Yellow SPD-SL Cleats – 6° Float

The yellow SPD-SL cleats are perhaps the most popular choice among recreational and fitness riders, but are also widely used by athletes. They feature a 6-degree float (3 degrees in each direction), allowing free movement to reduce joint stress. The pivot point of the float is centered on the anti-slip pin, enabling the toes to point at various angles. The larger float range also provides greater tolerance when setting up cleats. If you are new to cycling, suffer from knee pain, lack flexibility, or simply don’t know where to start, Shimano’s yellow cleats are your best choice.

Red SPD-SL Cleats – 0° Float

The red SPD-SL cleats offer zero float and lock the foot 100% in place. They are ideal for sprinting riders, professional athletes, or anyone who values maximum power transfer and wants to minimize knee pain. Please note that red SPD-SL cleats are best suited for riders who can accurately determine their optimal cleat position and can easily adjust to the ideal setup.

Blue SPD-SL Cleats – 2° Float

The blue SPD-SL cleats are Shimano’s latest cleat option, positioned between the yellow and red versions. The blue cleats provide a 2-degree float (1 degree in each direction), allowing a smaller range of movement while still delivering high pedaling efficiency. The pivot point is located at the front of the cleat, eliminating lateral slip while permitting a small degree of angular adjustment between the pivot point and the heel.

What Is Cleat Float?

The main difference among Shimano’s three cleat types lies in the allowed float range. Float refers to how much the toes can rotate left or right while the shoe is clipped into the pedal. Different float levels help accommodate various riding styles or address biomechanical issues such as limited flexibility or knee pain. While float reduces joint stress and improves pedaling comfort, excessive movement can slightly reduce power transfer efficiency.