Originally Posted by Greg_R

How big are you? A properly built wheel should have none of the problems you describe (continual need for spokes and truing) unless you are jumping curbs all the time.

As for pedals, why not get some MTB shoes? The cleats are recessed in the shoes (i.e. walking is easy). There are some downhill options with very large platforms.

However, it really sounds like you have a shoe problem with your current SPDs. Either the shoes are too flexible (you can feel the cleat through the shoe) or they don't fit correctly. Go to a shop that knows what they are doing and have them take a look.

If you really just want something different then I'll cast my vote toward Time MTB pedals. I have a set of the Roc ATACs and really like them. You might like the larger platforms on the 'Z' series. Note that these require MTB shoes.