Hi everyone,

I've set up my bike with Shimano MTB pedals and they work for me. I also have a pair of SDP-SL pedals that I may put on them sometime.

The shoes I am currently using are Specialized Sonomas. They are basically MTB shoes but more casual like and even easier to walk in than MTB shoes. But they do trade off stiffness while riding a bit.

So I am considering getting another stiffer pair of shoes. But getting a pair of road shoes that will take both SPD and SPD-SL cleats so I can switch over pedals if I ever feel the need. They would really be for longer rides to increase efficiency.

So, other than perhaps being laughed at, if there any reason why pytting SPD cleats on road shoes to use with MTB pedals?

The only reason I can think is while walking to will 'crunch' a bit more as there is not rubber bottom on the bottom of SPD cleats, like there is on SPD-SL cleats.

When I first went to road shoes I initially stayed with SPDs. I found that the cleat didn't really have any way to guide itself onto the pedal and the shoe didn't help. Because the cleat is recessed on MTB shoes, the tread guides the pedal into the cleat. The result was a lot of missed clipins, and general frustration. I switched to speedplays shortly after. ymmv

I use SPD pedals and it works great for me. I keep reading this forum thinking that I need to change to road type cleats, then I wonder why. I love being able to walk in the shoes, I don't get hot spots, I love the dual sided pedals, and I like having the same shoes work in my MTB bike, commuter, and road bike.

Hmmm...I've been on my Specialized MTB shoes for a few weeks now and notice that crunch sound. I assumed it was maybe a slightly off cleat that was protruding, because isn't the point of MTB shoes that they are walkable? Therefore when I need to walk I kind of walk on the outside part of the shoe so as to not get that sound. I didn't want to ruin the cleat.

Is that sound normal and I can walk on it flat footed without ruining the cleat?

But are you using the SPD pedals with road shoes or MTB shoes? Nothing wrong with using SPD cleats on a road bike, but not the best combo with road shoes.

The tread may have worn down a bit.

+1 on this. /\

There is however, no problem in doing so. Once you get still soles and lighter weights, you will wonder why you used MTB shoes on your road bike.

No reason not to use road shoes with mt SPD pedals. Lots of people do this.

They're brand new shoes. Something's wrong with the cleat installation then?

Johnnyutah75 wrote: "I've been on my Specialized MTB shoes for a few weeks now and notice that crunch sound.

If you're hearing a crunching sound when you're walking outside, it's probably just pebbles or whatever coming in contact with your cleats. It's normal.

I'm guessing you don't have this problem indoors.

Just last night I put SPD's on my new road shoes. I like the SPD's, and I figure sometimes I'll still want to use the mountain shoes when I plan on going somewhere and doing some walking around. But if I am out only for riding I thought I'd try a stiffer road shoe.

One more step in a slow gradual transition that took me from old sweaty tee shirt, running shorts, and "gym shoes" to Spandex...and beyond. I am now about as close as I'll ever be to "one of those bike nuts"

Using MTB shoes. I need to walk a little from where the bike lockers are to where my building is at work.

The OP's question was about using SPD pedals & cleats with road shoes.

Yea only outside. Indoors there's no sound. Guess it's normal then. Thanks.

There are uber stiff MTN shoes for spd cleats. Specialized makes some. You can walk in them, but since they don't flex it is a bit clompy. But they walk way better than road shoes do with road cleats on them. So no need to switch to road shoes just because you want stiffness. I spent a year trying to like my look keo's, then went back to spd.

Look into these -

https://bike.shimano.com/publish/cont...31.-type-.html

Road type shoe but takes standard SPD cleats. I used to use the older version of these with the single sided road spd pedal. Loved them.

I have used SPD cleats on road shoes for over a year and have no problems. Initially it was out of convenience, I was able to get a set of cleats and pedals from a friend for a great price so I put them on and haven't changed back. IMHO
DJ

Looking around I just had another idea. I found these "SPD Road Cleats".
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Sh...00000887/#more

They look like a normal SPD cleat but with little rubber bits attached, rather like the same idea the SPD-SL cleats have. It seems like a pretty good idea if you are using Road shoes with Road bike and SPD (MTB) pedals and still want to walk at least a little.

Has anyone used these or can comment on them?

I would get those if using SPD cleats on road shoes is a must, because otherwise its a bad idea. Most of the reasons have been said - its just not a stable, comfortable, easy to use interface. There is a reason why road shoes are starting to ditch the SPD mount and just have the nice clean 3 hole pattern. If you want SPD pedals, get comfort/MTB shoes. Otherwise get real road pedals if using road shoes for so many reasons.