Any users of Shimano XTR M9020 Trail SPD pedals?

Does anyone use Shimano XTR M9020 Trail SPD pedals? If so, does the pedal have more contact with your shoes than just the pedal engagement area? I bought some and the "contact plate" doesn't come in touch with my Sidi Dominator shoes, which is what I assumed would happen, giving me a bigger pedaling surface. There is about a gap of about 1mm between the shoe and the pedal "wings". Since I know this is a bad description, below is an equally bad picture -- my shoe upside down, pedal attached, arrows pointing at the gaps:

Attachment 17766
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Is that normal for those pedals or related to my shoes? Perhaps when I put my weight on the pedal, I force the shoe to touch the contact plates. I was hoping that this type of pedal might relieve the "hot foot" pain I experience on long grave rides.

Thanks in advance for any hints.