So I got my first pair of cleats today and decide to learn how to clip in and out. I got the clipping and unclipping down. Clipping back on, after a complete stop, was a little difficult but I got it clipped after two attempts. Anyway, during the ride, I noticed the cleats move and my foot was sliding forwards and backwards on the pedal. Before I did my experiment with my cleats, I read up that your cleats should have a little float to allow your heel to move laterally while pedaling therefore; I did not tighten the cleats too much. My question is

Should I tighten my cleats to the point where it should not move? - OR - Is it normal for my cleat to slide forward and backwards?

Thanks guys

tighten up the cleats so they don't move.
The float you are referring to is the move meant of the cleat in the pedal
You can get different types of cleats that give different float inside the pedal

You should tighten your cleats down. Float has nothing to do with the mounting bolts on your cleats. Secure the cleats to the shoes. What pedal system did you go with?

Float is created by the design of the cleat and pedal. Not by having the cleat loose on your shoe. I would say most likely result of a loose cleat is failure to clip-out with embarrassing results. I tighten my cleats pretty darn hard (loose cleat can also cause annoying creaking).
scott s.
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Leave the cleats really loose.

Have a friend videotape you.

Post on YouTube.

Thanks guys. I'm using SPD-DL pedals for my road bike. My cleats were loose but not loose enough to where I was unable to unclip in time during a stop. So no youtube vid of me falling down

Yellow SPD-SL cleats have 6 degrees of float built in (so tighten them down, and they'll still float). Red cleats don't have float. If they're red and you wanted float, take 'em back and get yellow.

Just an update: I rode a quick 26 miles and had no problems. I tighten them, like all suggested, and felt fine afterwards.

PS: I have the yellow cleats and I'm happy with them.