Originally Posted by
doug59
Glad to read this. What type of shoe (brand / model) did you get? How about the pedals?
I've found these on Amazon but I'm not sure if my LBS will carry them.
[url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LWGSGZ2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=A3VFOJ1QCSBHXCAmazon.com: Shimano Unisex SH-CT41 Cycling Shoes, Black, 43.0: Shoes[/url]
I bought the CT 45 shoes.
The CT45 and the CT41 are both very lightweight, shoes. Made more for light weight, breathability and off-bike comfort than sturdier shoes. I will probably get a pair of sturdier SPD shoes at some point as I don't see these being super-durable in any case. But they are light and comfortable and you can walk around off the bike with no problems at all--no clicking of cleats on hard surfaces. Also, I'm 99% certain that it's the "Clik'R" pedal + the SH56 multi-release cleat combination that makes clipping out easy; you could use ANY SPD shoes with the "Clik'R" + SH56 and get the benefits.
[url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D85K5OA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=A3TCNCNGLOHBSA]
I got the PDT400.
They have SPD bindings on both sides, instead of one side SPD, one side flat. It IS possible and easy to pedal with regular shoes on these, but if I were doing a lot of riding with non-bike shoes, I'd get the dual-purpose ones.
FWIW, I bought both at REI. The pedals were $65 + tax vs. $42 on Amazon. Amazon doesn't have the shoes. REI guys were very helpful in getting the right size and getting the cleats mounted in the (theoretically) right position--they measured my feet and the distance between the "ball" of the foot and middle of the instep and placed the cleats accordingly. Plus REI has a 10% dividend at the end of the year; plus no-hassle returns. I figure they easily earn the extra $$ with their customer service.
I think you are right--those shoes are SPD-L specific (vertical 2-hole pattern) and won't take the the SPD cleats (horizontal 2-hole). They look like nice shoes though.
HTH.
STP