I'm a fan of buying pedals in person to be sure they are big enough for my feet. Most cheap pedals are fine for me, I've experimented with fancy and they just aren't what I need. I use mini clips which are basically toe clips with the tops cut off and without the straps. these keep my feet in place just fine so I don't need spikes. I use stiff walking shoes but experimented with flexible fisherman style sandals last summer due to a gout attack and was surprised that they were just fine. they have rubber fronts where my running "sneakers" do not and so the mini clips especially the metal ones rub against my toes so I prefer a shoe (or sandal) with toe protection. I'd love to get a pair of MTB shoes.