I find it very hard to walk on a road shoe with a bare SPD cleat, very "tippy" from side to side.

Do you use an adapter, like this one from Wellgo:



Wellgo Cleat Set 98R

Those are my pedals as well. There's no shame using SPD on the road. Just invest in good shoes.

Agreed. It is difficult to walk in a road shoe with SPD cleats, not to mention the tap dance concrete grinding sound as you try. I was not aware of the adapter so thank you for pointing out its existence. I'm seriously about to get me a set!

I actually changed my mind after shopping around and looking at different products. I just ordered a pair of these SPD cleat covers. I'll see how these work out.

Those cleat covers looks pretty slick, they should at the very least protect floors from damage by the metal SPD cleat.

But I wonder if they will help with the "tippy", rolling in-and-out of the foot while walking. That's what makes those pontoons useful.

After about 20 years using SPD with road shoes, I'm finally "throwing in the towel." I just ordered some Vittoria Ikon shoes from Left Lane Sports (70% off), and some Look Keo compatible pedals.



Vittoria Ikon road shoe

Terry- Since I received my cleat covers today I wanted to fill you in on what I find. They are what you would imagine they are; very light weight rubber type cover. With that said, I immediately felt a remarkable difference as I started walking in my road shoes with exposed SPD cleats. As far as walking on concrete it felt like wearing a completely different shoe. I now feel like when the cleats were exposed the temptation to walk awkwardly was mostly mental. We of course try to walk delicately because we are grinding on the hard surface and even making awful sounds and therefore trying to walk on the extreme end of our heals or toes. With the covers on, I walk completely normally and smooth as silk. Seriously, I can walk on these shoes and cleats while appearing and feeling to walk almost like in tennis shoes. There is no sound and it feels completely stable. I'm shocked actually at how much of a difference it is!

And I never would have even given it a thought or looked these up if you hadn't have mentioned the adapters/pontoons. It's like a whole new world pre and post ride for me! Thanks, man!

I've had triangle pedals for 20 years. Look Delta, Keo, and SPD-SL depending on the year. I never complained.

My gravel bike and pedicab had SPD. I like being able to walk but I've never considered them as good on the open road.

I just recently switched to Speedplay. I have a kid due anytime and it's been super hot, so I've only gotten 2 short rides on them. So far I like the adjustable float and dual sided entry. Something seems off about my right leg but I don't have them dialed just yet.

As a general rule, think road shoes and pedals for riding as long and fast onbthe road as you can. Not for walking. Not for potty breaks.

SPD or similar, coffee shops, walking sections, and foot dabs are all ok.