SPD / SPDL compatibility

[miniman]

I've bought a set of Shimano R540 pedals as an intro to SPD but can't decide which shoe to go for. I prefer a "mountain bike shoe" (Specialized Sonoma) - but will they take the cleats for the road pedals?

TIA!

[IroningMan]

R540s are road pedals and require SPD/SL cleats - for which only SPD/SL-compatible shoes will do.

SPD/SL shoes have three bolt holes, and are all road shoes - the size of the cleats makes them impractical for walking and/or off-road use.

If you want shoes that you can walk in then you need SPD pedals: the smaller cleats can be accomodated within something like these.

[miniman]

Lovely, thanks. Shame the "expert" in the bike shop didn't know that.