Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,135
Likes: 6,360
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
There are plenty of SPD shoes that are fine for walking. I own a few. I even have SPD sandals and SPD running shoes. My favorite SPD shoes for riding are particularly good for hiking in the woods, as they have a goat-hoof-like sole.
I keep slip-on shoes at the office. My SPD commuting shoes are loud on the floor, so I change for that reason. No big deal to me.
I have a compelling reason to prefer SPD which others won't have. I have foot problems, and the cleats help me position my feet properly.