Pearl Izumi E:motion Road N2 v3 £90

Pearl Izumi is predominantly a cycling-focused brand and sometimes, with its running shoes, it shows. This is a serviceable neutral shoe for beginners, causing no major issues, but both the lab and testers were underwhelmed, reporting low flexibility, average cushioning, moderate responsiveness and a variable fit around the heel. The main plus point was the snug-but-strong midfoot wrap. Bottom line A shoe that will best suit high-arched, efficient runners.