Specialized Motodiva Shoes: A Product Review

The what:
Women's hard sole mountain bike shoe.
The price: $150
What Specialized says:
The best MTB shoes deliver durability and comfort—with the Motodiva, you get that, plus great traction on the trail. As an all-around trail-riding shoe, it’ll take the all the bumps and grinds the trail dishes out while providing a comfortable and supportive fit, with the added security of grippy Slipnot™ traction on rocky hike-a-bike sections. Body Geometry sole construction combines with the women’s contoured fit to provide great power transfer, while the Boa® dials deliver true on-the-fly adjustability. If you’re looking for a great do-it-all shoe, the Motodiva is durable, comfortable, and ready to hit your favorite loop with you.
  • Body Geometry sole construction and footbed: ergonomically designed and scientifically tested to boost power, increase efficiency, and reduce chance of injury by optimizing hip, knee, and foot alignment.
  • Women's contoured Standard Fit last with low collar height for ankle comfort.
  • Injection-molded nylon composite sole with SlipNot™ rubber tread for moderate pedaling stiffness and phenomenal trail traction: Stiffness Index 6.0.
  • Single Boa® S2-SV dial for easy adjustment, backed by the Boa® Lifetime Guarantee.
  • Dial/lace assembly is 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.
  • Replaceable threaded toe studs.
  • Two-bolt cleat pattern fits all major pedals.
  • Approximate weight: 335g (1/2 pair, size 39)
 


What Josie says:
I have not been riding clipped in on the mountain bike trails very long, what I had been using were the Specialized Tahoe shoes. They are somewhat stiff, stiffer than a tennis shoe, but flexible for lots of off-the-bike exploration.


I've been using Shimano M530 pedals on my Cali- we felt that this would be a good way to go for my newness along with more of a platform for my foot if I couldn't clip in right away. Also to eliminate potential "hot spots" with a small portion of pedal my foot would be on regularly. I have what I would say are "sensitive" feet. I've worked many hours standing on my feet for multiple hours a day. I've also had issues with sensitivity near the balls of my feet. I will not say that with flexing or bending my foot that I haven't hit a spot here or there that would make me go "Oy!" I feel it's figuring out a bit on how tight to have the shoe and remembering it isn't flexible.

Once I'm on the bike, I don't have an issue because I'm not walking around or sitting idle.
The first day I took the shoes out I definitely felt like I had more control. I'm not sure how to describe it other than I felt more sure-footed. My pedal stroke felt more powerful because I wasn't flexing my foot.

One of the things I was unsure about at first was how easy would it be for me to walk around in the shoes. The bottom, outside edges of the shoe have a rubbery platform for you to walk on, which keeps the cleat more recessed, thus reducing that clipityclop feeling of walking on clipless shoes.

These shoes also have toe spikes, which I've never had before and was a bit skeptical that they would do much of anything due to their shape. I imagined more like a football cleat vs. what is on the shoe- but I will say, they do work. I walked up a steep little climb without any slipping, and the ground was a bit loose.

I was unsure that I would like the Boa® system. I'm simple in my needs and really hate the thought of having additional things to wear out, etc. I've not had a problem with laces or velcro, but I was open to experimenting. I'm glad I did!
It's very simple in it's usage, rotate one direction to loosen, rotate the other to tighten. I still get a little mixed up with my right foot vs. left, but overall it's easy. Plus it's secure. It's nice to not have to worry about laces and you can fine-tune the adjustment more so than with velcro.

Would I recommend these shoes if you're looking for riding clipless on mountain bike trails? Yes. I would also highly recommend these over more flexible shoes. The additional support I had for my foot on the pedal stroke was much appreciated. I felt (overall) it was more effective as well. They aren't that difficult to walk in (especially if shorter distances) and can I just say I love the color?!

Yes, these are on the more spendy side, I do feel that it is worth the investment on a good pair of durable and comfortable shoes. If you are in the Decorah area and want to see them in person, we have a pair on display at Decorah Bicycles and are happy to order your size in.

Comments

  1. i'm completely in love with these shoes, have been searching the internet for too long! do you know here i can by them online? in this color? ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can order thru Specialized.com or find a Specialized dealer in your area that can assist!

      https://www.specialized.com/us/en/women/womensmotodiva/105667

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