Shimano MT31 shoes are cycling shoes intended for cyclists who may find themselves walking a significant amount of time on their rides. Since cycling shoes use a special metal cleat to latch onto clipless pedals, the shoe is designed so that the sole allows for a normal walking stride while also accommodating attachment points for the cleat. However, cleats with a low profile will work best for walking comfort.
Cycling Shoes and Clipless Pedals
Cycling shoes are designed to be a part of a clipless pedal system. Rather than just setting your feet on top of the pedals and driving down, a clipless pedal system connects your feet directly to your pedals, transmitting more energy from each pedal stroke directly into your drive train. The shoes for these systems have stiff soles to prevent energy-robbing flexion and attachment points for cleats that lock into the pedals). Shimano MT31 shoes are an example of this kind of shoe.
Clipless Pedal Cleat Types
Clipless pedal systems come in three basic varieties, based on the number of screws used to attach the cleats to the shoes. There are two-, three- and four-hole varieties. Shimano MT31 shoes use the two-hole format, which is known as the Shimano Pedaling Dynamics or SPD system. Shimano developed the SPD pedals in an effort to create a low-profile cleat that still provides a stable pedaling platform. The original SPD cleats were metal, as an alternative to larger plastic cleats that would abrade with use.
Cycling Shoe Styles
Cycling shoes are intended either for road cycling or mountain biking. Road shoes have very stiff soles. The outer sole is smooth, with no traction, to keep weight down. Mountain bike shoes have slightly more flexible soles with treads and lugs for traction. Road cycling shoes trade walking comfort for pedaling efficiency. Mountain bike shoes are slightly heavier, but allow for the possibility that you may need to walk some distance in rough terrain. MT31 shoes are designed to provide entry-level pedal efficiency and a high level of walking comfort.
Cleat Manufacturers
Clipless pedal systems are generally packaged with the appropriate cleats. All Shimano SPD cleats are compatible with all Shimano SPD pedals. The main difference between the different cleat models is the release. Shimano SH-51 cleats are designed to release from the pedals with a lateral motion. Shimano SH-56 cleats are designed to have a much wider range of release. The deciding factor is your personal preference and style of riding; a lateral release is more secure, while a multi-directional release allows you to get out of the pedals more quickly in treacherous terrain.
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