Originally Posted by
slcbob
+1 to the reasoning: cheap enough to replace when it becomes an issue, carry on.
I'm surprised you're making as much clicking / crunching as you seem to be describing. I'm using Sidi Dominators with Crank Bros cleats and it's not very noticeable. There are lots of different treads, cleat heights, and even shims out there. If this is to the point where you're changing your gait, you may want to investigate. Particularly since slipping and going down hard is a distinct possibility.
It may be that his shoes are worn to the point that the cleats are hitting the floor much easier now.
I too use SPDs and find the cleats to not be an issue. I don't know if I would pirouette on a nice wooden floor with my cleats on, but otherwise I find them to be no problem.