This article was produced in collaboration with DMT and was first published in Rouleur Issue 143
Don't judge a person until you've walked a mile in their shoes, it's said. No one would advise walking a mile in Tadej Pogačar's signature DMT Pogi's Superlight shoes but, if you ride 100 miles in them, you'll begin to appreciate what a perfectionist the four-time Tour de France winner is when it comes to his equipment. Because arguably the most important piece of equipment of all is the interface between the world's best cyclist and his pedals.
Pogačar has been wearing DMT since his first year as a professional, long enough for the Italian company to create for him something as close to perfection as possible. The DMT Pogi's Superlight, which he first wore in the 2025 Tour de France, were designed to improve on the already category-leading characteristics of the original 2024 Pogi's signature shoe.
A weight 11 per cent lower, dropping from 220 to 195 grams in a size 42, ticked off one of the main goals, but the Superlights also offer better aerodynamics thanks to the revised and refined position of the Aerosafe pocket for storing the lace closure.
The upper is made from DMT's proprietary engineered 3D Knit, a multi-layer, one piece construction which flexes and conforms to the individual shape of the rider's foot for a truly comfortable and customised fit. DMT used extensive mapping technology to devise the integrated structures within the knit, ensuring perfect support for the foot across all areas. The result is an upper that wraps around the foot without compressing it in any way. It's not only incredibly comfortable; DMT 3D Knit is also incredibly lightweight and highly breathable, wicking moisture away like the fabric of a base layer. Thanks to a lack of seams, no excess material and no stitching, there are no pressure points, allowing the wearer to focus on pressing downwards as effectively as possible.
The Superlight sole, fully developed by DMT's carbon division, represents an evolution in high-performance cycling technology. Made as a high-rigidity carbon monocoque, it supplies direct and responsive power transfer. A reduced stack height, optimising the distance from the foot to the pedal, improves biomechanical efficiency and pedalling sensitivity.
Despite the attention to weight saving, the Pogi's Superlights still feature DMT's Ice-Key technology. The left shoe contains an NFC device through which, in case of emergency, rescuers can immediately identify the injured rider and access important information such as blood type, allergies, current medications and diseases. Through an app, athletes can enter all their personal and medical data and upload relevant documents (ID, driver's licence, for example). It can also store emergency contact numbers. DMT was the first global cycling supplier to apply this technology to a shoe and continues to use it even for the purest racing model.
And finally, if you actually do have to walk a mile in them because the team car leaves you behind (or more likely you can't fix a puncture and your other half isn't available to come and pick you up) the Pogi's Superlights have replaceable rubber heel pads so that you can walk if necessary without damaging the carbon sole.
DMT KR0 EVO
While the Pogi's were developed with Tadej Pogačar for those looking for lightness and aerodynamics without sacrificing stiffness and are ideal for long distances and evenly distributed efforts, the DMT KR0 EVO model is designed for powerful, explosive riders who need extra support for sprinting, and is the choice of Dylan Groenewegen. Originally developed with Elia Viviani, the KR0 EVO has an adjustable double-dial closure rather than the laces of the Pogi's shoes so that fit can be fine-tuned in the lead up to a maximum effort in a race.
(Image credit: Lesley Davies-Evans)
DMT recently launched the Superlight version of the KR0 EVO, aimed at ultimate lightness, comfort, and aerodynamics. Every detail has been designed to optimise efficiency: the Aeroflex Knit upper is made with a new technical yarn that combines durability, breathability and flexibility, adapting naturally to the shape of the foot. The microfibre tongue eases foot entry and enhances the sensation of enveloping the foot, while the stitched and adaptive TPU instep band ensures precise and comfortable support even during maximum thrust. Completing the fit system, the double BOA® Li2 dial allows for micrometric and independent adjustment, ensuring an immediate personalised fit for every foot shape.
The heart of the performance is, of course, the new Superlight carbon sole, designed to maximise rigidity and power transfer, keeping the weight down to just 215 grams in size 42. Like the Pogi's Superlights, the KR0 EVO shoes also feature Ice-Key lifesaver technology.
(Image credit: Lesley Davies-Evans)
Tadej Pogačar might be one of a kind, but we can all appreciate clean lines, a slim and elegant design and a fit that combines comfort and responsiveness — without having to walk a mile in them.
