I've gone through wearing mtb shoes w/cleats, both domestic & international. Just have them off & ready for the scans, if anyone asked say with 2 words what they are & wait expectantly while they examine. If you're nice you'll be fine.

I don't put them back on after security scans, past security most terminals are moderately clean & carpeted & I take my shoes off on a log flight anyway. I'd advise leaving them in your usual configuration. Many shoes have steel/metal shims/hardware where the cleat is attached, so they're likely to get an extra look regardless of any attempt to make them less conspicuous.