I've just invested in a pair of SPD pedals and am now on the hunt for a pair of SPD compatable shoes (it's alright, I got some M324's so I can still ride while on the hunt...). This is the first time I've ever used SPDs, so was wondering what a good "beginner" shoe might be.

Should I give the Shim M020's a whirl, or head straight for a pair of Rockhoppers? Or, indeed, are there any other, better alternatives for the utter incompetent... er, I mean novice?

I've got the black boot style rockhoppers (pro's or comps or something) and they are pretty good. Comfortable, good for walking and with plenty of grip come the walking up the hill pushing a bike moments, dont look too geeky for the pub, offer decent extra protection for the ankle.

Downside, not too waterproof and tend to act like buckets in very heavy weather or waterlogged paths (fill with water that wont come out until you take 'em off nad tip them out).

Mates got some shimano shoes which seem ok but lack the grip and extra protection - I much prefer the look of mine.

A mate just replaced his old Answer SPD shoes with a pair of Rockhoppers (the black ones with the yellow detail) and he reckons they are very good indeed. I like my Cannondale shoes.

I'd guess that "beginners" would appreciate the more casual style of SPD shoes, with slightly flexible soles that you can walk on and not out-and-out racer stylings. If that's what you're after, the Rockhoppers seem to be a good value bet.

i have some cheap m37 shimanos. does the job and who changed my face? i'm meant to be zebedee.

I like the Pearl Izumi Vagabonds. Refreshingly free from mesh so okay with dampness, good stiff sole, lots of abuse and still going strong plus last year's are sort of beige suede so you don't look like a swanky race boy. Wiggle were selling last year's design cheap, but don't know if there are any left.

I have a pair of Shimano M037 shoes which are my first pair, and I'm really pleased with them. They're good on the bike and you can wear them off the bike and still walk pretty normally and not look odd. Still going strong a year and a half old.

I recently asked a similar question, after having a pair of Shimano 101 boots. General recomendation was for the Spech shoes, ended up with Spech MTB comp (?) for £75 great, easy to clip in and out and comfortable.