Welcome to TriRig.com

Specialized S-Works Trivent Review
images by Nick Salazar
Jun 27, 2012  hits 34,937

Specialized's shoes fit so well in part due to their extensive research on bio-mechanics. They call their system 'Body Geometry' and part of it involves carefully-shaped foot beds, which can be ordered in several different sizes. Red is the standard (minimal) version, with Blue and Green versions each adding more arch support.
Specialized's shoes fit so well in part due to their extensive research on bio-mechanics. They call their system 'Body Geometry' and part of it involves carefully-shaped foot beds, which can be ordered in several different sizes. Red is the standard (minimal) version, with Blue and Green versions each adding more arch support.
Previous Photo
Next Photo
Back to article: Specialized S-Works Trivent Review


Tags » shoes,  specialized
  • It's been over three years in the making, but the Specialized S-Works Trivent was worth the wait. This is going to change how tri shoes are made.
  • Specialized reserves the S-Works name for its top-of-the-line products, and the new Trivent is certainly deserving of the moniker.
  • Not only is the S-Works Trivent the fastest shoe you can use for a flying transition, but it's also perhaps the most comfortable shoe out there due to the advanced BOA closure system.
  • Lots of open space in the upper keeps the shoe very breathable and cool.
  • The sole has little hash marks to help you keep track of your cleats, and make sure one side matches the other.
  • The Trivent sole is solid carbon fiber, drilled for three-hole cleats. No Speedplay-specific option, you have to use the adapter. And of course, Spez put on the obligatory drainage hole on the front of the shoe to keep your water-soaked feet from bogging the shoe down.
  • The very large heel loop is very easy to grab during a flying mount.
  • A small magnet on the heel loop keeps the 'Whale Tail' fixed in place when the shoe is wide open. There is an ENORMOUS amount of room to slip your foot in the shoe. For those who like flying mounts, this is a dream come true. Personally, I've never been able to get my feet in right off the bat - it was always stomp down on the shoe, the once up to speed try to deal with the shoe. Not any more - the S-Works Trivent changes everything.
  • With the integrated band loop, and the huge foot entryway, the S-Works Trivent is without a doubt the easiest tri shoe to use for a flying mount.
  • With so much room, you just point your does in the direction of the shoe, and they find their way inside. The heel loop helps you pull them all the way on, and then you dial in the tension. It is the easiest shoe I've ever used, and really is like putting on a slipper.
  • Just a couple quick turns of the BOA dial, and you're locked and loaded for the race. Specialized has a great video of Simon Whitfield doing a flying mount. I'm not nearly as good as him, but even without the ability to jump on the bike from a running start, the Trivent will improve transition times for just about anyone.
  • The heel closure opens the shoe so wide that you can't miss. I keep saying it, but it's true: it comes on like a slipper. It's by far the easiest shoe to don in transition that I've ever used, and is one of the major draws of the shoe.
  • This shot gives you an idea of just how much room you get with the 'Whale Tail' wide open. Yes, it really is like putting on a slipper.
  • Although it cinches around your Achilles tendon, the Trivent's BOA closure isn't irritating or bothersome. And because you can very precisely set your tension, even on the fly, it's easy to re-adjust in case you go a little too tight at first.
  • A top view of the shoe - can you see why I like calling it a 'Whale Tail'?
  • Specialized's shoes fit so well in part due to their extensive research on bio-mechanics. They call their system 'Body Geometry' and part of it involves carefully-shaped foot beds, which can be ordered in several different sizes. Red is the standard (minimal) version, with Blue and Green versions each adding more arch support.
  • The brand new Specialized S-Works Trivent shoe.
  • The Trivent is Specialized's first triathlon shoe to use the popular BOA closure system, offering a precision fit on the fly.
  • Specialized took great care to mind the details on this shoe as well: an integrated rubber band loops lets the flying transition folk mount their shoes in place for a quick T1, and a tall heel grip makes it easy to walk in for people who prefer to put their shoes on first and then hop aboard.
  • Fear not, if you wear down that heel tread, it can be swapped out for a new one. It's one of many features that make this a long-lasting, future-proof shoe.
  • I love the sparse look of the shoes, and they're so comfortable that I never wear socks with them, even on training rides.
  • Out with the old, in with the new. The original Trivent, left, has been with me for about five years, but still looks great overall. I expect to use the new model at least that long. It's simply brilliant.
  • The new Trivent, left, feels slightly more narrow up front, but even with my wide feet, it's comfortable.
  • Open and shut.

Related Articles
Our favorite zero-drop footwear now comes in a tri-specific package that's light, comfy, and packed with features. And you know we love that orange color.
This Shiv is my personal ride, dressed to the nines and built with the finest gear in the sport. Enjoy the detailed writeup and supersized gallery.
The man, the myth, the legend: Jesse Thomas gave us a quick look at his newly-spiffed-up Shiv just ahead of Oceanside 70.3
Specialized has a brand new saddle with split-nose DNA and a smart bottle accessory. We take you through the snazzy new seat.
For 2013 I'm building up a brand new Shiv Pro from the bare frameset. This is a bike with tons to offer.