As mentioned the other day, I have already started wearing the new QUOC / Mono Ⅱ and plan to share a variety of reviews moving forward, but before that, I would like to talk about how they fit.
While I'm sure many of you are considering purchasing the Mono Ⅱ, I imagine those of you who are QUOC enthusiasts and have worn the lace-up Night road shoes or the likewise lace-up Gran Tourer gravel shoes are also curious.
First, I’d like to provide some guidance on choosing a size for those individuals.
Please check the QUOC size chart below.
| Mono Ⅱ | Night | Gran Tourer |
| EU38 / UK 4 / US 5 / JP 23.9 | EU 37.5 / UK 3.5 / US 4.5 / JP 22.5 | EU 37.5 / UK 3.5 / US 4.5 / JP 22.5 |
| EU39 / UK 5 / US 6 / JP 24.6 | EU 38.5 / UK 4.5 / US 5.5 / JP 23.5 | EU 38.5 / UK 4.5 / US 5.5 / JP 23.5 |
| EU40 / UK 6 / US 7 / JP 25.3 | EU 39.5 / UK 5.5 / US 6.5 / JP 24.5 | EU 39.5 / UK 5.5 / US 6.5 / JP 24.5 |
| EU 41 / UK 7 / US 8 / JP 25.9 | EU 40.5 / UK 6.5 / US 7.5 / JP 25.5 | EU 40.5 / UK 6.5 / US 7.5 / JP 25.5 |
| EU 42 / UK 8 / US 9 / JP 26.6 | EU 41.5 / UK 7.5 / US 8.5 / JP 26.5 | EU 41.5 / UK 7.5 / US 8.5 / JP 26.5 |
| EU 43 / UK 9 / US 10 / JP 27.3 | EU 42.5 / UK 8.5 / US 9.5 / JP 27.5 | EU 42.5 / UK 8.5 / US 9.5 / JP 27.5 |
| EU 44 / UK 10 / US 11 / JP 27.9 | EU 43.5 / UK 9.5 / US 10.5 / JP 28.5 | EU 43.5 / UK 9.5 / US 10.5 / JP 28.5 |
| EU 45 / UK 11 / US 12 / JP 28.6 | EU 44.5 / UK 10.5 / US 11.5 / JP 29.5 | EU 44.5 / UK 10.5 / US 11.5 / JP 29.5 |
| EU 46 / UK 12 / US 13 / JP 29.2 | EU 45.5 / UK 11.5 / US 12.5 / JP 30.5 | EU 45.5 / UK 11.5 / US 12.5 / JP 30.5 |
The Mono Ⅱ fits slightly larger
While the Night and Gran Tourer have identical size numbers, the Mono Ⅱ is a bit different.
Since it can be hard to tell just by looking at these numbers, I want to move past the figures and explain based on the actual fit and insole size.
First, the sizes I wear for each model are the ones in bold in the table above.
I will list them again here for clarity:
・Mono Ⅱ : EU 42 / UK 8 / US 9 / JP 26.6
・Night : EU 41.5 / UK 7.5 / US 8.5 / JP 26.5
・Gran Tourer : EU 41.5 / UK 7.5 / US 8.5 / JP 26.5
My impression after comparing them is that the Mono Ⅱ : EU 42 and Gran Tourer : EU 41.5 feel the same—I don't notice any difference. However, when comparing the Mono Ⅱ : EU 42 and Night : EU 41.5, the Night feels narrower and just a little bit shorter in length.
With my wide feet, the Night : EU 41.5 pushes my little toe inward and feels cramped. However, there is no such pressure with the Mono Ⅱ, and I can wear it with a comfortable amount of room. Once I tighten them up with the dual-dial closure system, I get an excellent fit.
It’s hard to tell from the outside, so let’s compare the insoles.
You can see a subtle difference, but since it’s still difficult to tell, I’ll layer them on top of one another.
The Night is on top, and the Mono Ⅱ is on the bottom.
As I mentioned, you can see that the Night is narrower and slightly shorter in length than the other two models.
Let's also compare the Mono Ⅱ and the Gran Tourer.
