Mtn Bike Shoes vs Road Shoes

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You could consider getting stiffer mountain bike shoes, such as the Sidi Dominators (which have a strong following among TE ladies, myself included, I must say). Just as stiff as road shoes, but "walkable" (to some extent) and compatible with your current pedal system.

I LOVE mine. I have no plans to ever do mtn biking, but I am considering cyclocross next year (still healing a bad sprained ankle from June, so no off-pavement exploits for me on bike or on foot for a long while). These shoes will be perfect for that and I am perfectly happy with them on the bike, too. I like my Shimano 2-bolt SPDs. I can clip in an out faster than many people on bikes with "road" pedals (I tease my hubby, since I am a noob, but frequently am up and pedaling while he is still trying to get re-clipped from a stop with his Look pedals).

Where are you having foot pain, precisely? I was having some peroneal tendon-area pain (outside of the foot, opposite my arch) that I solved by wedging my cleats (thicker side of the wedge on the medial side). I actually found cleats with a built-in wedge that work perfectly.

ETA: I just now realize that this is an ancient thread...carry on.