I do spinning and just got my SPD clipless shoes which are not very cheap. Anyhow, I run into someone who does spinning in the same class and told me that she had bought a second pair of shoes (spd) as she was told that she needed to "upgrade her shoes" (she already had spd's). Is there such a thing as to "upgrading" shoes for indoor cycling?

This is not an answer to your question, but if you are already buying clipless shoes, why not just get a bike and enjoy the outdoors?

This is answering your questionn- Yes, just like everything else you get what you pay for with road shoes (thats what those shoes you are buying are made for). The more expensive ones will have better ventilation, be lighter, and have more stiffness in the sole for better power transfer. None of that really means much if you are just spinning away indoors I guess.

agree with above.

Expensive cycling shoes will help your speed and stamina and lets be honest... are not that comfortable. So fo rindoor spinning, trainers are best.

morihuel, keep on Spinning! I have been Spinning for 4-1/2 years, and I understand that is is a whole lot more than just spinning away your time. I also ride a road bike because I love being outdoors on my bike. There is definitely a place for both, and there is no reason not to enjoy an intense Spin class on one day and then do 20 miles of rolling hills the next, voila, best of both worlds. I even have my own Spin bike at home (NXT Johnny G). As for shoes, I think any clipless shoes are just fine for the Spin bike. They are definitely better than using the toe clips, but it is not necessary to have the most expensive ones out there. For the road, you definitely want the best ones you can afford, for all the reasons that aharris expressed, power, ventilation etc. Spin on!!!