Has anyone tried Sixsixone SPD sandals?
 

Has anyone tried these and what are your impressions? They appear to be the most open SPD sandals currently available.

http://www.sixsixone.com/Catalog_661...7-f07aff8508cf

No answers I see. I have gone ahead and ordered a pair from Tree Fort Bikes, on sale for $59.95. I will report on them when they arrive and again if any problems develop.

http://www.treefortbikes.com/187_333...PD-Sandal.html

The sandals just arived and I am wearing them around the house now. I have not yet installed SPD cleats.

Size seems to run a tad smaller an narrower than the equivalent Shimano SPD sandals (43-44 size) but is within my expected fit range.

Definitely the most open top and sides SPD sandals I have seen. They are completely open down to the sole on the inner side between the front and rear straps and are cut much lower on the outside as well as having larger openings cut out near the sole on both sides. IMO the first SPD sandals I have seen that look like many standard fairly open top sandals.

The sole is not as stiff as Shimano sandals so they may not be as comfortable as the Shimano SPD sandals for longer distance rides. I will just have to see if they cause a hot spot above the cleat mounting area. They may be more comfortable when off of the bike for walking.

I just installed the cleats on the Sissixone sandals. The sandals have a three level sole in the cleat area and the cleat sits deeper compared to the outermost area of the sole than on any other SPD shoes or sandals I have seen. No noticeable noise when walking on concrete or other slightly rough texture surfaces.

The soles and cleats work fine with A530 and M324 pedals but the deeper recessing causes difficult release with my pair of M545 pedals with the large surround. The outer raised sole is apparently engaging the cage area which does not allow any float and makes disengaging difficult. IMO not recommended for use with that family of Shimano pedals. The sandals should be fine too with normal Shimano dual sided MTB pedals, just not with the M545, M424 and M647 type pedals.