Specialized Introduces the 2FO Method and Roost Synthetic Flat Shoes

Slipnot. The name says it all. Slip...Not. SlipNot rubber compound delivers the best pedal traction through its sticky, grip-anything sole. Sounds easy enough in theory to design a rubber compound that is sticky, right? When it comes to making shoe soles out of that sticky stuff however, things get complicated. Getting the soles of a mountain bike shoe juuuust right is a complex alchemy.

Most importantly, you’ve gotta have stickiness. This is more than just grip. Stickiness is a characteristic of the compound that makes the shoes feel like they are glued to the pedals. Soles need to be soft enough to deform and tenaciously grip pedal pins, but they need to be tough enough to not get torn apart. And the springy rubber that you might find in running or tennis shoes? Forget about it. Too bouncy. The rubber soles of moun- tain bike shoes need to have less rebound so they can absorb trail chatter and keep your feet planted on the pedals when the going gets chunky.

Now let’s talk about grip. Not only does that rubber have to deform around pedal pins, but it also needs to find Velcro®-level traction, whether pedaling or clambering over rocks and roots. The compound should have enough natural adhesion that it can be trusted to provide surefooted grip everywhere, wet or dry. THEN you need an outsole tread pattern that enhances traction even further. Like, say, some clever hexagons molded into the sole that guide pedal pins into secure recesses and improve the overall functionality and durability of the shoe.

But hold on! You can’t just go and slap some kind of Silly Putty on the bottom of your shoes and call it good. The sole compound has to be able to not only deform around pins and absorb all that high-frequency jive, but it also must feel firm enough underfoot that you know just what is going on down there. It has to be soft enough to deform, sticky enough to grip, AND it needs to be solid enough to clearly transmit what is happening where foot meets pedal.

Formulating one rubber to do all that is no easy task. We’ve been brewing and tweaking the recipe of our SlipNotTM rubber for years now. It’s not some rubber we poached from a basketball shoe or a tire. The SlipNotTM compound found in our 2FO shoe family has been formulated from the dirt up to be the holy grail of mountain bike shoe soles: Sticky. Grippy. Planted. Tough.

So that’s our SlipNotTM sole. Now let’s meet the new additions to the 2FO family.

2FO Method - $100 USD

Ther 2FO Method moelds unmatched pedal grip of our SlipNot compound with the stealthy style of a canvas upper and low-profile cut. With the SlipNot sole that propels riders like Loïc Bruni and Finn Iles to World Cup DH podiums, this casually stylish shoe can pull full-spectrum rowdiness from trail sessions to pump track to jump line to hanging out off the bike.

• UNMATCHED GRIP: SlipNot rubber outsole offers unmatched traction, grip, and pedal feel.
• STYLE & FEEL: Canvas upper sits into a cup sole for a lower profile and better pedal feel.
• COMFORT: canvas upper offers ruggedness and breathability.
• PADDED PERFORMANCE: Foam core midsole for vibration damping and cushioning.
• STEALTHY SUPPORT: Internal heel counter adds support without bulk.
• BODY GEOMETRY: Sole construction and footbeds are ergonomically designed and scientifically tested to boost power, increase efficiency, and reduce the chance of injury by optimizing hip, knee, and foot alignment.
• Available Colorways: Black/Gum, Birch/White Mountains, Black
• Exclusive Colorways to Specialized.com & owned retail: White Sage/Forest Green, Birch/Taupe Spray
• Sizes: 36-49

2FO Roost Synthetic - $120 USD

To Slip or SlipNot; 2Fo Roost Flat delivers grip, durability, and lightweight unmatched by any trail shoe. The SlipNot sole sets the standard for stickiness, traction, durability, and pedal feel. Built with a fully synthetic upper and Airmesh padding—meaning the 2FO Roost is super lightweight, comfortable, and durable, and for those times when you go full-submarine, it dries really fast.

• UNMATCHED GRIP: SlipNot rubber outsole offers unmatched traction, grip, and pedal feel.
• DURABILITY: Every detail designed for durability on the dirt, from upper to outsole to toe-kick to heel-cup, and everything in between. Offering superior support, durability, and fast drying for year-round riding.
• PROTECTION: Forefoot TPU toecap offers protection from stones and roots on fast technical descents.
• SUPPORT: Internal heel counter adds support without bulk.
• PADDED PERFORMANCE: Foam core midsole for vibration damping and cushioning.
• LACED UP: Laces and eyelets offer easily adjustable comfort and a locked-in fit
• BODY GEOMETRY: Sole construction and footbeds are ergonomically designed and scientifically tested to boost power, increase efficiency, and reduce the chance of injury by optimizing hip, knee, and foot alignment.
• Available Colorways: Black, Dark Moss Green Sizes: 36-49

For more information, please visit specialized.com