Hi, I had a pair of Shimano SPD shoes years ago (since binned or sold) & I'm looking to try SPD shoes again for gravel riding. One thing I disliked about my shoes was under the insole there was a big recess for accessing/replacing the SPD backplate (as shown here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Pack-of-Genuine-Shimano-4-Hole-SPD-Shoe-Plate-Cleat-Nuts-fits-SH51-SH52-SH56/323968961475).
Do Shimano SPD shoes still have this? I also had a pair of their winter Shimano boots & they didn't have it, but that might've just been to stop the cold/water getting in. I'm not keen on this recess being there as it just looks like it'd do something bad to my foot over time; I'd rather the footbed was smoother.
I read one online shop comment somewhere today that said the Shimano ME502 shoe still had the recess. Can anyone confirm what they're like nowadays please?
Thanks. 🙂
The cleat plate is replaceable but it has a flap to access it so it leaves a smooth area for the insole to sit. You usually just have to tape the edges of the flap to stop any water ingress from the sole.
Thanks, I've ordered a pair of Shimano shoes. Maybe my old ones were missing the cover or they were just like that back then.
They have always had covers (flaps) as far as I can remember. Your old shoes must have just been missing them.
I probably didn't spot them in the box or something stupid. Oh well. Thanks both.
Had a pair from 2001 that had a hard plastic footbed and the hole for cleat plate access. They supplied stickers to go over the hole. The inner sole went straight over the hole but I don't remember being able to feel it.
Oh, you are right CSB, the really old shoes did just have a sticker that you stuck down afterwards for 'waterproofing'.
Realisation is occurring that my memory is not what it once was 😭
