New Shoes

[SnappyPix]

Hi Bikingat50,

Welcome to the forum, and great news that cycling has become a passion - you're amongst good company!
I second Tess's advice about taking the bike and the shoes to your local bike store, and finding which pedal system you like best.
From your description, it sounds like the spike/screw at the top of the shoe is there to help you walk in the shoe. I had a pair of shimano shoes which had lugs which screw into the top end of the shoe. They make it easier to walk, as you don't get the "duck walk" effect, as the shoe curls up towards the front.
I haven't described this very well, but basically they're there to help you walk in the shoe, when off the bike.

[Adventure Girl]

Does the bottom of your shoe look something like this?

The four holes about where the "ball" of your foot would be is for the cleat.

The two holes closer to the toe are for spikes. Some mountain bikers use spikes for better traction when walking (usually climbing up a hill).

I agree you should take your new shoes and your bike to your bike shop and get it all figured out. They can help you find the right cleats and pedals.

[BikingAt50]

Yes, they look like that. These were expensive shoes. I got them on clearance because there was only two of the style left. Lucky me, one was small and my size. The other was BIG! I just want to make sure I am utilizing the shoe as it is meant to be. Looks like I will go back to the bike shop again this weekend.

thanks for the responses --- love this site !