That is a touring/mountain bike shoe... if you add a cleat, it will be recessed. The shoe is meant to walk around in. A roadie shoe has a smooth botton; no outer platoons to walk on. I now wear MTB shows for road and mountain biking. I used to tour with roadie shoes but would wear out cleats and it was totally uncomfortable. I now buy Sidi Dominators, add a cleat and can walk around OK. The shoe you bought seems to be even more comfortsable. Good deal...