Stiffness helps prevent hotspots from the cleat and keeps the center section from folding. Powertransfer is bull. The stiffer sole shoe probably has better venting too
Get shoes with 2+ adjustments. Order shoes by foot measurement in MM +5-10mm. Order a few shoes and wear them for an hour at your desk/watching TV.
At that price point, look at:
the Fizik Tempo R5 Overcurve Shoe - BikeShoes.com - Free 3 day shipping on orders over $50
Fi’zi:k Tempo R5 Powerstrap Cycling Shoe
Giro Cadet Men's Road Shoe - BikeShoes.com - Free 3 day shipping on orders over $50
The Torch 2.0
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bike-clothing/cycling-shoes/road-bike-shoes/mens-road-bike-shoes/bontrager-circuit-road-cycling-shoe/p/34132/?colorCode=black