Udog Forza gravel shoe review: distinctive-looking, comfy and breathable

Udog, a relatively new Italian brand, has released their gravel shoe, the Forza, which aims to offer the best of both worlds between road and walking shoes. The shoe is designed to deliver a balance of stiffness, comfort, lightness, durability, and good traction. The Tension Wrap System (TWS) is their unique selling point, consisting of straps running underneath the foot and integrated into the lacing system to provide a secure and encompassing hold on the foot, while also evenly distributing the pressure.

The TWS is tightened via a twist-dial lace system, which is easy to operate and enables simple tightening and loosening. The shoe features a knit-style upper with a large pull loop on the rear and a toe bumper at the front, a padded tongue, and a silicone grip-lined heel for improved heel retention. The nylon carbon composite sole is compatible with SPD cleats and has a rubber outsole that wraps over the toe section for protection.

The shoe is unisex, available in whole sizes from EU38 to 48, in black, white, or grey, and weighs around 754 grams. Despite their unconventional appearance, the Forza shoes are comfortable, with a soft upper and TWS creating a sense of envelopment and security around the foot. The heel and midfoot are secure, and the shoe provides good power transfer and stiffness for enthusiastic gravel rides.

The breathable knit upper also ensures good ventilation, making the shoes suitable for warm summer rides. However, the shoes are not ideal for very cold conditions, and the heel cup's narrowness and short length may compromise stability on rough ground when walking. The TWS system is functional but could be improved with more control and customization options.

Despite minor issues, the Forza shoes offer a great balance of comfort and performance, making them a good choice for gravel riders, with a price point of £175/$230 being competitive within the market.