One of the most important elements any cyclist will consider along their cycling journey is shoes. If you want to enjoy cycling it is essential that all contact points are well addressed. Uncomfortable feet are ride killers, sense of humour slayers and have the potential to end your cycling career in favour of something stupid. Like running. (I started running, we’re cool!)
So which should you buy? There’s a simple answer to that – the ones that are the most comfortable. However, there is incredible homogeneity in cycling shoes. Given the similarities of the many, many shoes on the market, it is often lesser known brands – those offering something a little contrary, that are the gems.
UDOG!
Founded in Venetto, Italy in 2021 by Alberto Fonte and Antonio Gerolimetto, UDOG was conceived to marry the impressive cycling culture and obsession with style typified by the region.
The project unites a network of experts from the industry with the goal to create a unique cycling shoe company.
But UDOG is far more than hyperbole and a strap line.
UDOG, like us, believe most cycling shoes on the market today are all very similar. UDOG go as far as to say they are “pretty uncomfortable, odd design and poor in aesthetic” and while we agree to a degree, UDOG is set on building shoes driven by innovative design, comfort and aesthetic with functional approaches that deliver unique selling points and that – critically – make cycling better.
To give you some context for their bold assertions around the state of the market, Alberto has 15 years industry experience in top management positions for Kask, Pinarello and Fizik. All brands we stock and therefore believe in, and all leaders in their respective fields, we think you’d agree. Antonio has 10 years under his belt for the likes of Crank Brothers and again, Fizik. They know a thing or two.
It takes a lot to persuade me to get behind a brand.
I hate being sold to and I’m all about the tech and the benefit.* If it has no advantage, USP or genuine value proposition – you sir, will struggle to keep my attention. Many ‘old school’ reps hate me I’m sure; the days of forcing products down a retailer’s throat are long gone. Competition is rife but innovation less so.
But, those touting products that tick the boxes, have built or will forge, strong and lasting relationships with 700. I insist!
As consumers, it is very often tricky to size up a product that suddenly appears in a shop and has a salesperson (be they uneducated proles just looking to fuel their weekend, or seasoned, avid digesters of their particular vice) point them at it.
Internet forums are, in this man’s view, echo-chambers and worth about as much as a dial-up connection to a city trader. The bulk of content to which people flock (print media, YouTube etc) is so polluted with nepotism or paid-for-reviews, that it is nigh-on impossible to get a balanced view.
It is why the independent LBS (or any local specialist retailer) is important. Passion and knowledge are priceless. There is a reason the range we offer is a concise one. Our products are curated. We don’t simply stock the best-known brands. That’s lazy retail and essentially an insult to the customer. “Here, you know this brand right? The till is over there….”
Nope. We spend time and plenty of consideration researching and digging into the products we stock. Those new brands that approach us often have an uphill battle when trying to get a buy-in on the books. (This is another conversation entirely, there are better ways for manufacturers and distributors to deal with retailers!)
But with this approach, the end result is always the same. Better products on the shelves.
We want you to be able to walk into our store or visit our website and be confident that the products you are buying are representative of innovation, performance (in whatever form that may come) and genuine value. Products that solve problems.
What we don’t want is a herd of sheeple, riding around on or in kit simply because it has the most (likely paid for) exposure. That’s a sure fire way to get injured, lose love for the sport, or simply miss out on something much better – and that might also costs less.
In this instance, I approached UDOG. I’d seen their product but wanted to hear the pitch. And then I hassled their man on the ground to try some shoes. They’re good. We stock them.
Here’s the why.
Last things first.
Take a look at any cycling shoe on the market (save for Bont – but we’ll get to that). Then look at your feet. In no way does the front of the bulk of cycling shoes resemble a human foot, save perhaps for those of a long-standing court jester who has been sewn into his jaunty boots for decades.
UDOG have paid a huge amount of attention to their LAST – the shape of the shoe essentially. The overriding issues in cycling shoes are hot-foot or numbness. While there are several causes (incorrect sizing and over-tightening being two) the shape of the forefoot is a huge contributor. Pushing a rhombic (forefoot) shape into a triangle (most cycling shoes) will result in compression. As your feet warm through exercise, they swell and creep, predominantly laterally. Unless of course, there’s nowhere for them to go; think most cycling shoes!
