Uyn Naked Full-Carbon Shoes Review

The Italian brand Uyn is making waves in the competitive cycling shoe market with its Naked range, available in two high-end models: Naked Carbon (€249) and Naked Full-Carbon (€399, the model tested here).

By Olivier Dulaurent – Photos: @3bikes.fr

The “Naked” concept aims to be innovative, starting with a shoe whose specifications target high-end and high-level performance: reduced weight and high efficiency, just like its competitors. However, research has focused on high breathability with a seamless and very airy last shape, the goal being to feel like you’re literally riding barefoot. The brand called on technicians from AREAS (Academy for Research and Engineering in Apparel and Sport), a research and development center, to help them design the product.

Following cross-tests in the lab and on the road, and with experience gained from developing breathable clothing, this shoe model with an aesthetic unlike any other has arrived on the market. In terms of appearance, the least we can say is that the goal has been achieved, as during the test, the Naked Full Carbon garnered rave reviews from riding companions.

Regarding the product’s features, the upper is made of a single piece of double-layer 3D knit, designed to wrap around the foot like a second skin, without a tongue or seams, thus avoiding all friction and increasing comfort. The fully perforated structure of the last shape with a mesh aims to provide the best possible breathability for the foot. For the outer layer, Uyn has developed a yarn where each filament has a coating that makes it highly resistant to abrasion.

As for the inside of the shoe, it is made from a yarn (called Natex), 100% plant-based. Natex is supposed to be 25% lighter than traditional nylon and dries 50% faster, thus helping to reduce the shoe’s weight and keep the foot cool and dry in all conditions. The anatomical sole is also made from an all-natural fiber – hemp, which promotes ventilation and moisture dispersion.

In terms of performance, the research aimed to combine two antagonistic qualities: elasticity and stability. To do this, the brand worked on the upper and an intermediate layer of the outsole, then added a semi-rigid frame between the fabric layers.

At the top of the shoe, adjustment is provided by a Boa-type Micro Tune closure system, which consists of a single dial instead of the usual two, mainly for weight reasons. The ultimate goal was that, once worn, the shoe would become one with the foot, eliminating any pressure points and limiting power dispersion.

On the road

The pair of shoes was used for over 1500 km, with temperatures ranging from 2 to 23°C. Even though a good part of the test took place in the Costa Brava region, allowing the shoes to face a pleasant late autumn mildness, there is no doubt that the UYN shoes would have continued to perform at their best with even higher temperatures. It is precisely in this aspect that their concept finds its full interest. The first thing to note about UYN shoes is that they run large. In my case, for a true size (measured with a dedicated caliper) of 45.5, the corresponding size is 44. Statically, size 45 was also tested but it is clearly too large. The weight check shows 288 g per shoe, which is rather in the good average.

Once the correct size has been chosen, let’s move on to the actual fitting: here, there is no tongue at the instep that “opens” to facilitate foot entry. You have to use a little force and pull on the small tab located at the back of the shoe. Those more concerned about overall durability can even use a real shoehorn, especially for the first few rides. But subsequent rides allow you to get your bearings, and accessibility also seems to improve due to a probable slight softening of the material… and a little user habit.

In terms of comfort impressions before riding, they appear to be “homogeneous”: the heel remains comfortable and snug just enough, the forefoot benefits from a pleasant last shape. The Boa dial on the instep allows for appropriate tightening but does not offer very practical reversibility: it is always possible to loosen in increments using the dial, but the manipulation is quite “stiff” compared to other Boa dials that allow for smoother modulation.

The shoe-sock concept is not just marketing: it really works.

When starting to ride, a sensation immediately stands out and will continue throughout the test: the foot is truly ventilated. The shoe-sock concept is therefore not just marketing: it really works. The difference with a traditional shoe is both striking and particularly pleasant. Two rides back with a more classic pair of shoes immediately make you regret this pleasant sensation with the UYNs. On the pedal stroke, the heel is very well locked without, however, going as far as some competitors whose blocking, linked to the narrowness and rigidity of the material, can lead to some discomfort.

A personal characteristic related to the specificity of the foot, the insole is not sufficiently “reinforced”: switching to a more prominent insole allowed for gains in both comfort and overall support. The latter would have been even better if the brand had chosen to place a second Boa dial on the instep, even though the single Boa present can tighten the forefoot thanks to the cable encircling the shoe. With the exception of cyclists whose forefoot is stronger and/or wider, this absence may be missed when it comes to demanding maximum performance from the shoe, such as before an intense effort or more simply for cyclists who need a very secure fit at this level.

The outsole does not call for any real comment, as in this price range, the user always has access to very high rigidity. However, it can be observed that the sole thickness is reduced and the shape is very slightly curved, very much in line with current trends at this level of the range. Thus, power transfer is excellent, without the foot collapsing or twisting. This excellent transmission of effort does not come at the expense of comfort, even on rides of 5 hours or more.

The UYN shoes were not far from flawless: aesthetically successful, lightweight and very comfortable on the foot with ventilation that marks a huge advantage over competitors, stiff but with a comfortable last shape, it was just one Boa dial short on the front for the copy to be perfect… abstracting from the price. Because at €399, the user has the right to be demanding. This slight drawback concerning the tightening on the front should be qualified because a cyclist with a normal to wide foot will not be bothered, just like someone who prefers a looser forefoot.

Thus, UYN shoes can become a benchmark for those looking to stand out, both in terms of aesthetics and performance – both high-level and perfectly original due to the very construction of the product.

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