Review: Udog Distance Shoes | street.cc

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The new Udog Distance gravel shoes are very comfortable, supportive and stiff enough for everything but full-on racing – and there are other models in the lineup that cover that. The rubber toe cover also increases durability. If you’re interested in the Distances, check out our guide to the best cycling shoes, for on and off-road use.

Udog released their Cima and Tensione road shoes in 2021. I reviewed both pairs and was quite impressed.

> Buy Now: Udog Distance gravel shoes for £160 from Udog

The company has now expanded the range with this Distance gravel shoe, and once again it is very good indeed.

Uppers

First of all, the uppers are made with what Udog describes as a three-dimensional engineered mesh. The texture pattern changes in relation to where it is placed in the shoes: thicker for greater durability and support on the heel cup, for example, with a lighter mesh for the rest of the foot that offers flexibility for movement as you walk or pedal .

The mesh is also open in other areas to promote airflow and breathability.

The Distances use laces for closure, which I know from other reviews some of you like, some don’t.

I have no problems with the laces. Ok, you can’t change the fit on the fly, but for anything other than racing or really hard racing, there’s really no performance loss in my opinion compared to Velcro, buckles, or Boa-style systems.

Udog incorporates its (TWS) Tension Wrap System alongside the laces, a system of TPU laminated straps that wrap around the insole of the shoe from side to side. When the laces are tightened, the shoe feels like it’s really hugging your feet and thanks to the suppleness of the upper, it offers a snug fit with no pressure points anywhere.

I found this to be remarkably impressive when climbing or putting out lots of power as the shoe can’t drop onto the heel, being held in place by even tension the entire time.

Udog has also opted for a loose fit. The toe box has more room than a typically narrow road shoe, which gives you wiggle room on longer rides and allows for movement when walking for a bit of a bike ride.

The heel also has a textured material on the inside for extra grip while pedaling.

Sole

As for the sole, I also found the shape to be very comfortable. The arch has a smooth curve and I found it to be supportive without it being too tall which can cause hot spots.

On this model the sole construction is carbon reinforced nylon which is relatively stiff. When I really tried, I could detect a small amount of flex, but if you need more stiffness, then there’s also a carbon fiber sole option, aptly named the Distance Carbon.

The outsole accepts two-bolt cleat systems, and you get markings on the outsole for alignment.

In addition to the nylon sole, there is also a rubber outsole for grip and protection. It covers the heel, runs along the outside of the sole and covers the front of the toe. It then wraps over the toe section of the vamp.

It’s tough and held up to me excellently walking (and climbing) up steep gravel climbs, and provides a small amount of grip in soft mud if you find yourself making your way through a wet field.

There aren’t any places for the cleats to screw into the front like you’d find on many mountain bike shoes, but that’s not a big deal. Many gravel shoes omit those as well.

Size and fit

Udog offers 11 sizes, ranging from 38 to 48, though there’s no mention of half sizes or loose fit options. The form is also said to be gender-neutral.

I tested a 45 EUR size, which translates to a 10.5 UK on the Udog guide. I’m a size 10 in UK shoes and found the fit of the Distances to be great – good and tight with no heel slip and roomy at the front.

Udog has a full size guide on its site with corresponding foot lengths; all you will need is a tape measure to get the ideal size.

Value

This standard Distance model is priced quite well at £160 (the Distance Carbons are £220). Their quality is impressive throughout, which goes a long way towards justifying the price, and they’re much cheaper than the Rapha Explore Powerweave shoes I reviewed in 2021, which now cost £295.

They have some similarities in terms of their mesh upper, rubber outsole, and nylon outsole. The Raphas have a carbon fiber section under the cleat, but to be honest I wasn’t too impressed with the overall stiffness.

If you wanted a carbon sole, the Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon Shoes that Nick tested last year cost £299.99, which is £80 more than the Distance Carbons. The Fiziks feature Boa closure systems instead of laces.

Conclusion

If you put out a lot of power or like to ride really hard, you’ll probably want slightly stiffer soles than what these Distances offer, but other than that I really can’t fault them.

Quality is great throughout, and they’re incredibly comfortable for short or long rides, whether gravel or road. The rubber toe cover means your investment will be well protected too.

Verdict

Extraordinarily comfortable gravel shoes with plenty of space, finished with high quality

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Brand and model: Udog Distance Shoes

Tell us what the product is for

Udog says, “The DISTANZA gravel/off-road shoe incorporates an innovative crag-inspired outsole that wraps around the toe and around the heel for added durability, protection and distinctive design.

This outsole, built around a carbon composite core, features molded sticky rubber that wraps over the toe and around the heel to create a rugged look. The super stiff carbon outsole performs the best possible power transfer, while the innovative rubber molded construction is designed with large lugs that provide unmatched traction, protection and walking comfort.

Like the UDOG Tensione road model, the DISTANZA gravel shoe incorporates UDOG’s patented Tension Wrap System (TWS). The dynamic system consists of laminated TPU straps that wrap around the insole from one side of the shoe to the other. This unique system hugs the metatarsal area of ​​the foot from the instep to the bridge offering an optimal fit and unrivaled driving sensation throughout the entire pedal stroke. The hybrid lace closure construction provides 16 points of contact between the foot and the upper of the shoe, holding the foot in place for full support while riding, hiking and walking. Distance also features extra fabric eyelets for added comfort and closure.

Developed with comfort in mind, the DISTANZA is shaped to offer a generous toe box and deep heel cup. The shape of the shoe and the lightweight upper offer one-of-a-kind comfort whether you’re adventuring, long days in the saddle, bikepacking or travelling.

The hybrid lace closure system allows UDOG to use upper materials that are lighter and more comfortable than a standard cycling shoe, while minimizing seams. The upper is made of an innovative three-dimensional engineered mesh, which produces a material that is not only light and comfortable, but also resistant and breathable.

Can you tell us something more about the technical aspects of the product?

Outsole: Nylon carbon reinforced rubber outsole

Hybrid closure system with laces

Tension winding system – TWS

Generous toe and deep heel

Pull tab at the heel for easy on and off

11 sizes from 38 to 48 full gender neutral sizes

Rate the product for build quality:

9/10

Rate the product for performance:

8/10

Rate the product for durability:

9/10

Evaluate the product for the fit:

8/10

Evaluate the product for the size:

8/10

Evaluate the product by weight:

8/10

Rate the product for comfort:

9/10

Evaluate the product by value:

6/10

How easy is it to take care of the product? How did he react to washing?

The mesh got dirty on rainy day riding, but a wipe with a damp cloth made them look reasonably new.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its intended purpose

Very comfortable gravel shoes that have kept a good look thanks to the rubber sole.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Great fit throughout.

Tell us what you didn’t particularly like about the product

Not the stiffest soles out there, but a carbon fiber sole model is available if that’s a concern.

How does the price compare to similar products on the market, including those recently tested on road.cc?

They’re well priced compared to similarly featured mesh gravel shoes we reviewed.

Did you enjoy using the product? YES

Would you consider purchasing the product? YES

Would you recommend the product to a friend? YES

Use this box to explain your overall score

For maximum stiffness you may want the carbon fiber sole option but other than that I can’t fault these shoes when it comes to comfort, fit and performance. The quality is also very high and the price is competitive.

Age: 44 Height: 180cm Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month’s test bike My best bike is: B’Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components

I’ve been running for: Over 20 years I’m running: Every day I would classify myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trial, commuting, club racing, sport, fixed/singlespeed,

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