What are they for? An SPD question

[Fuji Girl]

Hey guys,

I have 2 pairs of SPD shoes - a Nike pair and a Specialized pair. Both have 2 holes on the sole, near the toes, for these small "spikes" to be screwed in (the "spikes" are silver, and have a small flat surface. They came with the shoes, 2 for each shoe, plus a little tool to tighten them). I screwed them in on my Nike shoes, and they just seem to get in the way. I can't figure out what purpose they serve.

Can anyone tell me what they're for? And are they essential to screw in? Can I just leave them out? They make a sickening crunching sound on the concrete, and make me walk funny too.

Thanks!

[slinkedog]

Are your shoes road shoes or mtb shoes? My mtb shoes (I wear them even though I'm a roadie) have something similar to what you describe... they're to help you climb up hills when you're mountainbiking. I figured I'd be walking enough hills that it would be good to have shoes that have better traction, and that's what those things are for.

Yours could be something different, tho. Don't know. Anyone else?

[SadieKate]

If you have mtb shoes, they are for spikes as slinke says (think soccer shoes). They help some folks when walking on a trail. They can be brutal and useless if on pavement or floors.

slinke, you are too funny. I like your label.

[Fuji Girl]

Thanks guys. Both my shoes are MTB shoes - I think you must be right. The Specialized ones come with little covers for the holes, but the Nike ones don't, so mud and dirt and stuff can get inside. I might keep the spikes on the Nike ones for that reason.

[SadieKate]

Naw, just put a piece of duct tape over the holes on the inside of your shoe under the insole. It will be much more comfortable and less destructive to your floors.