The Mono Ⅱ is on the bottom, and the Gran Tourer is on the top.
There’s no difference in the toe area, but the width around the ball of the foot appears slightly wider. However, as mentioned before, there is almost no discernible difference in how they feel on the foot.
Based on this, if you already own a pair of QUOC shoes, you should be perfectly fine choosing the size listed in the same column of the table.
Also, for those of you who struggled with the narrow width of the Night, the Mono Ⅱ should be a very comfortable shoe for you.
This is a brief summary of how they compare within the QUOC lineup, so next, let’s compare them with other brands of shoes.
Comparison with SIDI
Coincidentally, we had the SIDI 60th anniversary snake-pattern road shoes, Sixty Snake, in the shop. Let’s compare those to the Mono Ⅱ.
From the left, they are arranged as: Mono Ⅱ : EU 40, SIDI : EU 41, and Mono Ⅱ : EU 41.
Let’s take out the insoles and compare them as well.
You can see the difference, but let’s layer them. First, the Mono Ⅱ EU 40 and SIDI EU 41. In the image on the left, the SIDI is on top, and in the image on the right, the Mono Ⅱ is on top.
They are similar in size, but the Mono Ⅱ : EU 40 is slightly wider and shorter in length.
Next, let’s compare the Mono Ⅱ : EU 41 and SIDI : EU 41; the SIDI is on top here as well.
It’s clear that the Mono Ⅱ : EU 41 is larger.
One size smaller is recommended
Depending on your foot shape, if you previously wore SIDI shoes with a perfect fit, you might want to try one size smaller. Also, since QUOC doesn't offer half sizes like EU 40.5, those of you who wore EU 41.5 in SIDI might want to select EU 41 for the Mono Ⅱ.
Comparison with GIRO
Next, let’s compare them to GIRO shoes. I’ll be comparing them to the new GIRO / Cadet that we recently received a small shipment of.
From the left, they are arranged as: Mono Ⅱ : EU 41, GIRO : EU 42, and Mono Ⅱ : EU 42.
Let’s remove the insoles to compare these as well.
Let’s layer these on top of each other as well.
Mono Ⅱ : EU 41 and GIRO : EU 42; the GIRO is on top.
The lengths are almost identical, but the Mono Ⅱ : EU 41 is slightly wider and more rounded at the toe.
Next, the Mono Ⅱ : EU 42 and GIRO : EU 42; the GIRO is on top.
Just like with the SIDI comparison, it is clear that for the same size, the Mono Ⅱ is larger.
One size smaller is recommended
Depending on your foot shape, just like with SIDI, if you were wearing GIRO shoes with a perfect fit, you might want to try one size smaller.
By the way, my perfect size in GIRO shoes is EU 42.5, but I wear a 42 in the Mono Ⅱ. Comparing those two, the GIRO EU 42.5 feels slightly narrower.
I’ve provided a few examples here, but everyone’s feet and personal impressions differ. Many of you probably want to try them on to decide on your size. If that’s the case, please take advantage of our free size exchange campaign.
We recommend using our free size exchange campaign
For those who wish, we will include a size up and a size down with your order so you can choose the right fit and return the ones you don't need. (e.g., If you order an EU 42, we will also include an EU 41 and an EU 43).
※ When ordering, please write "Requesting size exchange service" in the comments field.
We will cover the shipping costs for the return.
(This campaign runs through the end of 2021.)
Additionally, please ensure the following conditions are met before returning the items:
・The items must be returned within 10 days (the number of days from receipt to shipment back to us).
・The product must be free of dirt and scratches. (The white version is particularly prone to showing dirt, so please be careful when trying them on.)
・The product must not have been used, other than for trying them on (this includes the installation of cleats).
※ Please be aware that if any of these conditions are not met, we may charge you for the size you wished to return.
I’ve only worn them for commuting and photography so far, but I’m really fond of them. I’m finally going for a ride on my day off this week wearing these Mono Ⅱ shoes, and I’m looking forward to experiencing how they feel when I’m pedaling hard on the climbs.
