Thanks, Natasha!

I've read, too, about sandals in winter, but confess that I can't quite picture 'em doing the trick for me.....Seems so counter-intuitive!

Good point about the cleat attachment area. My BF mentioned the same possibility and suggests that I put in a slim insole to buffer the whole bottom of the shoe from the pedal, without making the shoe noticeably more snug width-wise. I'll give that a whirl and see if it helps.......