I had spd at first as well. I now use the Look Keo Elle pedals. Just love em.

The road specific type pedal gives you a wider contact surface under the ball of your foot. For me, it eliminated some pain issues due to more support, and pressure of pedaling being spread out over a larger surface.

I also wanted something with a low release tension. The Elle version is thinking of ladies who are typically lighter than males. And less force to get out of your pedals.

I tried Speedplays and they were just not for me. After being use to catching my toe in first with spd, then stepping down, I did not like the stomp straight down effect of Speedplays.

Great tip of trying the gf's pedals. As with anything there is always an adjustment period. Just gotta decide if you like em in the end.