UDOG SEMPRE Road Shoe Review ‘New bike day’ is the best feeling, but ‘new shoe day’ comes pretty close. UDOG were famous for their lace-up cycling shoes, have brought out new dial tension system shoe… the SEMPRE and our man Alastair Hamilton has run these very reasonably prices shoes through their paces.
No laces on the SEMPRE
Alastair Hamilton sez: Nearly two years ago I reviewed the UDOG TENSIONE road shoes, they were very comfortable and proved my thoughts wrong on lace-up cycling shoes. UDOG also brought out the CENTO shoes, these were their first shoes with a dial tension system. Now those UDOG Italians have released a dial system version of the TENSIONE… It’s called the SEMPRE. I managed to get my hands (feet) on a pair to test ride.
One dial works well
The SEMPRE is basically the same as the TENSIONE, but with dials and some other small differences. For me the best thing about the design of both the TENSIONE and the SEMPRE is the side straps, that pull up on the instep. This solves a problem I have, more with my left foot, where I need instep support or my heel twists inward. I normally wear 41.5, but UDOG don’t make half sizes, but I found the 41 were comfortable. No pinching or squeezing and also no movement at the heel and with enough toe room at the front.
A solid sole with a bit of give
The sole has a stiffness index of 7, so there should be a little more comfort over the stiffest race shoes. The soles have an air intake at the front and a mid outlet. There are rubber sections at the toe and heel for protection when you have to walk, but they are not replaceable. I did find that I couldn’t quite get my LOOK shoe plates/cleats as far back as I can on my other shoes. We are only talking about 3mm, but it could be a problem for some.
The heel cup holds your foot securely
The upper is very well made and feels strong. There are lots of air holes and there has rubber protection on the toe. The heel cup has enough space as has the toe area, there is a rubber strip to hold your heel in place and there is padded section round the top of the shoe at the ankle. The tongue is also padded and slots inside the opposite side and is held in place by a piece of elastic. Now to the dial, yes there is only one dial per shoe. When I saw the dial I thought “oh no, another different dial system to remember how it works.” But the UDOG dials are ultra simple: One way to tighten and the other way to loosen, easy. Having only one dial didn’t feel any less secure than two and the adjustability during the ride couldn’t be faulted. The insole is more than the usual piece of cardboard as it is shaped with different thicknesses and has air holes.
The straps pull up on the inside
*** So how did they feel on a ride? Comfortable. And can’t ask for more than that from a cycling shoe. OK if you are racing you might want more stiffness from the sole, but the SEMPRE does give a little and so they have a more comfortable feel, great, especially on a long ride. The SEMPRE is cheaper than many full on race shoes, but when it comes to build quality and materials, UDOG have not cut any corners. The uppers are solid and well designed, the dial system works as well as any other and the ‘V’ straps hold your foot in place with, I’ll say it again… comfort. My first ride was on the home trainer, just to make sure the cleats were correctly placed, all good for an hour. Out on the road they felt solid underfoot and the uppers didn’t squeeze or squash, but still held my foot in place. Adjusting the tension was easy and there was no over heating of the foot. No complaints. And the bonus is that they won’t break the bank.
UDOG class
UDOG sez:
SEMPRE is a performance-driven road cycling shoe designed with Udog’s signature style, comfort, and precision.
SEMPRE use the Twist Tech closure system with ergonomic dial and high-strength laces for micrometric adjustment of the fit. The Tension Wrap System TWS 2.0 evenly distributes pressure across the micro-perforated PU upper with TPU reinforcements. The nylon-carbon composite sole with a stiffness index of 7.0 features a directional ventilation channel, rubber toe and heel, wide metatarsal platform, and 5 mm adjustable titanium alloy nuts.
- Weight: 276 gr in size 42
- Suitable with 3-bolt system
Twist Tech
This simplified closure offers a precise, uniform fit for enhanced stability and all-day comfort. The ergonomic dial, surrounded by a soft rubber edge, ensures optimal grip in any riding condition. Twist Tech sets a new benchmark for control and reliability.
Outsole
Carbon-nylon composite outsole includes a directional ventilation channel for airflow, integrated rubber heel and toe pads for grip, and a broad metatarsal platform for confident cleat engagement. Titanium alloy cleat nuts allow for 5mm of rearward adjustment, giving riders greater control over their position and efficiency.
TWS 2.0
Its design applies even pressure across integrated webbing straps, eliminating hot spots and creating a consistent, supportive hold. The TWS 2.0 system wraps the upper uniformly from multiple directions, enhancing comfort while maximising power transfer.
# More info and local price at: udog.cc/products/sempre. #
Note: If you have other experiences with gear or something to add, drop us a line. We don’t claim to know everything (we just imply it at times). Give us a pat on the back if you like the reviews, or a slap in the head if you feel the need!
PezCycling News and the author ask that you contact the manufacturers before using any products you see here. Only the manufacturer can provide accurate and complete information on proper/safe use, handling, maintenance, and or installation of products as well as any conditional information or product limitations.
The post UDOG SEMPRE Road Shoes Review appeared first on PezCycling News.
