In the Distanza gravel shoes, Italian brand Udog has released its first foray into off-road cycling footwear. Available with a full-carbon or carbon-reinforced sole, the Distanzas weigh in at a claimed 315g and 330g per size 42 shoe respectively.
Udog says it has taken inspiration from its Tensione road shoe, using its ‘Tension Wrap System’ – a matrix of TPU laminated straps underneath the insole – which the brand says supports the rider’s foot when both pushing and pulling on the pedals.
The Distanzas use a hybrid lace-up closure system, which Udog says provides 16 points of adjustment between the foot and the shoe upper and has allowed it to use lighter, more breathable upper material because the lace tension is spread move evenly.
With a large toe box and deep heel cup, Udog claims the Distanzas are aimed at long days on and off the bike. The are priced at £220 for the full-carbon sole and £160 for the reinforced-nylon option.
Ultimate efficiency
The only marked difference between the two Distanza models is the choice of sole material. Udog says that it used a ‘super-stiff’ carbon sole on the Distanza Carbons to allow for the best possible transfer of power from rider to pedal, with the higher priced option aiming to provide a correspondingly higher level of performance.
Both variations of the shoe see the sole plate paired with a lugged rubber tread that wraps from the heel to the toe, which the brand says offers protection from bumps and abrasions.
The rubber tread features deep moulded teeth, for added traction. Udog says its design is inspired by crags and rocky outcrops, which apparently helps give the shoes a rugged look in-keeping with their gravel remit.
‘It’s the first shoe where the outsole wraps around the front part over the toes,’, says founder and CEO of Udog, Alberto Fonte. ‘This gives added protection and durability and helps to create a signature futuristic aesthetic.’
All about the fit
Borrowing from its existing road range, Udog has brought its Tension Wrap System to the Distanzas, with the aim of providing a supportive fit at every part of the pedal stroke.
The system uses TPU laminated straps that wrap from side to side underneath the shoe and are connected to the laces so, when done up, the shoes hug the foot, from the instep to the bridge, instead of tightening down on it.
Udog says this creates 16 adjustment points between the foot and the shoe upper, which support the foot equally while pulling up on the pedals and pushing down on them.
‘We also used flattened laces, as they have no air inside. This allows you to fasten them tightly so they will stay secure while riding,’ says Fonte.
The Distanzas also feature a large toe box and deep heel cup, which the brands says aids comfort when walking as well as while on the bike, as well as including large pull tabs to make them easy to get on and off.
The shoes use a water-repellent knitted material, and Udog says it has incorporated varying degrees of breathability and comfort across different parts of the shoe.
‘We have engineered the upper to perform in different ways,’ says Fonte. ‘Some parts use a wider mesh for air flow and others use a tighter mesh for support and comfort.’
The Distanza Carbons – featuring the fully-carbon composite sole – are available in Cinder Black, while the standard Distanzas with the carbon-reinforced nylon sole will come in Ash Grey. Weighing a claimed 315g and 330g – size 42 – and costing £220 / €250 / $275 and £160 / €180 / $200 respectively, the Distanzas are available in 11 sizes, from 38 to 48.
- For more information, go to Udog.