Cleats - from one style to another - help appreciated

johnbirkby46213

Hi
Currently I use spd cleats on my mtb style shoes. They are fine. However I was wondering if moving to the wider based cleats and hard soles would offer significant advantage over my old shoes. I do not race so thats not an issue. Would I notice the difference on a hill for instance?
I know that I would not enjoy walking in the new cleats (an obvious advantage of my old shoes) but would put up with "the silly walk" if you think the advantage is significant.

Thanks

JB

whyamihere

If you've never felt discomfort in your foot from the pedals, there's no point. Because MTB cleats are small, and the soles aren't as stiff as road race shoes, they can be uncomfortable over large distances. If you've never noticed this, there's no point in upgrading.

cycologist

There's a lot to be said for being able to walk in cycling shoes without feeling like Bambi on ice . As whyamihere suggests , if you havn't found a problem with your feet hurting then you may as well save your pennies.

Lagavulin

Don't know what shoes you currently use but I've found the Spesh Expert MTB shoes (2007) with the added carbon to be discreetly better on long road rides than the Spesh Sport MTB shoes I now relegated for winter rides and moutain bike use.

Besides, I quite like the ability to walk in my shoes. I've found most of my punctures have occured within a couple of miles from home and sometimes I've opted to walk a mile or two home than faff on the roadside.

While I wouldn't mind trying SPD-SLs, I do like the dual side access and greater practicalitywhen not in the saddle means I'll likely be sticking SPDs on my next bike.

* Once tried a 7 mile walk home with a double puncture and tore my right heel to shreds. Was wearing Compeed blister relief patches for about 3 weeks.

If you do think there's too much flex in your current shoes maybe try something stiffer.

PoorBoyPinoy

why worry about walking if you will be on your bike most of the time anyway? Depending on your preferences, a wider base cleat like the SPD-SL may be best for you. However, if you do a lot of walking (i.e.you're a messenger), then stick to the SPDs.

johnbirkby46213

I also should have mentioned that I ride a road bike and not a mountain bike I suppose. Thanks for the views so far. Much appreciated. So far it would seem that there is no "mechanical advantage" in me changing to a wider cleat set-up. And yes, I have felt pain in my foot once. I did the "Ride the Route" sportif from the Tour of Britain last year and my foot felt a bit funny towards the end of the ride (165km) but I could not walk properly for about an hour or so. I have cycled other 160km rides but nothing like THAT amount of hills.
I think I'll wait and read other views on the subject...

JB