My experience is limited to two different sets of SPD peddles and the two sets of cleats that came with each. One set was from Performance and the other was Ritchie. For the most part they were interchangeable. It was noticed that due to slight manufacturing tolerance differences, my older set of Ritchie cleats were very difficult to use with the Performance peddles. When I compared the two peddle sets there were noticeable differences in the contour of the rear spring loaded retaining cleat. Using a die grinder and polish, I was able to change the contour of the new Performance peddles and polish them at the same time. This worked beautifully.