********? YES!!! But hey, as a newbie I was hesitant to be "clipped" in onto a bike. The pedals came with the purchase so I just used my tennis shoes - I got used to it quickly though. I can't wait to try the shoes though!!!!! The stiff sole (instead of a floppy tennis shoe), the even distribution of force on the whole foot (instead of feeling two metal ridges - not even a flat surface, to pedal on), the ability to pedal without slipping, and losing the entangled mess that shoe laces give when they get stuck with the chain or crank...

Thinking about it, I don't even know how I managed a 20 mph average on my 21.3 mile ride today!!!!!! Best time so far!!!!