I've currently got a pair of the cross country style shoes which i used to commute in but are on their way out. Tempted by the more trainer style ones which the 4x/downhill/general freeride people seem to favour. Is there any reason for this bar it being the style the sponsors want to push? Are the cleats set further back so more similar to a flat pedal foot position? Does the softer sole actually make any difference when on the bike other than comfort?
they're purly a style thing
the cleat possition is the same, however the sole is thicker so the cleat is in a deeper recess.
the softer sole makes power transfer a lot worse but walking off the bike much better, there also easier to walk in because the cleat is set in so much.
TBH i used my 661's last summer, but bought a pair of more rugged trainer style shoes (cannondale roam's) for last winter and i havent used the 661's once this year, mainly because they are some much nicer on the bike.
i've also left a 'normal' pair of shoes to change into at work - which helps in the rain.
Ok ta, i like the stiffness of the crosscountry style and don't walk much so will stick with those.