Q36.5 Unique Shoes Review

Finding the right shoes is not an easy task, especially in 2023, when the offer is relatively wide and each brand stands out and will certainly suit one foot better than another. The Italian brand Q 36.5 is no exception, and the name given to the model truly represents its product: UNIQUE.

By David Polveroni – Photos: Hugo Clechet / DR

It is in the region of Bolzano, in South Tyrol, at the foot of the Dolomites, that Luigi Bergamo continues to develop his range of clothing to now equip a new UCI Pro team that bears the name of his brand. This team is simply managed by Vincenzo Nibali. That says it all about the brand’s status.

For the Unique shoes, and as for the clothing, we are talking about made in Italy. This is one of the brand’s signatures; we are talking about a product made by humans and not machines. Their slogan: “A shoe based on human data, made by human craftsmanship and enhancing human performance.” It is also an eco product since all products are manufactured within a 350 km2 radius around Bolzano, with the aim of minimizing pollution during production. A good ecological point.

We appreciated the reception of the pair of shoes. Here, everything is neat; there is no good carrying bag, but we will console ourselves with a small shoehorn. The white model received is particularly well done, very elegant in this version. They are also available in black, silver, and in the brand’s emblematic colors: fluorescent green and mango orange. Unique.

As with any pair of shoes, it is important to choose the right size. Q36.5 offers a guide to compare yourself to the competition: HERE

Although I am used to Shimano 41s, which mold my foot, 40 and even 40.5 did not suit me. Q36.5 has a human side that is rarely found. Three pairs of shoes were sent to me so that I could choose the right size. Yes, it is a brand that takes great care of you, and this act is part of that and their philosophy. Once the right size is adopted, you feel like you are wearing slippers after putting them on. It’s quite simple; this is due to the upper, which has a so-called sock construction, a technique that Mavic used on its shoes, at the time at a very high price.

The closure is done via two Boa Li2 dials, rather well placed. A closure that does not need to be excessive if the correct size has been chosen. The insole is something I had never seen before. It is made from their chamois leather. So, a very soft material. Usually, I use an insole made by a podiatrist or a Solestar, but after an adaptation period, I found these insoles very comfortable, and I no longer found it useful to customize them. A very good point when you know the price of a pair of insoles that you will often have to buy in addition to your pair of shoes delivered with basic insoles.

A small clarification: the silver model benefits from a collaboration with the Solestar insole brand. A version also tested: here we are on a more sporty insole. Not the comfort of chamois leather, more rigid support and a more pronounced arch support. A supplement of €30 that can be had on any model by simply sending an email to the brand.

High-end shoes

Q36.5 makes a strong impression with this pair of shoes in terms of weight: 507 g for our test pair in size 41, which is about a hundred grams less than Sidi Shot 2, but about fifty more than Specialized S7 or the latest Shimano S-Phyre RC903. These are very high-end shoes.

Once your foot is well wrapped, Q36.5 makes you forget you’re wearing shoes. The cleat adjustment range is relatively wide, allowing you to adjust your position without any problem. The insert can move a few millimeters up and down; don’t hesitate to unlock it, for example, with the cleat without the screws being tightened. Once they are well oriented, on an indoor trainer for example, you can then feel the first sensations with these shoes.

Here we are dealing with a sock that forms the end of your foot and transfers power to the pedal… But in no way do we have something very stiff and unbearable here. It is very comfortable, we cannot say that the sole is not rigid, because it is, the power transfer is very good, but we do not have that feeling that we have with a more classic shoe. We are on a shoe that makes you forget it’s there, like a sock. The pressure points are very good, and the insole eliminates all types of hot spots. We tried it in cold conditions, so without suffering from hot feet. The evacuation of perspiration, even in winter, is a very important point so as not to suffer from the cold. On this point too, the Q36.5 are rather well designed; we feel a small airflow allowing the foot to breathe.

The last shape is also intermediate. We are not talking about something rigid here, nor something flexible. This is due to its construction, called Power Wrap, and the materials. Here, the central band is reminiscent of the materials used in clothing and is therefore a little more flexible. We are in a compromise between comfort and rigidity. We will use the Boa Li2 dials for tightening and support.

After more than 6000 km, the shoes are still as white and have not suffered from road salt. Note that the heel pad is removable, which is useful for those who tend to wander around walking during breaks.

While the shoe is available in half sizes, it is not available in a wide version or a women’s version. The latter should be careful when choosing their size.

At a price of €413.11, these Unique shoes are at the top of the range. We have here a product that is rather unknown to the general public and that is full of qualities that one expects from a shoe for the sportive cyclist: comfort and energy transfer. For the pure and hard competitor, we will note a slight lack of rigidity sensation compared to the competition (be careful, this does not mean less performance). Note an off-road version, the Unique Adventure, which incorporates the essential qualities of the road model with a sole adapted for walking, whether for mountain biking or gravel.

Note that these shoes can be found at much more competitive prices by browsing specialized websites…