I purchased these with high expectations - thought they were a step up from the multi exit SH-56 cleats. Glad I tried them out before my Arizona trip.
I am not quite sure what Shimano tried to accomplish with these cleats - they work but for me not as well as the SH-56. As soon as I put them on I went back to the SM-SH56. I did not feel I could get out of them as quickly and easily as I liked for mountain biking. Maybe for gravel biking they are ok, but so are the SM-SH56. I still prefer SPD over platform pedals and the SM-SH56 in the lowest retention setting are a good compromise for me.
I have moderate Raynauds, which makes winter riding difficult. I've tried all the tips for people like me, and finally ordered these boots two winters ago. They help for temps in the low 40sF, but below that, or even for long rides in low 40s, my toes still become painful and white (going through all the colors with rewarming...). At very low temps, I add battery powered heated socks. The battery packs are annoying, but so is not riding :-)
I will say that the boots are quite comfortable and have held up well.
I'll also add that Pearl Izumi's lobster gloves are the best that I've found for my Raynauds fingers. A little awkward with Di2, but they do work.
Wow, first time wearing shimano shoes and really impressed with the confort, quality and how i perform with them. You will feel the power benefit from the first minute. You won't go wrong with them.
