Italian manufacturer Q36.5 claims to make you faster through high-tech innovation. Their designers consistently take unconventional routes, aiming to keep your body temperature at an ideal 36.5°C while boosting power transfer—especially in the case of the Unique Pro shoes. In the fiercely competitive world of high-performance road cycling shoes, they’re clearly looking to stand out—not just with a bold price tag and a carbon sole that’s just 2.2 mm thick.
What also sets them apart is the use of advanced Italian manufacturing techniques and full production in Italy, the beating heart of shoemaking craftsmanship. Instead of a traditional tongue, Q36.5 use a mesh sock-like upper, designed to work in tandem with a high-quality Solestar insole to deliver top-tier comfort and exceptional ventilation.
But the most striking feature? The raised carbon heel section. Combined with silicone grippers inside, it promises rock-solid heel support (“heel-lock”) and unmatched stability with every pedal stroke.
On test: What is the Q36.5 Unique Pro capable of?
The Q36.5 Unique Pro was developed in Montebelluna, northern Italy—arguably the Silicon Valley of performance footwear. At the heart of the shoe is its ultra-thin carbon sole: at just 2.2 mm thick, it’s one of the slimmest on the market. But this isn’t just for show. According to Q36.5, every millimetre shaved off stack height delivers roughly a one percent increase in performance, thanks to optimised rotational dynamics and improved aerodynamics.
With a stated stack height of 4.4 mm, only a few high-performance shoes can match it—like the now-discontinued Mavic Comète II. Out on the road, the sole feels rock-solid despite its slim profile, with no hint of unwanted flex. Power transfer to the pedals is impressively direct and efficient.
This focus on stability continues at the rear. The carbon sole wraps up around the sides of the foot and extends high at the heel, working together with strategically placed silicone grippers inside the lining to deliver outstanding heel lock. Nothing slips here—your foot sits locked in like it’s clamped in place.
But this uncompromising design has its trade-offs: getting the shoes on and off becomes a bit of a workout. No surprise then that Q36.5 include a shoehorn in the box.
For closure, the manufacturer relies on proven BOA Li2 dials. The sleek aluminium adjusters offer excellent grip, allow for fine tuning in both directions, and hold your foot firmly in place—something we really liked. Well, most of us. Depending on your foot shape, the thin laces across the instep can dig in slightly if you crank them down too tight.
One thing that stands out is the wide midfoot fit. It ensures welcome comfort for broader feet and is absolutely necessary given the stiff, wraparound carbon sole, which doesn’t flex—otherwise, pressure points would be inevitable. For riders with very narrow feet, though, this generous fit might feel too roomy. Offering multiple width options would be a smart move here.
Ventilation, on the other hand, is spot on. The mesh upper and strategically placed vents—including openings in the toe area of the carbon sole—keep your feet cool and comfortable, even on scorching days.
As far as visibility goes, Q36.5 could have gone the extra mile: the silver prints on the Unique Pro aren’t reflective, which feels like a missed opportunity for better low-light safety.
Who should take a closer look at the Q36.5 Unique Pro road cycling shoes?
The Q36.5 Unique Pro deliver impressively on their core promises, managing to strike a rare balance between low weight, stiffness and comfort. The pre-shaped, wraparound sole gives a superb sense of stability and security. While the claimed 4% performance gain from the low stack height might seem negligible to casual riders, for those chasing PBs it could be the marginal gain that makes the difference. The high comfort also helps reduce fatigue on long rides. That makes these shoes a top pick for ambitious riders who demand maximum performance, rock-solid stability and a healthy dose of Italian style—and who are prepared to pay for it.
Conclusions: Would we buy the Q36.5 Unique Pro road cycling shoes?
Our verdict: yes, we would. With an RRP of €550, the Q36.5 Unique Pro are undeniably a luxury item. The promised 4% performance gain is something amateur riders will want to weigh up carefully. That said, the level of comfort and outstanding stability on offer here is nothing short of top-tier.
Tops
- Stiff, low-profile carbon sole
- Heel lock thanks to silicone grippers
Flops
- No victory guarantee despite the high price
Find out more on q36-5.com
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Words: Christoph Staudinger Photos: Jan Fock