Walking across a cafe patio in road shoes turns you into a newborn deer on an ice rink. The hard plastic SPD-SL cleat body has zero grip on tile, concrete, or polished floors, and every step grinds away material that you need for secure pedal engagement. Shimano's SM-SH45 Cleat Covers address both problems with a grooved rubber shell that snaps over your cleats, giving you actual traction while protecting the cleat face from pavement wear.

The covers fit all three Shimano SPD-SL cleat options regardless of float setting. Whether you run the yellow 6-degree cleats, blue 2-degree cleats, or red fixed-position cleats, the SM-SH45 wraps over the cleat body and stays put during normal walking. The grooved rubber sole provides grip on surfaces that would otherwise send you scrambling for handrails, and the snug fit means you can walk confidently without constantly checking to see if a cover has popped off behind you.

When you clip back in, the covers peel off from the corner and snap together for storage. The connected pair fits easily in a jersey pocket, saddle bag, or frame bag without separating and getting lost. Some riders carry them on every ride for unexpected stops, while others bring them specifically for destination rides where a coffee shop, brewery, or lunch spot is part of the plan. Either way, the covers earn their pocket space by extending cleat life and keeping you upright on slick floors.... Read More