Vibram soles are often referred to as waffle stompers. They are seriously lugged and would be right at home on a hiking trail which is just what I wanted. I'll bet the size 41.5 Lake MX255 soles are as big as a typical size 43 or 44 road shoe. They look more like work boots than mountain biking shoes and the cleats are recessed enough that I don't clickety clack on the tiled floors here either.