Exceptional Street Shoes from Pro: Outstanding Performance, Yet Pricey
The Q36.5 Unique Pro cycling shoes, the brand's latest flagship model, are making waves in the cycling world. These shoes are designed with a blend of comfort, performance, and an optimal working temperature of 36.5°C, as reflected in their name.
The shoes are built around a new carbon fibre outer shell, proudly branded as 'made in the Dolomites'. The carbon sole extends up the heel and around the sides of the foot, creating a carbon tub for extra security. This design, combined with the use of two Boa Li2 dials, ensures a secure fit and incredible grip around the foot. The raised side of the soles further enhances the locked-in feeling, particularly at the rear.
One of the standout features of the Q36.5 Unique Pro shoes is their breathability. The shoes are designed with large vents at the front of the sole, side vents on the inside of the upper, and a perforated sock liner. These features make the shoes one of the most breathable and airy options available for summer riding. The shoes do not overheat, even in mid-30°C temperatures, making them an ideal choice for hot weather cycling.
The shoes' sock liner is prone to dirt, especially in the white colorway. However, Q36.5 has addressed this issue by incorporating a perforated and highly breathable, stretchy sock liner that accommodates changes in foot shape as temperatures fluctuate. Internally, silicone dots are placed across the heel to keep feet secure.
In terms of performance, the Q36.5 Unique Pro shoes outperform many other shoes in the market. They have a stack height of at most 4.4mm where the cleats are attached, with 2.2mm for the rest of the sole. Q36.5 claims that for every 1mm reduction in stack height, there is a 1% improvement in power output, as referenced in scientific literature. While the exact relationship between stack height and power output is not yet conclusively proven, lower stack height is generally believed to improve power transfer efficiency.
The Q36.5 Unique Pro shoes also offer exceptional lightweightness. A size 45 shoe weighs just 253g, making them the lightest dual Boa dial-equipped shoe the tester has tested. They come in a black and white colorway, ranging from size 37 to 48, with half sizes from 39 to 46.
However, it's worth noting that the Solestar insole, while offering more support than some top-end racing shoes, is found to be too forgiving, especially during sprinting.
In conclusion, the Q36.5 Unique Pro cycling shoes offer an exceptional blend of performance, breathability, and lightweight design, making them a strong contender in the cycling shoe market. While the exact relationship between stack height and power output is still a topic of ongoing research, the general consensus is that lower stack height can improve power transfer efficiency. For evidence-based numbers on power improvement factors related to shoe design, looking into peer-reviewed sports science research databases or journals may be necessary.
The cyclist might consider pairing these highly breathable Q36.5 Unique Pro cycling shoes with gadgets like a fitness tracker or a smartphone mounted on the handlebars to monitor heart rate, speed, and distance during gravel cycling trips. As these shoes are designed to provide optimal performance and make minimal contact with the ground, incorporating technology could help fine-tune the cyclist's technique for sports such as cyclocross or time-trial races.
