Quote Originally Posted by laura* View Post
Hmmm, the M520's are Shimano's current lowest end double sided SPD pedals. Might your previous bike have had the discontinued M505 or M515's? Looking at the exploded parts lists, the M520 style pedals have a different style cleat holder... while the M505/M515 use the exact same part as my M324's and several other models across the range.
I think those were the M505 pedals - both those numbers sound familiar, but I do think it was 505. Total death traps! I had one ride where I probably toppled over 10 times, all because I couldn't unclip. Even if I knew I was going to have to stop well in advance. The last crash of that ride was on flat pavement with a stop sign ahead. I'd been riding clipless on my road bike for about 10 years at that point, so it wasn't a matter of total newbiness. Those things would NOT release.

I really don't have ANY problems with the 520s (and they are always right there and clip right in - I never have to hunt for them), but if stiff bike shoes, even with recessed cleats, won't work for you, then it does sound like no clipless pedals will work. And some sort of containment is necessary to meet the pulling-up requirement. I think I'd try Bleeker's suggestion and get some Powergrips. Okay - I'd get some sort of awesome climbing bike, but that doesn't solve the pedal/shoe issue.