i have fat feet. so i guess that rules out the lakes. i haven't even considered the specialized line of shoes, but i like everything else they do so i guess i should try some on. the sidis are pretty cool. i don't know if you can go wrong with a pair of italian leather biking shoes so i guess my main questions is as follows. like claw, i too am weary of the ratchet mechanism. i just don't know if it's worth the extra money. profail thinks so.

thanks everyone for all the helpful input. happy trails!