Sub-4
Uk company based in Stoke-on-Trent providing a complete biomechanical assessment for a wide variety of sports, including cycling. Their service includes inhouse bespoke orthotic maunfacture.
We have worked together for a couple of years now, enabling me to use custom fitted moulded carbon fibre orthotics in my cycling shoes. Not only do they enable me to deliver more power with reduced likelyhood of injury, they also give exceptional glove-like comfort with no 'hot-spot' problems in warm weather.
Due to the use of a pressure plate scan even though the inserts are stiff with little or no padding I have never had sore feet. Indeed it's quite necessary for them not to take up too much room within the shoe, as a close comfortable fit is essential. I can highly recommend their use. If you're looking for an orthotic solution, just contact Clifton or Rob, you can see the details above, but here's a link anyway! www.sub-4.co.uk
Shimano SPD-SL
If there's one thing making sure is best suited for your needs, its the cycling shoe. That's where all your power is focused and it needs to be effective and comfortable in all phases of the pedal stroke. Not only is it more fun but reduced fatigue means I'm more likely to be able to press on when it gets tough, late in the race or training session.
First and foremost my Shimano R300's are very comfortable. They are well padded in the right places without excess. In particular the heel cup isn't over pronounced and relatively low cut providing great hold on the up-stroke without any pressure on my achillies tendon. In addition mine are the 'wide' versions, again very comfortable on a hot day.
Together with the Dura-ace SPD-SL pedals I have a very solid platform to make all the hard training count on race day. www.shimano.com
Science in Sport
Put simply, excellent sports nutrition. Their drinks, gels and bars provide energy very effectively with great flavours. The recovery focused products work equally well, you really notice the difference during periods of demanding training or frequent races.
More than anything, unlike some manufacturers products I could mention they are readily digested and easy on the stomach. It's the little things that can make a difference on the day.