General Cycling Discussion - Specialized Sonoma Shoe?

Hi,

I am rather new to biking and currently use pedals with toe clips.

I am currently using Adidas Samba soccer shoes much to the
horror of the LBS.

I think I might like to try clipless pedals this coming spring...

I have been looking around for shoes that might be able to
be used with toe-clips and SPD pedals.

I found the Specialized Sonoma Shoe http://backbaybicycles.com/itemdetails.cfm?sort=priceasc&LibId=38245 .

This shoe looks like it might be useful as a dual purpose
shoe. The bottom looks fairly flat which might ease the
exit from toe-clips...

Anyone have any experience with this shoe?

Thanks

Jerry

I, too, ride with toe clips. Like you I wanted a stiffer, cycling-specific shoe suitable for clips and went with the Sonoma. I've ridden about 3200 miles with them since August and have to say I'm sorry I waited so long. No more sore feet from too-soft soles when doing long rides. Centuries used to kill my feet in tennis shoes; no problem at all now. Mine fit great, are very comfortable, allow me to walk easily, and fit well regardless of whether I have thin socks on or woolies in the cold. Of course they do flow air, so the cold can be an issue. I wore woolies today and put sandwich baggies over my toes in my shoes today for a 30-miler at 30 degrees. Hard to find a general purpose shoe with no mesh, though. I'll buy another pair when these wear out some day.

How are these for general wear-ability? I'm looking for something I can wear off-bike for a little while without feeling like my feet are stuffed into sardine-cans.