Road Bike Shoes Advice

[Owlie]

Both my bikes have SPD pedals on them. (M540s on my road bike, M545s on my CX bike, though I should swap them around) I like the ability to walk more easily and not slide around if I stop at a convenience store.
Having said that, I am probably going to put "proper" road pedals on my next road bike, because I'm getting hot spots around mile 30, though it may be that my $80 shoes aren't stiff enough for the job. If you want the ability to walk but you're going to be doing long road rides, look for a mountain-type pedal with a platform around it. M530s would work, as would M545s, though I don't know that they still sell them in the US. Mine are 10 years old at least, and every place I've found that sells them has been a UK site. The neat thing about both of these is that they're double-sided. Easy! In addition, spend a little extra money and get nice stiff shoes that fit your feet properly. I've been eyeing a pair of Mavic Rush(es?) or Sidi Dominators, pending the ability to try on a pair of Sidis.
If you don't think you're going to be doing a whole lot of walking around off the bike, or you're willing to make that sacrifice, go with road shoes and pedals. The larger contact area helps with the hot spots--you're spreading the pressure out over a much wider area. Look and Shimano both make some. They're very similar...in fact, they've been suing each other over it. Stiff shoes are still a must.

I know several people at work who like Eggbeaters or Candies (they have a bit of a platform around them). I'm the oddball who doesn't. The trouble with cycling is that it's a lot of trial and error to see what works for you. If you decide to get Eggbeaters, I have a pair that I'm not using.