Actually, they are a lot different than MTB shoes. For one thing, they are much easier to walk in, feeling more like walking shoes than stiff hiking boots the way MTB shoes feel. For another, they are shaped much better to fit in toe clips, whereas MTB shoes are taller and the sole is more curved. And the little rib cleats really help keep your foot in place when pulling back such as out of the saddle climbing. I too only use them on my vintage rigs, having long since switched to clipless for my modern rides.