SPD Cleats-Brand Difference?
 

Our cleats are wearing thin and it is time to get replacements. I can get Shimano or Wellgo brand. Wondering about quality difference between the two?
Thanks!

It has been a while but I found Wellgo cleats useable but not a perfect match with Shimano pedals. While Nashbar was still around, buying new Shimano pedals seemed to be the best way to get new cleats. Not sure about now.

Whatever you do —- do not buy the ‘after-market’ type Shimano cleats. Buy the real ones from Shimano as they are a touch better and not a piece of junk as I found out with the knock-offs.
Kindly —- Don

Real ones are so stupid cheap, just get the original article.

Buy the same brand cleats as your pedals. The "compatible" ones are never as compatible as the genuine ones. Wellgo cleats are fine if you have Wellgo pedals.

Considering the potentially unpleasant consequences if cleat failure and the relatively small saving, this is one place that I wouldn’t cheap out on. The trouble is that because there are so many knock-offs out there, it’s hard to ensure that you’re getting the real thing if you buy from e.g. Amazon. I always get my SPD-SL cleats from the LBS

I have both Shimano and Wellgo cleats. the Shimano are a little better finished.

This!

Sounds like I will stick with Shimano. Thanks for your replies!

I pick up cleats from time to time at bike co-ops.

I did find a batch once that were visibly different. I should have bought them for comparison. On the front of the cleat, there were two shoulders that aid with release, but I think a couple were missing that feature.

Size?

I haven't tried the multi-release cleats myself as they don't appeal to me. So, I just go with the standard cleats.

I haven't tried Wellgo cleats, but have done reasonably well with XPedo cleats. I did have issues with unintentional releases from I think my left XPedo R-Force pedal (never issues with M-Force 8 pedals). I thought it was wear on the pedal, but perhaps a combination of wear on the pedal + worn cleats?