Do cycling Shoes make a big difference?

Cycling shoes not only improve comfort while riding but also help you go farther, faster.  With a standard athletic shoe designed for walking/running the shoe bends and conforms to your foot when walking/running.  When cycling, the demands put to your feet are opposite.  Your foot becomes the platform to push and pull on the pedal.  The cycling shoe helps your foot be an efficient platform.  If your shoe flexes when you push down on the pedal it will cause discomfort, your foot is not meant to bend that way.  To achieve a proper platform, both the sole/last and the upper of a cycling shoe are stiff, which both protects your foot and aids in increased pedaling efficiency.   When paired up with clipless pedals, you will be able to take your cycling to the next level.  With clipless pedals your cycling shoe snaps into the pedal allowing you to use the full circle of the pedal stroke.