Is it worth buying specialist cycling shoes?

If you think you will be mtbing in mud don't buy them save up for something else, they are shit in mud.

Have you tried Candys. I have a pair on order, for off-roading.

I commute (winter) and sometimes ride trails with eggbeaters, and in my mind nothing clears mud/snow like them.

I do my fixed road riding and summer commute on quattros (commute with eggbeater cleats though) and love the solid feeling connection of these.

I had kinda hoped to get the best of both.