English brand QUOC has developed a reputation of creating cycling shoes the blend style with uncompromised performance. These are shoes the look great, and have the performance to back it up. The M is the top of the line road shoe line from the brand, who now adds a lace version to their allrounder M3 Pro, ultralight M3 Air, and stylish M3 Sport.
There was a time when laces were unheard of in cycling. Velcro, ratchets, and dials had taken over, but none can match the micro adjustability of laces. The Giro Empire and Republic signaled their return, and many brands have added laced versions of their shoes, often at the request of their pro riders. I myself, have been a huge fan, and while dials do offer a great fit and flexibility to adjust on the fly, I still prefer laces.
The M Pro Lace’s origins came from a request from their pro riders. They wanted the same full carbon platform and TPU mesh upper of the M3 Pro, but with laces instead of dials. Not only is it a better fit, but lace shoes have tested faster than having dials on the sides of the shoe catching wind as you pedal.
Starting from the bottom up, QUOC uses their hand-laid, unidirectional full carbon soles. While they don’t state a stiffness level (they are arbitrary at best anyways), the brand claims it is their stiffest soles for optimum power transfer when pedaling. There is a front bumper and vent, and rear replaceable heel pad. The three-bolt pattern allows for a few millimeters of fore/aft adjustment with alignment marks for fore/aft and side to side placement.
Inside, it has a sculpted heel cup with textured fabric to help lock your foot into place. The padded insole add all-day comfort and support for your foot.
The upper uses a coated TPU mesh with more traditional perforated vent holes than the mesh found on the M3 Air or the smaller holes of the M3 Pro, yet still offers plenty of breathability. The Lace features a more traditional upper design with a standard tongue compared to the wrapped design of the Pro and Air. The rectangular lace eyelets help the laces lay flat against the shoe and allow you to truly customize the fit in only a way laces can. A small loop helps keep laces in place while riding. Reflective details are added in the form of minimalist logos and striping on the laces. The upper is finished with a TPU toe boarder, reminiscent of their Gran Tourer gravel shoes, for a touch of style and protection.
QUOC claims the M3 Lace weighs 245g in size 42, keeping it respectful as an allrounder shoe. Sizes will run from 38 to 47 in whole size increments. At the time of launch, white is the only option. Pricing will be £290 (GBP)/$400 (USD)/€360 (EUR), and will be available online and at QUOC dealers worldwide.
We have a review sample that just arrived, and are working on getting some time in on them for the review. Look for the full review coming later this Spring.
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Scott joined Bike World News as the Cyclocross Editor in 2012 before taking over as Tech Editor in 2016. He has also worked as a photographer for various pro teams and shoot races along the east coast of the US, including the 2012 US MTB National Championships, 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, and 2016 UCI Road World Championships. Scott has a passion for performance and technology, with 35 years of riding and mechanic experience. He also enjoys soccer, running, teaching group fitness classes, and is the founder of Lancaster Beard Company.
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