When I put the Shimano 424 mtb pedals on my road bike some of my friends said that I was taking a step backward. But I didn't care because I put these pedals on for me. They were in terms of comfort and performance more suitable for me than any road pedal that I have tried. Everyone is different so do what make sense to you because you have to live with it. And I love mtb shoes you can walk around in them and not have this annoying obstruction at the bottom of the sole while you are walking. One time my friend slipped and fell while walking on his road shoes with spd's, so I am definitely glad to have mtb shoes with my spd cleats.