We've debated the shoes thing to death around here, and we all have our preferences. Use google to find those threads. in terms of properly using clips, obviously, you're going to need some straps. I'd probably get a button to put on them as well as it makes them easier to pull. Find a shoe that works for you and cinch them down. I'm hoping your clips are the right size so they're placing your foot on the pedal where you're most comfortable and able to put down the most power. The clip is really just there to keep your foot from going forward beyond that point. The strap does all the work in giving you pulling power.