I'm looking for shoes for use on my hybrid (Sirrus Comp) and my Shimano T780 SPD pedals. Nearly all riding will be in the city. I'm looking for something that strikes the right balance between comfort and cycling efficiency.

I went to three stores: REI, Helens and Cynergy and in my first pass, I narrowed it down to these three contenders:

1 - Shimano M089
2 - Specialized Rime Elite
3 - Pearl Izumi X-Alp Drift III

All three seemed comfortable enough in the store but I have no idea how they'll feel on the bike.

The Specialized shoes appealed to me the most, though I cannot be sure if it was the actual shoe or the happy customer who swore by his own Rime Elites. The Shimanos seemed all business and had a tightening device that I thought might make for a better ride. The Pearl Izumi's were the most fun of all, being very lightweight and comfortable, though I'm a little concerned about the lack of lateral support.

Any thoughts or insights from the group would be most appreciated.

Which fits your feet best?

Pearl Izumi, and in the end, that's what I bought. Love the shoes, though the shoelace yoke broke after two days and REI is shipping me another pair.

Not hijack the thread but I wear Shimano MTB shoes. They look like hiking shoes with cleats on the bottom. What type of shoe do you prefer, road or MTB?

Not hijack the thread but I wear Shimano MTB shoes. They look like hiking shoes with cleats on the bottom. What type of shoe do you prefer, road or MTB?

I have had a pair of Bontrager "Street" shoes for about four years. It looks like they have been replaced by the "Solstice". They have a two bolt (SPD) recessed cleat and a slight heal so you can walk in them. Mine are all black, like a classic cycling shoe. I wanted something that didn't have the color and graphics of a road shoe, but also didn't look like a hiking boot. Bontrager Solstice | Cycling shoes | Cycling apparel | Apparel

I just bought a new pair and considered the Shimano M089 but decided on the Shimano M162 which I am very happy with. The Pearl Izumi you got looks like they will fit your needs pretty well.

I use a well worn pair of northface hiking sneakers and raceface platform pedals.
Very comfortable and those angle cut pins make them super sticky