The proof is in the pudding. So was I able to achieve the intended outcomes with a DIY shoe? Well if you've read the report than you know the answer, but in a nice visual bit of punch here it is...

This shoes that the test shoe (N+ v1) was only a few degrees less stiff than a commercial cycling shoe (Pearl Izumi X-Alp) and a few degrees stiffer than a worn out old Salomon trail runner!

Not bad for a first go.