UDOG Distanza is the first gravel shoe from the Venetian brandIt is inspired by the road model Voltage because he has the laces, for construction concept and aesthetic impact. It has a large sole that covers a good portion of the toe and also becomes a distinctive feature of the product.
It is available in two versions, with the full carbon sole, or with the carbon-reinforced nylon composite. Excellent quality-price ratio, regardless of the version.
Made by those who live cycling
UDOG shoes, whether road or gravel, are born first of all from an internal passion for cycling and the bicycle. UDOG they are technical footwear, they are shoes that have a new and elegant image, but they also combine excellent quality of materials, functionality and performance. Alberto Fonte, deus ex machina of UDOG said:
«UDOG It's an authentic company that thrives on a passion for cycling. This shoe, like the others in the collection, demonstrates the expertise and passion behind every product. Range It was born from the personal experience of someone who has always worn cycling shoes and who has pedaled hard every day for a lifetime. Everything that is created at UDOG first passes through us and is used by us. I'm not ashamed to be called a shoemaker, much less a competitive cyclist."
There are not only rotors
Laces have become a hallmark of UDOG shoes and of the brand itself, but once on the upper they have their own way of tightening and adapting the upper itself to the foot. There is the TWS system (tension wrap system) which wraps the entire forefoot area, from the sole to the instep. There are 16 points of contact, lots of them, and the pressure applied can be customized according to your preferences. Overall, a lace-up closure is particularly powerful.
Seamless upper
The upper is in 3D mesh new generation, very resistant and breathable. Along the entire surface it features a single seam, positioned in the section between the arch and the heel cup. It is reinforced in sensitive areas and where it is necessary to counteract the force of the laces, but even in this case the protective membrane fits perfectly with the Distance concept.
Distance, how it is made
The sole can be entirely made of carbon, or of reinforced nylon (we tried the latter) and has a SPD predispositionThe beige colored portion is real rubber, with some front studs with different densities and heights. When you walk you benefit from a pasty compound, very comfortable, shock-absorbing and able to adapt to the terrain regardless of its consistency.
The arch area, although not exponentially pronounced, it is well supported and does not compress excessively. This aspect also coincides with a good internal volume of the shoe.
The heel cup is integrated and inserted under the upper, but there's a sort of loop on the outside. It's a great help when you put the shoe back on after a day in the saddle.
The laces, in the area where you can see the external tie rods with the shape of an inverted V, they slide internally on the midsole. This explains the two channels of the insole supplied with the Distance, which leave the internal tie rods free. When you tighten the laces, the straps themselves wrap around the foot, amplifying the hold.
The tongue is well padded, but it's not bulky at the sides and is particularly breathable. For a shoe like this, an above-average thickness is essential, as it helps distribute the pressure of the closure as effectively as possible and contributes to the shoe's stability. At the top, there's a small pocket for inserting the laces.
UDOG Distanza has a list price of 180 euros for the version with nylon sole, 250 euros for the carbon one. and is available in eleven sizes, from 38 to 48.
In conclusion
UDOG Distanza is a shoe that focuses first and foremost on comfort, but also to a full usability of the product, efficient when pedaling, rewarding and comfortable even off the bike. It is not a rigid shoe, although it struck us positively for its stability, in the sole area even though it is not made of carbon, as well as a ventilated, fresh and water-repellent upper.
In this era where we are used to seeing cycling shoes with rotors, laces seem out of date, yet only by wearing the shoe and tightening it to the foot do you realise how much it is effective the UDOG TWS system. Rather, Care must be taken not to overtighten. Le laces don't loosen as the hours pass on the bike, because those used by UDOG They do not inflate and do not allow air to pass through, a factor that must also be considered when closing the shoe before starting to pedal.
