After going back and forth between the options I went with the Shimano SPD PD-ED500. These came with the SH56 multi-release cleats.
It was a very pleasant experience and felt natural which I wasn’t expecting. Clipping in and out was relatively easy. Pedaling clipped in felt much better than running shoes. Wish I had tried this sooner.

Good choice. Sometimes I think SPD might be Shimano's best invention.

I just did a few miles the other night with my new Shimano M324 clipless pedals and I also used the SH56 cleats. Amazing how easily I was able to unclip from the pedals. Can't wait to do a longer ride using them this weekend.

After using "traps" since the mid '70s....I switched to Shimano SPDs in the late '90s.
A couple month's ago I decided to go back to platform pedals/running shoes on one of my bikes for those "casual" rides. I started noticing some hip issues but what convinced me to switch back was hitting a pot hole (that I didn't see) and having my foot almost slip off. It could have been ugly.
After a couple of weeks using SPDs again my hip issues are no longer. I believe the "locked in" position keeps everything in-line. Don't get me wrong I still riding with flats/running shoes (on my Cruiser) but I'm not riding as far or fast......

Thanks for sharing. Good feedback to keep in mind.

I am considering the same move myself.

Flat shoes and grippy pedals is all you need. On my road / race bike I am clipped in. But on my commuter / casual bike just does not make sense. So I have settled on Keen sandals / mtb shoes and RockBros wide pedals. Thats all I need.

I used similar pedals but with a pair of Solomon Ultra X4s....stiff sole lugged running shoes. Unfortunately, the combo was almost not enough for that stealthy pot hole. I think I soiled myself a bit after that one....

I switched to Shimano M530's several years ago. I simply won't go back. I have become so very comfortable with being clipped in. It just feels better now than the various platform pedals I used to have.

**Pedals are very much like saddles and grips. It's an individual and or personal decision on what you want.

I can't say what others need. Some are happy with platforms. I got my wife to try cleats. She fell over and cracked her elbow and won't try them again. I don't blame her. I have medical problems with my feet, and my SPD pedals are lifesavers. I really do need them.

I don't need clipless pedals for my type of riding but that's what I thought was so cool with the Shiman M324 pedals I went with is now I have the best of both worlds. I can either ride clipped in or I can just ride like a normal pedal. It's a win win for me and with the new easier release SH56 cleats is another reason I wanted to give it a try. This weekend I will be riding 20 miles or more so will really give them a good try.

I was going to ask for pedal recommendations, but thanks to this thread, I think I found what I'm looking for. THANK YOU!