Are clipless bike shoes similar to saddles with respect to comfort? Is there a particular brand, model and price range that can pretty much guarantee a happy customer? Happy meaning comfortable over extended distances.

Is this a can of worms topic?

I only have one pair of clipless shoes but if cycling shoes are anything like regular shoes, price isn't always an indication of comfort. There are comfortable Payless shoes and uncomfortable $800 shoes. I suspect it's like everything, you just have to find something that works for you whether they cost $80 or or $400.

As for "pretty much guarantee a happy customer", I am pretty much certain no pair of shoes (or anything for that matter) will make every customer happy.

Too little too late kidd

this is the worst ever parody thread. worst ever. fail. facepalm. bonzo.

I guess I'm very gullible.

no. it's just an awful parody which is rubbish. a joke without a punchline is not a joke.

i say go with spd-sl. easy to get in and out of.

A serious answer: When I went shoe shopping I was willing to spend up to about $200 on a pair. I was looking for a carbon sole, buckle straps, fancy adjustments for when I'm riding if I want to undo them a bit or what not. I tried on S-works, Sidi, and Shimano's highest end shoes. I ended up picking Shimano R098 for about $60. They don't have a buckle strap. They don't have a carbon sole. They don't have any fancy adjustments. I and my feet are extremely happy.

the title sounds good, I think I've used it before

Is this an **** or ibtf moment?

Worst ever reply. It's beneath me to even respond.

Parody thread, pfff. I'm serious! What's a good pair of shoes? And why are they good? Does price make a difference? I'm just hoping for a summarized overview from some experienced roadies.

No you're not. You're the cream of BF. All these other shmoes are just a bunch of snide blowhards.

Go see what feels good to you, get them.

I could have come up with that!

What's wrong with you people!? BF is known for endless discussions about seats, stems, wheels, tires, pumps. All I'm asking is for a shoe overview. Is that so hard?

are you a noob?

Go to a bike shop and try on as many kinds as you can. Get what feels right. The sides and tops should fit like regular shoes. The soles are often too stiff for walking very far, but try them out. Make sure they fit.

Whatever brand fits, wins. Just like with other shoes, different people like different brands.

Shimano, Sidi, and Specialized all make shoes that fit me well. Pearl Izumis and Forte feel horrible. I know other people that like have the opposite reaction to those brands.

lame

haven't you ever bought a pair of shoes before?

Yes -- it's like saddles (in that there is no particular brand, model or price that guarantees comfort)
No -- ppl have different shaped feet (duh)
Maybe -- it's not a can of worms topic, but it has a parody title

Then buy off of the internet.

You wanted a can of worms?

No Mom. I need your help.

So I'm getting from the replies that shoes are shoes. Fine.

Your location reads "Topanga Canyon": I thought that the only thing people wore there were loin clothes and flip flops.

While lopping around with slump shoulders smoking doobies and flashing the peace sign.

I'm one of the iconoclasts around here though because I ride a road bike.

SRAM needs to start making shoes, seatposts, frames, forks, heatsets, etc. so we can babble about SRAM vs. the world.