Cycling shoes

[bigwillie58]

As if its not difficult enough to figure out what size shoes I need, I am in need to find a pair of shoes that matches the pedals that are on my new bike. I did not buy shoes when I bought my bike, insted wanting to get the shoes cheaper off ebay. So hear is my deal.

I have a shimano pedal that accepts Shimano SPD Cleats. I have bought some cleats that fit my pedals -The cleats are SM-SH52

I have eyed a few cycling shoes on ebay that say they are compatable with SM-SH51 cleats. Maybe I am wrong (but thats why I am asking). Arent any SPD cleats interchangable??? I should be able to buy these ebay shoes, and use my cleats? Whats the purpose of having different cleat numbers if they are all interchangable amnoungst the SPD group?:confused:

[WP33]

The 52s have more surface area to engage the 858 pedal and has a single release, but that's all really. The mounting hardware, etc., are all the same.

[Arathald]

I don't know a whole lot about this, but I do know that my M520's (which use 51's) say not to use 52's with them, so i don't know if it goes the other way. You can go to Shimano's website and get the technical data sheets if you look up your pedal.

And I would think that just about any SPD shoe should fit any SPD cleat, but again, I'm not sure.

I do know that JensonUSA has some fairly decent SixSixOne shoes on clearance for $30 before shipping. I haven't ridden a ton in them, buy they're pretty comfortable, and have good reviews from what I've seen.
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/SH702B01-Sixsixone%2BNuevo%2BShoe%2B04.aspx

Hope that helps, and if anything I said is utter nonsense, someone please correct me.