So...how helpful is it REALLY to use clipless/toe clips/Power Grips?

[Jolt]

This is all getting complicated! Right now I am leaning toward trying the Powergrips on the pedals I have now which are nice big platforms with fairly good grip (MKS Lambda). That way I am not locked into wearing a special shoe and don't have to buy new pedals either. As far as stiffer soled shoes, does anyone have any recommendations? I'd be looking for something that preferably doesn't have a very thick sole so that I still have the option of hopping on the bike in my Merrells etc. for errands without the saddle height being off (see what I mean about things getting complicated?). I seem to remember Five Ten being a brand people here have liked, and was looking at some of their offerings but of course, the one I liked best that looked like a regular sneaker (model name was "Dirtbag", ugh) doesn't come in small enough sizes.

[Catrin]

For ME, I strongly preferred my good quality BMX pedals over anything until I moved to Frogs. The Five Tens are most useful for this style of pedals as the pins in the pedals can more easily bite into the sole - which provides stability and makes it even less likely that your feet will fly off the pedal at the most inopportune moment. The downside of "pinned", or BMX pedals (whichever way you wish to refer to them), is the learning curve on stopping to prevent pedal slap. THAT will leave scars, because they are, basically, little meat grinders. I learned pretty quickly how to prevent that, and my scars faded :-) Learning curve aside, I preferred them because they were far less complicated (to me) than having to "insert" my feet into something, regardless how minimal. I literally rode all day long on those pedals!

Whichever way you go, you will need stiffer soled shoes - regular sneakers won't provide that. The stiffer the sole, the less chance for hot spots to develop in your feet from the sole of your shoe collapsing around the pedal and that causes problems. I rode thousands of miles on BMX, or "pinned" platform pedals and really like them. MY platform pedal of choice is the Sunringle ZuZu.

The best shoes I found for my platform pedals was the Keen Commuter. Frankly I strongly disliked them for use with cleats (not stiff enough), but they were great for use with my platform pedals. Just stiff enough, yet fine for walking around and for other use. They have a different profile than the usual Keen hiking sandals and I still wear mine for other use. I got them from a TE member in 2010 and they still look no different than they did then! They LAST!

[Jolt]

For ME, I strongly preferred my good quality BMX pedals over anything until I moved to Frogs. The Five Tens are most useful for this style of pedals as the pins in the pedals can more easily bite into the sole - which provides stability and makes it even less likely that your feet will fly off the pedal at the most inopportune moment. The downside of "pinned", or BMX pedals (whichever way you wish to refer to them), is the learning curve on stopping to prevent pedal slap. THAT will leave scars, because they are, basically, little meat grinders. I learned pretty quickly how to prevent that, and my scars faded :-) Learning curve aside, I preferred them because they were far less complicated (to me) than having to "insert" my feet into something, regardless how minimal. I literally rode all day long on those pedals!

Whichever way you go, you will need stiffer soled shoes - regular sneakers won't provide that. The stiffer the sole, the less chance for hot spots to develop in your feet from the sole of your shoe collapsing around the pedal and that causes problems. I rode thousands of miles on BMX, or "pinned" platform pedals and really like them. MY platform pedal of choice is the Sunringle ZuZu.

The best shoes I found for my platform pedals was the Keen Commuter. Frankly I strongly disliked them for use with cleats (not stiff enough), but they were great for use with my platform pedals. Just stiff enough, yet fine for walking around and for other use. They have a different profile than the usual Keen hiking sandals and I still wear mine for other use. I got them from a TE member in 2010 and they still look no different than they did then! They LAST!

Those Keen sandals look like they might be good...I also see that they are on sale at JensonUSA for half price right now, if a size 6 would work (I usually wear a 6 or 6.5). How different are they from regular Keens?