Oh yeah, I meant to mention that I wear Shimano MTB shoes... I have to walk hills sometimes, so I wanted a shoe with a little more traction. I also ride mtb spd pedals that are made so you can clip in on either side. I'm a klutz.

What part of Illinois do you live in? My hubby grew up in northern INdiana (about 30 miles south of South Bend) and lived in Chicago for quite a while.