Road Cycling - Quick shoe/pedal questions

First one is for me. I just bought a set of Speedplay X/1’s and love the free float. But the release seems to be incredibly easy. While you foot is really splayed out, once it reaches its max it seems like it just pops right out with no resistance. Is this the way it’s supposed to be or have I mis-configured the cleat?

Second one is for my friend. He just bought a pair of Shimano shoes and near the toe on the sole there is a cutout that doesn’t seem to serve much of a purpose. Anyone know what this is for? Thanks for any help.

Sounds like your Speedplays are working the way they should.

Could the holes in your friend's shoes be air vents?

The cutout is probably where the toe spikes would go.

Sounds like your Speedplays are working the way they should.

Could the holes in your friend's shoes be air vents?

Alright then, just as long as I haven't somehow mounted them wrong. It does feel extremely weird after using fixed look cleats for about 6 months. And I'm not sure what you mean by toe spikes seely.
http://bike.shimano.com/product_images/SH/components/R073.jpg
It's that hole in front of the mounting holes near the toe. All their road shoes seem to have it.

http://bike.shimano.com/product_images/SH/components/R073.jpg
It's that hole in front of the mounting holes near the toe. All their road shoes seem to have it.
What? You've never ridden in the rain? Where do you think all that water goes?

What? You've never ridden in the rain? Where do you think all that water goes?

I've ridden in the rain, but I usually wear those funny neoprene booties. seems like dirty rain water would get splashed up into the shoes, the bottom of my shoes are usually pretty dirty after a wet ride.

I've got a pair of Shimano shoes similar to the ones you posted. Actually, I have no clue what the hole is for.