Mountain Biking - Need shoes and cleats, any advice?

I am leaning towards a set of Shimano SPD cleats to go with the Wellgo WAM-919s on my new Rogue.

I found these:
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/13245-285_SETEM3-1-Clothing-133-Shoes/Sette-Element-MTB-Shoes.htm
and they look to be what I need. Trouble is I have no idea how to shop for MTB shoes and there isn't a shop in my area that has them. Do I go for the shoes on the tighter side (I wear 10"s but will fit in 9.5"s)?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I am picking up the bike tomorrow and have no shoes to ride it with.

Last week I bought the same pedals you got. I went with Specialized entry level shoes since they are rigid enough for you to pedal but flexible in order to walk. Plus, they actually look like real shoes, not some sci-fi hi-tech martian shoe.

I suggest you check the 'returned goods' section at Nashbar.com

Hope this helps,

Ricardo from Colombia

PS: Don't believe those sales geeks who say that the shoes must be tight. It must be comfortable.

Ricardo (again)

get sumthing that is comfertable to you. i just bought myself shoes becuase they were on clearence for $25 and the pedals were already on the bike but i wear a 9.5 and i got a 9. the 9's do not feel real tight. i mean they feel i little tighter then normals shoes but they feel perfect when biking. i have some anser shoes. all i no is there comfertable and give a good bottom support.

Thanks for the input guys.