One thing to keep in mind, when any clipless pedal is new, it is stiff in its release action. I try to do a whole bunch of "in and out" with my shoes just being held in my hands, in order to loosen them up, and I set the tension at looser setting once I am ready to use them on the road. Also, there are some lubes that help with the insertion and release, as said above. Speedplay has its own lubricant, that is supposedly formulated expressly for their particular design. It looked, and felt like, a very weak/thin chain lube, only clear. I just gave away the X-5 Speedplays, that I was given last year, I never felt comfortable using them, and the cleats stick up a good bit further than the SPD-SL does.

I am fortunate, with both clipped and strap quills, and my current SPD-SL pedals, I haven't had a pedal caused fall, but I probably just ruined this, for me. Hopefully, I will just roll with what comes my way.

Bill