Actually, I agree with your husband. When you are in regular tennis shoes, the soles are flexible, which means with every stroke of the pedals, you are not transferring all of your power to the drive train. You have to push harder. With clipless, throughout the stroke, all 360 degrees, you are transferring power, which means that you don't have to push as hard... you are pushing with one leg and pulling with the other on opposite sides of the stroke and the stiff sole transfers the power evenly, throughout the entire 360 degrees. With your sneakers, you are probably pushing so hard that you are compressing a nerve.

Go clipless. You'll never go back. Even for a trip down the block, you'll never want platform pedals again. You'll discover that those 15 miles and 20 miles are a lot easier and you'll go further and faster, too.

Good for you to start riding. Your older friend sounds absolutely inspirational! Good luck and have fun!