My SPD shoes + cleats won't clip in to my SPD pedals

Question

I purchased some touring shoes (Giro Republic) that support a two bolt cleat. I opted for a standard, popular Shimano M520L pedal with matching cleats.

I installed the pedals, loosened the tension on the clip mechanism, and install the cleats with the triangular end facing forward.

Unfortunately, I can't clip in. It appears that the rubber pads surrounding the shoe make contact with the pedal axle before the cleat can engage with the back of the pedal. Note the forward part of the cleat is hooked into the front, as expected. The rear is sitting on top of the sprint mechanism.

My question is, is there something I am doing wrong in my install process? The dealer indicated they have not had reports of incompatibility between this particular shoe and cleat.

mattnz · Accepted Answer

Adding an answer to summarize the the suggestions already made in comments.

I had this problem with a pedal/show combination. My solution was to trim the sole where it interfered with the pedals.  Initially I hesitated to do this to my nice new shoes, but subsequently never gave the missing blocks a second though.

My other option was to install different pedals, which I had. I decided I wanted to have the pedals as they were usable for the quick trip to the corner store in my street shoes or a spin around the block with my preschool son.

Fred the Magic Wonder Dog · Answer

Generally the cleats come with some shims for exactly this problem. If you have the box with the original pedals look around for some thin cleat shaped shims.

If you can't find them, you can hand make shims out of plastic milk bottles, or ask around at the dealer to see if they have any spares handy.

My SPD shoes + cleats won't clip in to my SPD pedals

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