I've tried to use cheap off-brand replacement cleats, but they never work as well as the branded ones from Look or Garmin. These engage and disengage perfectly, as they should. The rubber padding on the bottoms is less slippery than the typical, harder plastic. I don't know yet how long they will last. For my typical training, I don't walk around that much. However, when we get into the summer with some long events, I'll be stomping around feed stops where the cleats usually get chewed up. This is also the first time I used the grey float, usually using the red. When it comes time to replace the cleats on my other road shoes, I'll go with these again.
I used Speedplay pedals for many years. I got stuck in them several times-meaning I could not break the cleat free from the pedal because dirt was in the cleat. Not again.
These Shimano pedals are a good value. I can't see ever getting stuck in them. Exiting the pedal is easy.
I don't like how the pedal is alway turned to the wrong side when I try to clip in. I wish they were weighted so the enty side was alway up. (Speedplay you could use either side) Not a big deal but if you are on a race start you would be left in the dust trying to clip in.
I don't know why I switched over from the OG SPD 747 to the Eggbeaters, I guess for the weight weenie saving. After years of cyclocross racing on the eggbeaters, I noticed (even with new cleats) that my pedals were not holding tightly to my cleats anymore.
So mid way into 2025 cross season, I decided to switch to SPD's. Happy to be back! Adjustablility is on point, mud shedding flawless and clipping in and out with the new MT-001 is awesome!
I purchased these with high expectations - thought they were a step up from the multi exit SH-56 cleats. Glad I tried them out before my Arizona trip.
I am not quite sure what Shimano tried to accomplish with these cleats - they work but for me not as well as the SH-56. As soon as I put them on I went back to the SM-SH56. I did not feel I could get out of them as quickly and easily as I liked for mountain biking. Maybe for gravel biking they are ok, but so are the SM-SH56. I still prefer SPD over platform pedals and the SM-SH56 in the lowest retention setting are a good compromise for me.
