can recess on MTB shoes be too deep for pedals?

[Bike Potato]

I'd like to try out clipless pedals, but am afraid to go completely clipless, plus I didn't want to spend a lot of money for something I might not like, so I went pretty cheap. Maybe my cheapness and lack of research has come back to bite me because I'm having a problem getting the shoes to clip onto the pedals.
Shoes: Schwinn Women's Spitfire MTB
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23739&subcategory_ID=2120&estore_ID=1056

Pedals: Nashbar Rodeo
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000108&subcategory=60001078&brand=&sku=6223&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20ATB%20Clipless%20Pedals

I'm using the cleats that came with the pedals, so of course the cleat by itself fits into the clip on the pedal. However, when I attach the cleats to the bottoms of the shoes, I can't get them to clip in. It seems like the recess on the bottom of the shoe is too deep, so the the sole of the shoe prevents it from attaching.

Has anyone else ever had this problem before? I was wondering if there is some kind of shim I can put under the cleat to make it stick out more from the shoe. Or am I just doing something completely wrong?

Thanks in advance!

[ChickWithBrains]

Call Nashbar and ask - it's not clear from their product description, but my hunch says that even though they double as standard platforms *or* clipins, the clip is meant for road shoes.

If the pedals are meant for standard shoes, then yes, you won't ever be able to clip MTB shoes on them and will instead need MTB pedals (I started out with some great standard eggbeaters) or road shoes.

Good luck!

[SadieKate]

It's not uncommon, especially on smaller shoes, for the sole to need a little remodeling. Do a search for Dremel Tool, and you'll find multiple threads discussing this problem.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=275046&highlight=Dremel+tool#post275046

[Bike Potato]

Dremel - lol! Whatever works. I do have small feet, so that's probably it. I'll check out the other thread.
Thank you both for your time and suggestions/info! :)

[Tri Girl]

I'm glad I read this. I bought the Keen cycling sandals last summer and I've had a heck of a time clipping in and and out with them. The cleat is really close to the recessed area and it just doesn't have enough room. All my home remedies haven't worked and I was out of ideas. Dremmel tool- I'm putting you to work tonight. Thanks, ladies. :)

[Zen]

I had no problem at all with Keens + Crank Bros. pedals.
I did have to trim down the Shimano's though.