Okay, I've now officially driven myself crazy trying to decide between a flat/grippy shoe combo and clipless. I've read more than a few threads on MTBR on the subject and read countless pedals and shoe reviews, but feel no closer to a decision. Honestly, I'd like to learn how have both setups eventually, but that seems like a costly experiment at this point. Logically, it would seem that pinned flats would be the next best step on my learning curve, but I'm still hesitant to pull the trigger.

With either option, I anticipate shoes being the sticking point. I have a narrow heel and, if my experience in trying to a road shoe is any indication, it's going to be a challenge to find a shoe that works. Someone on MTBR suggested the Five Ten Guide Tennie. That might work. But the same issue applies to clipless shoes. I've tried on a handful over the last year, and they also slipped rather badly in the heal.

But, ultimately, it just comes down to confidence. I don't have vast quantities of it on the trail, and I don't want to do anything that will jeopardize what little I've been able to build. I don't put my foot down all that often as it is--at least unplanned--on the trails I'm currently riding. My biggest trouble spot are rooty uphills or steep uphills in general. Of course, I might climb a heck of a lot better with a better connection to my pedals. I'm so excited about riding at this point, the thought of having to take it back a few steps to practice with clipless bums me out a bit, but maybe I'm making too much of my clipless fear. I started using them on my road bike with no problem and have had few incidents with them, even in emergency situations.

Ugh. Somebody hit me over the head. The lawyer in me is overthinking this.