Originally Posted by Dogbait

and...

Spend some time getting the right shoe. Don't make it a fashion decision. Go to a shop that does a lot of MTB business and is used to fitting MTB shoes. I bought a pair of $80 Shimano shoes and used them for a year with clips an' straps and they were just fine. Later on I mounted a set of cleats to use them with a pair of Shimano M520 pedals and they get a little uncomfortable after about 30 miles (no breaks, steady riding).
The Shimanos are quite comfortable to walk in. When I put a pair of Candy's on another bike, I had to get another pair of shoes and went to a good MTB shop and spent about an hour trying on shoes and asking questions.... came away with a slightly more expensive pair of Specialized shoes that are the ugliest shoes I have ever worn on a bike. They are also a little more uncomfortable to walk in but on the bike they are the best... no hot spots, no knee pain, comfortable all day, easy to clip in and out... just ugly.

Dogbait