Originally Posted by
Leo1903
I was told that because of the smaller platform (about 1.25 x 1.25"), it might be more comfortable to go with a cycling shoe which has a firmer than average sole, in order to distribute the pressure over a greater area of the underside of the shoe.
Probably not true, at least not in my experience. Some people get hot spots on their feet because their shoes are too tight, or they tend to mash pedals rather than spin - this is nature's way of telling you that you're not bicycling in an efficient manner.
As previously mentioned by others, sandals, esp. shimano, are very popular for touring. They are NOT a firm-soled cycling shoe, which is what makes them comfortable to walk in.
A firm (carbon) soled shoe is more efficient for transferring pedaling action into forward motion, so get one if this is important to you.