The Crank Brothers cleats are the same bolt pattern as SPD. While the cleats are different between crank bros. and SPD, you can use any shoe that declares itself 'SPD compatible'. If you're wanting a larger platform for the option to ride without clipless pedals, look at the crank bros. Mallet pedal.http://www.backcountry.com/store/CRN0019/Crank-Brothers-Mallet-1-Pedal.htmlDon't get too ambitious when starting out with clipless either. Be sure to start out on some flat ground or roads, practice entry and exit, and soon enough it'll become second nature. You'll wonder how you rode without them.