Riding a bike can be as simple as grabbing a helmet and hopping on the bike, or as sophisticated as using aerodynamic components and clipless cycling shoes. The clipless cycling shoes are designed specifically for different types of bikes such as MTB -- mountain -- or road bikes. Even though each type of shoe is designed to function with a particular bike, you can ride any bike with any type of shoe, but you need to have the compatible parts and equipment.
Pedals
One of the most important features that differ among MTB shoes and road cycling shoes is the cleat style and clipless pedal. Road cycling shoes generally have a three-hole clipless pedal style with a cleat that extends from the bottom of the shoe. MTB shoes, however, have a recessed cleat style with a two-hole pedal. If you have to wear MTB shoes on a road bike, you need a set of cleats and clipless pedals that are compatible.
Walking
MTB shoes are designed with an aggressive, lugged outsole and stiff rigidity to improve performance on off-road conditions that require you to push or carry the bike. Road cycling shoes, however, are designed with a smooth outsole and very stiff outsole rigidity for improved aerodynamics. While you rarely have to dismount while riding a road bike, the aggressive, lugged outsole and additional features of MTB shoes don't inhibit your ability to ride.
Power
Cycling shoes and clipless pedals allow you to improve overall power transfer into the pedals by pulling on the upstroke and pushing on the downstroke during every pedal rotation. Road cycling shoes have the very stiff outsole for efficient pedaling and maximum power transfer, while the MTB shoes have softer soles for grip while walking. MTB shoes won't perform as well as road cycling shoes, but they still improve your overall power output.
Overall
By using compatible cleats and clipless pedals, you can use MTB shoes on a road bike. Road commuters and recreational cyclists often prefer a two-sided MTB pedal with MTB shoes. This gives you the versatility of having one type of cycling shoe for different bikes, while the two-sided pedal allows you to ride the bike with regular shoes.
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