Read some of the research in clipping in, read the "Flat pedal manifesto". Then ride the type of pedals that makes sense to you.

Many in the Qc who used to clip in have gone back to flats. I rode in vans for a couple years and then picked up a cheap pair of 5/10 dirtbags. Major improvement- Really stiff soles, sticky on the pedals and 1st ride in'em was the Shiddy Fiddy- 9 laps at Sunder. Finished with no blisters.