Thanks for the elaboration Smokehouse. I would only consider SPD cleats in conjunction with MTB shoes with lugs, otherwise what's the point. I do like all the free float of Speedplay pedals, it never bothered me on my frogs. I have had a couple knee surgeries. I'm not saying I need all the float, but I do like to have some, and it doesn't bother me. Yep I've heard the Speedplay road cleats are the worst for walking in and they're also pricey. I guess you find that the SPD-SLs have enough float? Have you ever used cleat covers on them?

I guess if I went on a tour or some kind of ride where I knew in advance I'd want to walk a lot I could swap the SPD pedals back onto my road bike, but in general I don't want to be swapping pedals on a weekly basis.