Suggestions for Pedals/Shoes?

when it comes to shoes for me, i'm all about function over form.  i really don't care what they look like, as long as they feel good.  running shoes more so than cycling shoes, but the same principal for me.  i hear great things about certain shoes, and i go to the store and specifically try those on, but they never feel good to me.  those forte's might not feel good once you try them on.

I bought the shimano pd r540s for my first real bike last summer and I still love them. They feel solid, have a good platform in case you don't get clipped in right away, and have easy tension adjustment. I haven't experienced any other pedals, but coming from a beginner, they were easy to get used to without breaking the bank. I'd say go for it. As for the shoes, I have no experience with them sorry!

R540s are good enough for a few years at least and are decent pedals.

Shoes are another matter all together. Go to the bike store that sells at least a few types and try them on. Try them ALL on. Some that look great won't fit your particular feet. For instance Specialized tends to have a bigger toe box and Sidi tends to fit skinny feet better. Some find different shoes are about like torture after a few minutes that looked great and sounded good on paper.

Go try them on first and make sure you can return them.