As mentioned before, BONT have done a good job of solving this problem. I have several pairs and I did used to like them. BUT, they are insanely stiff. For the fervent racer and competitive beast that wants to feel everything, great. For longer forays and for the rest of us, not ideal. In fact, in many new shoe offerings, the relative stiffness is being dialled back. Q36.5’s Unique shoes are a great example of ‘balanced stiffness’.
Ticking boxes
The UDOG last provides a generous toe box that allows ample space for your forefoot and toes to spread, and to remain uncompressed for optimal blood-flow. Not only that, the large volume of the toe-box also allows those with bunions, odd shaped feet, hammer-toe or high arches (for we are not all the same) the additional space to provide comfort, without the often seen compromise of buying the wrong size shoe to accommodate them.
Along with the toe-box, the UDOG shoes have a deep, narrow heel cup with a new construction that essentially removes stitches in this sensitive area. These two elements form the basis of UDOG’s comfortable hold and are augmented, in motion, by their TWS or Tension Wrap System (Tensione) and an integrated elastic system in the Cima .
The TWS system (and the elastic system to a lesser degree) addresses a largely ignored facet of cycling. The up-stroke. While it is possible to get great foot retention so that the upstroke does not cause foot lift, you will likely suffer from – guess what – hot foot or numbness as a result of winding, tying or strapping your shoes up incredibly tight.
Deep yet narrow heel cup for exceptional hold 
TWS : Tension Wrap System
UDOG’s patented TWS solution wraps the forefoot metatarsal area (think cleat position) for greater support. Two tensioners pass through the upper, underneath the insole and over the outsole to envelope the foot from the bottom to the top. Ultra-precise laser cuts on the bottom of the upper allow tensioners to link all these elements precisely.
Traditionally, as you pull-up on the pedals you rely on the upper to support your foot. With the TWS, you’re secured by the wrap hold to increase efficiency, enhance comfort and avoid foot-crushing over tightening.
Keep it simple
I’m a big believer in keeping things simple. Less is more. UDOG share this approach and this is highlighted in both their aesthetic – which is a functional result of their technical design and material application; and the concise range of (at the time of writing) just 2 models.
The range
Made up of 2 models the TENSIONE and CIMA, UDOG’s collection targets key price points of £150 and £250 respectively, and adds value through USPs in each.
Beyond the overarching design of the last, the TENSIONE and CIMA share common features in the heel cup, sole venting, PTS and the use of laces as the closure mechanism.
Laces have made a real comeback in recent years and with good reason. UDOG’s laces enable a completely optimal fit through 18 points of contact between the upper and the foot. More than that, UDOG employ proprietary flat and pressed laces with no stretch and no air inside. Traditional laces loosen during cycling, while UDOG’s more resistant laces guarantee improved hold from the most demanding crit races to the longest endurance rides. They are also 100% recycled polyester and PFC free.
The other shared feature is the PTS or Pocket Tongue System. This patented element is an extension of the tongue that provides an internal pocket for storing tied laces and an integrated aero cover for a clean and dynamic design. Similar to the DMT solution, the PTS improves on it, as it removes the bunching of the laces in a limited space and eliminates any potential for uncomfortable lumps!
Both shoes also employ TPU in their construction. This material is extremely strong and durable and sits within the Tech Mesh or Knitted upper of the shoes to provide structure without the weight or stitching.
The Tensione and the Cima diverge here as their target audience and remit change.
The TENSIONE is keenly priced at £150.
To my mind it is aimed at those looking for balance. The committed club rider, weekend mile muncher, the sportive hunter – but those who perhaps also commit-to-the-crit or have an evening-through-and-off, maybe a regular turbo session. Good stiffness, plenty of comfort and solid durability.
There are a lot of shoes at or around this price and this is quickly becoming the lower end of the (useful) cycling shoe market. With the TWS and unique Last alone, what the Tensione offers is simply not available from other brands at this price.
