SHIMANO SPD Cleat Set Multi-Directional Release Type SM-SH56

Highly recommended

worth the price for the real thing...they fit, they work and they last

Original...

I recommend these (silver, "multi-release") cleats over the black ("single-release") that always come with the shoes or the pedals. The multi-release is easier to mount initially and more comfortable because of some "float" (movement within a few degrees), and instead of being forced into one heel-outward release movement, you can move your heel right, left, even straight up. The pedals are adjustable for tension - set them according to your experience, style and preference; you can sprint, spin, stand and climb, and still have the multi-release benefits (comfort and safety). If you're not familiar with these, the connection to the pedals is almost cosmic: they "know" when you want the juice ... or just out? Okay. The lightest little "click." They're really quite amazing. The benefit of the single-release blackies? Bragging rights. Meh.

I switched to using the SPD-MTB clipless system years ago. At first I struggled with getting out of the pedals. Most cleats are the standard SH-51, which require a lateral twist of the foot to release. This is very simiar to road clipless system. I foudn the SH-56 multi-directional release cleat to work all the time without too much effort. It stays mounted when pedaling and easily releases when simply moving my foot off of center.