As you know I am all for try before you buy! However one of the first upgrades I always suggest to people is cycling shoes. I quickly follow up that you don't have to put cleats on them. Even without cleats I think the benefits provided by the stiffer sole are so worth it in comfort and efficiency. So my advice would be buy some shoes, give the cleats a try, and if you don't like being clipped in the shoes will still be a great upgrade on their own.