Then there’s the approach to the build. UDOG’s minimalistic design eliminates all metal and plastic hardware. It certainly makes the shoes sleek, but also more comfortable, more sustainable, more reliable and better able to deal with the weather – short and long term. The Upper of the Tensione is made of an innovative 3D technical mesh material that is light and breathable. Its construction removes the need for stitching and is super soft, the resultant upper remains comfortable on the pull-stroke and over longer rides. Zero distractions.
The Tensione delivers an upper-mid level of sole stiffness courtesy of a Carbon-Nylon Composite. It is ideal for most, delivering enough compliance to remain forgiving for epic one day events while retaining plenty of torsional rigidity to keep you competitive in the club run lamp-post sprint or weekend crit.
Then there’s the CIMA…
CIMA:
The Cima is a flagship shoe. At £250, it too is well priced, with many top of the range shoes commanding price points 30%+ more expensive again.
Since comfort is the foundation of fast, the Cima is designed to deliver the perfect balance of comfort and high performance, stiffness and softness.
The fundamental design principles of a broad toe-box, deep heel-cup and integrated elasticity, to support both comfort and power transfer, are once again represented. Even at this price they remain stand alone USPs versus the competition.
The CIMA differs from the TENSIONE in a few key ways. The upper construction is of UDOG’s knit technology and is seamless for maximum comfort. It creates a unique upper that is lightweight, supportive, breathable and waterproof. The super-soft sock-like material adapts to any foot shape and every fit, while different technical knit patterns are used within the single Knit upper for optimal performance and comfort. Combined with TPU elements the upper is super supple, yet highly supportive and elegant in its minimalism. The integrated elastic system provides additional arch support while riding, and furthers the minimal aesthetic of the closure.
The eyelet configuration in the Cima allows for 3 specific lacing patterns to help you dial in your fit and hold:
Side Lacing for higher Mid-foot individuals
Cross-Over for Dynamic Grip of the Mid-foot
Loop for the most tenacious hold!
At its heart a Climbing shoe, the CIMA will also find favour with those looking to minimise weight generally (UDOG claim that the Tensione and the Cima are both class leaders) or simply for those that prefer to have the finer things, appreciate the aesthetic or wish to take the maximal gains offered by a super stiff, yet highly rideable road shoe. Stiffness is delivered by a full carbon outsole, which like the Tensione, sports a large cleat mounting area for excellent power transfer and easy engagement.
Verdict:
It seems redundant to have a verdict since we at 700 are united in our appreciation of the UDOG shoes. This missive is after all, an announcement of their greatness!
That said, I enjoyed riding them. I have long struggled with my feet/shoes. I have countless pairs that are revisited periodically, as dictated by my physical maladies at any given moment. With the UDOG I can see a genuine lifeline. A permanent solution delivered in a package that is pleasing both on the wallet and the eye. They are sleek looking shoes. The only thing I feel I need to mention – and it is minor – is cleat position. There has been a trend to move cleat positions further back on shoes. The cleat mounts on the UDOG are marginally (and it is very small; millimetres) further forward than some other brands. They are still very much a modern and relevant cleat position, and it is worth noting two key things here:
- I need an exceptionally rearward position and this is why I mention it
- Despite number 1. My feet / knees were and are unaffected!
The Tensione are a remarkable shoe and deliver everything that most people could realistically want in a road shoe, however they ride . At £150 – given their unique value-adds and incredible comfort – they are extremely difficult to overlook, to the point I am now considering the impact on the rest of the range we hold!
At £250 the CIMA will not be a consideration for some, but for those looking at this price point or above, they absolutely deserve your attention.
One thing is certain: If you would enjoy a little ‘digital freedom’, have suffered at any point with your feet/shoes, or if your feet aren’t ‘normal’ for whatever reason, the UDOG may be the answer.
Both shoes are available in full sizes from 38 to 46 and in the only 2 ‘colours’ any self respecting cyclist need consider: Black and White.
Just make sure they match your helmet / sunglasses combo.
As with all shoes, we highly recommend you try them on to gauge immediate fit and comfort. And talk to someone who knows about the product. Use the opinions of club-mates and friends to guide you, but please remember – as with anything you buy for your body – what works for others, might not work for you.
*I like things to look pretty too, and with Italian kit – it is very possible to get both. We stock a lot of Italian products
