I don’t tend to ride spd much off road – normally ride flats unless it’s really fast / rocky like BPW in which case I use Shimano AM7s with Nukeproof Horizon clipless pedals. So not at all a stiff show really.
I’m the last I had some Northwave Typhoons with a silvery carbon sole but they were never the best fit. My outgoing shoes have been decent but probably not quite as stiff as they were a mid range shoe.
Just hoping these are comfy and last well mostly – but if they flex a little less and that’s an improvement then all good.