Not 'road shoes'...'touring shoes' are what you need. Road shoes, mtb shoes and touring shoes are 3 different animals...wish I had pics. Your lbs steered you towards mtb shoes because they DO have recessed cleats, just not recessed enough. They're made to get off and portage the bike then get back on. Some mtb shoes have 'spikes' ala football or soccer shoes at the toe for hill climbing while carrying the bike. Touring shoes are made for, well...touring. The only shoes I've seen that have the cleat recessed enough to clear the pavement are touring shoes. Like I said, I've got 2 pair of old C'dales, but don't know the model name. Lake makes a pair that LOOK a great deal like the C'dales I have, but are blue/grey/black instead of beige/burgandy/black. Again, I don't know the model, but if you go to the Lake website, I'm sure you'll be able to find them.

Again, congrats on going clipless!