SNS and some media outlets are starting to reveal glimpses of the new QUOC Gran Tourer. While I have certainly decided that these are a pair I will wear once released, the more I daydream about them, the more I find myself thinking about the now-discontinued Tourer.
As I wrote in a recent blog post, my own Tourer is quite worn, and it feels as though the countdown to the end of its usable life has begun.
Despite having many scratches, I have taken good care of the leather, and it doesn't look to be an issue at first glance. However, the real problem is the wear on the sole. The original tread is worn down so much that it's barely visible, which puts a significant strain on the cleats and requires them to be replaced very frequently. Since it is impossible to resole, its life span is clearly nearing its end. Currently, I use them cautiously, taking into account the nature of the ride, only once every few months.
I started wearing them in 2013, around the time they first went on sale in Japan—probably close to five years ago. Beyond wearing them for commuting and riding around the city in casual attire, I’ve taken them cyclocross racing, getting them covered in mud on gravel rides, and sometimes even used them to traverse the woods on trail rides. Each time, I’ve carefully cleaned, creamed, and polished them with great care. A beautiful piece crafted from genuine leather, the more you wear and maintain it, the deeper the bond with the owner becomes. Even the wrinkles and scratches engraved into them become endearing.
There is no way I could part with such a partner, so I am considering purchasing another pair of the same model so that I can keep wearing the Tourer in the future. While I have thought that perhaps other shoes like the GIRO Empire VR70 Knit I introduced the other day, or the Gran Tourer, would be fine, when it comes to the same style and the same level of utility, they are, after all, slightly different.
Nothing can replace the Tourer but the Tourer itself.
【QUOC】 Tourer
¥31,000 (excl. tax)
Color : Tan, Brown, Black
The Tourer features not only a smart look that pairs with everything from formal to casual wear, but also more than enough functionality as a clipless cycling shoe. The moderate stiffness of the midsole where the cleats are attached applies force to the pedals efficiently, and the beautifully arched outsole makes for smooth walking. Furthermore, the three-layer upper—consisting of cowhide on the outside, sheepskin on the inside, and a mesh sheet sandwiched in between for durability and breathability—gently wraps around the foot. You can achieve a superior fit by tightening the laces carefully and evenly.
I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to try out a clipless shoe meticulously crafted from genuine leather. Once you start wearing them, your love for them will only grow with each passing day. Of course, those of you who, like me, are craving "one more pair" should definitely consider it.
These days, I fear that opportunities to come across such shoes will only become fewer and further between.