Hi,

I know you say you have decided to go with the Sidis-- but I post this anyway, just as a general information thing:

I have 'birkenstock' feet - I have worn them everyday for like 15 years and even putting a pair of regular type shoes on squishes my toes now seeing as i am so used to open 'square' shoes like Birkenstocks and like Merrills.

I bought Diadora Fast Road shoe

http://outspokenbikes.com/itemdetail...gId=39&id=8992

even when hot and sweaty there is tons of room in the toebox for even the squarest feet like mine that are not used to wearing closed in shoes at all-- I am generally a 36-37 in normal shoes and these are a 38 and fit beautifully - like one full size up - no looseness and no numb cramped toes either. I have them with easy to use Shimano A520 pedals and would recommend this combo for a beginner on clipless as I am also.

Might be worth a look?
batsheva