I don't use the wedges but I've got women's Cannondale mountain shoes which were not expensive and plenty wide for my size 10+ very wide feet. They don't have a super rigid sole and are as easy as a hiking shoe to walk in. If these hadn't worked out, I was ready to try a men's shoe!

As far as clipless issues, I've been using those mini toe clips for commuting because they are so easy to slip in and out of as I stop and start when I commute to work but still give me some "pull" power on the upstroke. I tried some SPD style pedals that were platform on one side and clipless on the other but I think my softer sole made my feet hurt a bit in them - it may also have been just a "getting used to" the feel of the smaller pressure point of the cleat/pedal. I'm switching over to Candy C clipless pedals when I start commuting again in the spring - Shimano shoes were recommended to me as a stiffer soled mountain shoe and were also plenty wide when I tried a pair on (MO38s). I've got balance issues also, so I'm trying to be brave!

Mel, it sounds like you've set some great goals for yourself! Be careful and enjoy the ride!