In the first of our Coffee Chats series with the brands that we stock, we catch up with Brad Shenton from QUOC to give us an insight into the cycling shoe brand. Grab a coffee and find out all about one of the coolest new shoe manufacturers on the market.
Can you give us a brief overview of the brand? Where is the brand based?
Founded in 2009, QUOC is an independent, British brand with a 12-year history designing high-performance, comfort-driven shoes. Challenging conventional parameters of cycling footwear, we spent a decade hand-crafting our last; refining every last millimetre to arrive at a near-personalised fit for each and every rider. QUOC exists to get more people on bikes through better shoes and better ride experiences. But before ‘QUOC’, the brand, came Quoc, the man: a cyclist and fashion school graduate who in 2009, simply set out to design a pair of shoes that he himself wanted to wear.
The brand was born out of the London, but is now recognised globally with an office in Taipei and London.
What is the Quoc fit like?
All QUOC shoes are worked from a hand-sculpted last that combines years of incremental improvement and adjustment. The last that we have worked so hard to refine has a medium-fit toe box making it highly adapted to the average rider.
How do you decide which shoe is best for you?
We like to think that we have a cycling shoe that will suit all styles of riding. Start by understanding and recognising what type of riding you enjoy the most, will ride the most, and work from there. If you find yourself riding on the road predominately, and like to put a lot of power down, we’d recommend our higher-end road shoe the M3 Air. If you prefer to explore, longer days in the saddle, adventuring off the beaten track, the GTII might be the right option for you.
How do QUOC cycling shoes differ to others that are in the market? Why choose QUOC?
We know that cycling can unlock a host of mental and physical benefits that are unique to every rider. What is universal is that cycling facilitates a return to simplicity in which we can find contentment. That’s why we make shoes that entirely remove obstructions, driven by a desire to simplify the ride and spread the enjoyment of cycling to as many people as possible.
We offer today’s rider a choice outside of mainstream parameters. We speak to those who seek comfort, style, and values in their apparel preferences, in addition to pack-leading performance. A big part of cycling is building human connections, so we offer a highly personal service to our community, and work with athletes and riders who promote wider social causes that we support and believe in.
We believe in celebrating everyone, not just those winning medals. We look up to those who ride in their own style, whose dedication to cycling transcends their gear and ranking, and who manifest the adventurous spirit and genuine camaraderie that has come to define our sport. We’re proud to be part of an incredible community who inspire us to make shoes for every type of cyclist.
Do you sponsor any big name riders?
Our biggest partnership this year, Geraint Thomas.
Geraint Thomas also shared his enthusiasm of the partnership, stating, “It’s a great feeling to be able to finally announce the new partnership we’ve established with QUOC – a British brand with a major focus on aesthetics and design, as well as performance. As soon as I saw the range I knew they were the brand for me – and to have a British partner makes it all the more special as I ride these final two seasons as a pro. For me, what stood the brand apart was Quoc’s story from fashion designer to shoe maker, the team’s love of bike riding from top to bottom throughout the organisation, and their mission to get more people on bikes – something that massively overlaps with our mission at the Geraint Thomas Cycling Trust. I look forward to discussing how we can further collaborate in that area, as well as on the road.” The partnership is set to kick off with Geraint Thomas wearing QUOC shoes in his upcoming races, showcasing the brand’s highest performing road shoes on a global stage. Additionally, QUOC and Thomas will collaborate on a series of special edition products and charity initiatives designed to engage and inspire the cycling community.
Any hints at what is coming in the future?
Our range is always developing, looking at colourways, improving our range, potential collabs – 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year as we keep the momentum going.
Brad, great to chat with you and thanks for your time.
Shop the range of QUOC cycling shoes available at Merlin Cycles here
Bike of the Week – The Felt Broam 30 GRX – Read our Ride Review here
