I'm a convert from road to mtn shoes. Took a week long tour last summer in road shoes, and by the end of the week I was really tired of of walking like a duck anytime I had to be off the bike. Shopped around and found a pair of Nike mtn shoes that were just as stiff as my road shoes. It's good to be able to walk around without worrying about busting your tail everytime you step onto concrete or other slick material.