It's All About the Shoes
I had been looking for a new pair of road shoes for a while, and finally broke down and spend for a pair of Lakd CX 238s. After getting one set that were too tight and exchanging for a larger size, well, I shouldn't have waited so long. The old Shimanos were good shoes, but after a couple of hours on the road they'd develop "hot spots" at various places on my feet. No such problem now The Lake uppers are very supple, the soles are STIFF, and after a few rides they only feel better. Huge difference between the old and the new. So, I guess you just get what you pay for.
Yeah, I know. I shouldn't be surprised.