I like the specialized BG comps. Stiff plasctic sole and are pretty comfy. Im tuff on shoes too. been through 3 crashes(1 really hard one) during my learning process of riding and they are quite beat up but still work flawlessly. The ratchet design is really good and has never slipped a tooth on me. Just have to be gentle with it and squeeze it a litle bit with your free hand when sinching them ULTRA tight.

at only 120 I think they are a steal. they make a carbon version too (which I do NOT like)