Trekhawk, you shouldn't be having that much trouble getting in them. The cleats might need a shim so that they engage better. I have used the candies and now switched to the quattros and they are the easiest pedals I've ever used. I have mtb shoes so I only use the cleat, not the plastic part. Take the bike and shoes to your LBS and have someone check the clearance to see if that is the problem It may be just a simple adjustment thing like adding a shim under the cleat. Also put a little grease on the pedal and cleat.
