The Restrap Quoc x Sandal is a collaboration between two respected British brands—Restrap, known for its handmade bikepacking gear, and Quoc, a boutique cycling footwear company with a reputation for blending performance and aesthetics. This sandal is designed as a post-ride recovery shoe, but its feature set and build quality suggest it’s capable of much more. Whether you’re unwinding at camp, strolling through town after a long day in the saddle, or looking for a minimalist travel shoe, the Restrap Quoc x Sandal offers a compelling mix of comfort, packability, and rugged charm.
Design and Materials
At first glance, the Restrap Quoc x Sandal looks like a modern reinterpretation of a utilitarian slide. The silhouette is clean and understated, with wide webbing straps crossing the foot and a contoured footbed that hints at anatomical support. The aesthetic is deliberately minimalist, avoiding flashy branding or unnecessary embellishments. It’s a sandal that feels equally at home beside a campfire or in a café.
The footbed is made from a high-density EVA foam that’s both lightweight and cushioning. It’s shaped to support the arch and heel, with a subtle toe ridge that helps keep the foot in place. The surface texture is slightly grippy, which helps prevent slippage when walking on wet ground or wearing the sandal barefoot.
The straps are made from Restrap’s signature extra-thick webbing, the same material used in their bikepacking harnesses. It’s durable, soft against the skin, and adjustable via a locking buckle system. The straps are bonded and shaped to avoid pressure points, and they’re stitched with precision to ensure long-term durability.
One of the standout features is the ability to fasten the sandal to your bikepacking setup. The straps are designed to loop over a saddle bag or frame bag, allowing you to carry the sandals externally without taking up valuable internal space. This is a clever touch that speaks directly to the needs of long-distance cyclists and minimalist travellers.
Fit and Comfort
The Restrap Quoc x Sandal is available in a wide range of European sizes, from EU36 to EU47, and comes in two colourways: Sand and Black. The sizing runs true, though those with wider feet may prefer to size up for a more relaxed fit.
On foot, the sandal feels immediately comfortable. The footbed offers more support than typical slides, and the arch shaping is noticeable without being intrusive. The heel cup helps centre the foot, and the toe ridge adds a sense of security when walking on uneven terrain.
The webbing straps are soft and wide enough to distribute pressure evenly. The locking buckle allows for micro-adjustments, and once dialled in, the fit remains stable without feeling restrictive. There’s no toe post or heel strap, so it’s not designed for technical hiking, but for casual wear, campsite use, or short walks, it performs admirably.
The sandal is also surprisingly lightweight. At around 300g per pair (depending on size), it’s easy to carry and doesn’t add significant weight to your kit. When strapped to a saddle bag, it sits flush and doesn’t flap or bounce during riding.
Performance in the Field
While the Restrap Quoc x Sandal is marketed as a post-ride recovery shoe, it’s capable of much more. During multi-day bikepacking trips, it serves as a versatile camp shoe—easy to slip on after removing cycling shoes, comfortable enough for walking around camp, and durable enough to handle gravel, grass, and light trails.
The anti-slip tread on the outsole provides decent grip on wet surfaces, and the EVA footbed doesn’t absorb water, making it suitable for use near rivers or in damp conditions. It dries quickly and doesn’t retain odours, which is a major plus for extended travel.
In urban settings, the sandal transitions well. Its understated design pairs easily with casual clothing, and the comfort level makes it suitable for sightseeing, errands, or lounging. It’s not a fashion-forward sandal, but it has a quiet confidence that appeals to those who value function over flash.
For minimalist travellers, the sandal offers a compelling alternative to bulkier shoes. It packs flat, weighs little, and covers a wide range of use cases. It’s not ideal for long hikes or technical terrain, but for everything else—from hostel corridors to beach walks—it’s more than capable.
Durability and Maintenance
Both Restrap and Quoc have reputations for quality, and the sandal reflects that. After weeks of use across varied terrain, the footbed shows minimal compression, and the straps remain intact with no fraying or stretching. The buckle system continues to operate smoothly, and the stitching holds up well under stress.
The materials are easy to clean. Mud and dust can be wiped off with a damp cloth, and the sandal can be rinsed under water without concern. It dries quickly and doesn’t require special care, which is ideal for travel and outdoor use.
The outsole is thick enough to resist punctures and abrasion, and the tread pattern provides adequate grip without collecting debris. It’s not a hiking sole, but it’s more robust than most casual sandals.
Sustainability and Ethics
Both brands involved in this collaboration are committed to ethical manufacturing. Restrap produces its gear in the UK using local labour and sustainable practices, while Quoc focuses on small-batch production and responsible sourcing. The sandal is handmade in the UK, which supports domestic craftsmanship and reduces the carbon footprint associated with overseas manufacturing.
The use of durable materials also contributes to sustainability. A sandal that lasts for years is inherently more eco-friendly than one that wears out after a season. While there’s no explicit mention of recycled content, the design philosophy aligns with long-term use and repairability.
Comparisons and Alternatives
| Sandal | Weight | Packability | Terrain Suitability | Price (UK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restrap Quoc x Sandal | ~300g | High | Camp, urban, light trail | £89.99 | Best for bikepacking and minimalist travel |
| Bedrock Cairn Adventure | ~400g | Medium | Trail, water, camp | £115–£130 | More technical, less packable |
| Teva Original Universal | ~350g | Medium | Urban, light trail | £45–£60 | Budget-friendly, less durable |
| Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV | ~280g | High | Trail, water | £80–£95 | Ultralight, minimalist sole |
| Decathlon MH500 Sandals | ~350g | Low | Trail, camp | £29.99 | Affordable, bulkier design |
The Restrap Quoc x Sandal stands out for its bikepacking-specific features, including the ability to strap onto gear and its balance of comfort and packability. It’s not the cheapest option, but it offers unique value for cyclists and minimalist travellers.
Final Thoughts
The Restrap Quoc x Sandal is more than just a post-ride slip-on. It’s a thoughtfully designed piece of gear that blends comfort, durability, and utility in a way that few sandals do. Whether you’re bikepacking across continents, camping in the woods, or navigating urban streets, it offers a reliable and stylish solution for off-bike footwear.
Its ability to strap onto a saddle bag, combined with its anatomical footbed and rugged materials, makes it a standout choice for those who travel light but refuse to compromise on comfort. While it’s not built for technical hiking or high-impact sports, it excels in the environments it was designed for.
For cyclists curating their travel setups, the Restrap Quoc x Sandal deserves serious consideration. It’s a niche product that fills its role exceptionally well, and it’s backed by two brands that understand the needs of adventure cyclists.
