Quote Originally Posted by alpinerabbit View Post
SPD pedals should be very easy to get out of.

The whole clipless experience is not designed to be painful... to talk to the store you bought them from.
Right on. I've used a couple models of SPDs and prefer them because they are so easy to get out of. You must make sure the tension is set to the easiest setting, for real. It may help to stop into your trusty bike shop for some assistance. :-)

Also, if you're riding in muddy conditions, that can make it difficult to clip out. Just kick the pedal to knock the mud off.