of only 280g.