Ok, call me Mr Bean but I had no idea there was such a difference between mountain bike shoes and road shoes. I’ve been struggling along with the same mountain bike shoes I was using for sprint triathlons (as they were easier to trot in from transition to start line without clattering over on my backside) and wondering why my feet were so sore and numb after 100k.

I’ve just treated myself to some Pearl Izuno from the lovely Sutton Runner shop in Sutton Coldfield. (They ordered three sizes in for me to ensure I got the right ones). Although I’m normally a 6/39 I ended up going to a 7/41 before getting the comfiest size. Hopefully these will make my next long bike ride more bearable.