I just thought I'd provide an update on my shoe/pedal situation.

I have tried to purchase Sidi Dominators from various LBSes around Vancouver. I became quite frustrated with them:
- MEC does not carry many women cycling shoe (I can sort of understand) but I tried the men's sizes which gave me an idea of the size I would need (40 was too small, 41 was not bad but felt too wide).
- La Bicicletta did not carry Sidi yet but they said they would very soon and would give me a call. They did not plan to get the mountain bike shoes but could special order for me once I knew my size exactly (from trying the road shoes). They never called back.
- Campione - the total Italian bike shop - had several pairs of Sidis but it seemed to be an old inventory. They had a Ruby Dominator *drool* but it was a size 36 I think, no good for me. I tried other styles and settled on size 41.5, but they did not have the Dominator. I asked them to special order from Toronto, was ready to pay upfront. The guy said: "I'll have to talk to my boss to see when we're going to make an order from Sidi..." What?? Anyway, I gave my number, and they never called me back either. (It's been three weeks.)

So I came home after that day of shopping and I had a feeling the LBSes would not step up to the challenge. So I simply ordered the shoes from TE. I love to buy from TE although for customs reasons (I live in Canada) I try to buy from my local shops, whose service I usually enjoy. Well TE definitely beat them on this one!!

It took a bit of time for me to get the shoes due to customs delays and Canada Post messing up with delivery, but I got the shoes three days ago. So far they are really comfortable except that my left foot was a bit too tight and I did not want to stop and remove my toe covers to adjust the fit for such a short ride. The shoes also feel really fast for some reason. They are quite stiff, about as stiff as my Specialized carbon road shoes.

I am currently keeping my SPD pedals. I'll see if they give me pain over longer runs, and perhaps try to get the cleats in a better position. Perhaps I'll switch to the Candy, but that would require another online purchase and I'm not ready for that!!

Thanks for all who provided advice!