WANTED: Mountain SPD compatible shoes (and pedals?) recommendation

[Grog]

Hi ladies!

I'm going to get a new pair of shoes and I want to go back to receded cleats, i.e. cleats IN the sole so I can walk without looking like a duck or fearing to fall.

I currently have Specialized Pro Carbon road shoes with very stiff carbon soles. I love them. I know I can find equally stiff soles in "mountain" shoes. Please tell me which ones you have, how stiff they are, and whether you'd recommend them.

Also, any recommendation for receded-cleat pedals will be welcome. I have an old pair of mountain SPDs that would do the trick but I'm open to trying others!

Thank you!

[KnottedYet]

I have Speedplay Frogs (love love love!) and Specialized Taho shoes.

The shoes are probably too soft for what you're looking for, but they are mighty comfortable, and I've walked a lot in them, no problem.

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Shoes/product_125934.shtml
http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.frog

[Tokie]

I need some recessed cleats and pedals for touring this summer. I'm trying to decide between frogs and eggbeaters. I already know that specialized shoes are best for my knees. I do need plenty of float, and use speedplays on my road bike. Anyone have eggbeater experience? Thanks! Tokie

[VeloVT]

Tokie,
I have eggbeaters on my cx bike. Super easy in and out and shed mud/ice/slop like a charm. Not sure what the degree of float is but definitely more than my road pedals... I actually prefer less float, but they do the job I want them to do .

I have Sidi Blaze shoes for my eggbeater bike. They're the cheapest Sidi mountain shoes (or were when I bought them). Very comfortable, reasonably stiff but I"m sure less stiff than your Specialized carbon road shoes (less stiff than my Sidi road shoes too).

[mimitabby]

I have SIDI MTB shoes and SPD's - they are fairly recessed.

[melissam]

Hi Grog,

I have a pair of Specialized BG Comp Motodiva shoes. They're probably very similar to the shoes you currently have, but the Motodiva's don't have a carbon sole.

I haven't noticed any issues with the sole not being stiff enough during riding; my longest ride in these shoes has been a 60 miler, but I have 70 miler planned for Saturday. I feel pretty comfy walking in these shoes. My Shimano SH-M036W shoes are more comfy to walk in, but I don't think they're as stiff as the Motodivas.

Hope this helps.

-- Melissa