SHIMANO's Cleat Pontoon system is designed to create a stable, adjustable interface between compatible gravel cycling shoes and SPD pedals. The replaceable pontoons sit alongside the SPD cleat to increase the shoe's contact area with the pedal while preserving the walkability and off-road versatility of the SPD system.
Developed for high-performance gravel riding and racing, the Pontoon system combines a supportive pedal interface with adjustable cleat positioning and replaceable contact pads.
SHIMANO Cleat Pontoons at a glance:
- Stable: Increase the contact area between the shoe and pedal.
- Adjustable: Move with the cleat to support different cleat positions.
- Replaceable: Worn pontoons can be replaced without replacing the shoe.
- SPD compatible: Designed to work with SHIMANO SPD pedals.
- Gravel focused: Designed to balance pedaling support with off-bike walkability.
What Is the SHIMANO Cleat Pontoon System?
The Pontoon system uses replaceable contact pads positioned on either side of the SPD cleat.
These pads create additional contact between the shoe and pedal, helping form a stable pedal-shoe interface while still allowing riders to use the recessed two-bolt SPD system.
Unlike fixed outsole blocks, the pontoons can be positioned along with the cleat so the contact interface remains consistent across different cleat settings.
Why Did SHIMANO Develop Cleat Pontoons for Gravel Racing?
Gravel racing creates a unique footwear challenge.
Riders often want the stiff, stable pedaling feel associated with road racing shoes, but gravel events may also require walking, running, stream crossings, or navigating loose and rocky terrain.
A traditional road-style SPD-SL system provides a broad pedal interface, but its larger exposed cleat is less practical for walking on rough terrain.
A standard SPD system uses a smaller recessed cleat and provides better off-bike walkability, but the surrounding outsole has to leave enough space for cleat engagement and adjustment.
The Pontoon system was developed to bridge those priorities by adding a larger shoe-to-pedal contact area around an SPD cleat without giving up the recessed cleat design that makes SPD useful off the bike.
How Do Cleat Pontoons Improve Pedal Stability?
The pontoons extend the contact area on either side of the cleat so more of the shoe can interface with the pedal body.
That larger contact area helps create a more stable platform beneath the foot during sustained gravel efforts.
Rather than relying only on the cleat itself as the primary contact point, the shoe, pontoon pads, cleat, and pedal work together as a system.
Why Are SHIMANO Cleat Pontoons Adjustable?
Cleat position is personal. Riders may move their SPD cleats forward, backward, or laterally within the adjustment range of the shoe to suit their fit and riding preferences.
The Pontoon system is designed to accommodate that adjustment.
The pontoons move with the cleat so they can maintain contact with the pedal across different cleat positions rather than limiting riders to one fixed setup.
Why Are the Pontoons Replaceable?
The pontoons are separate, replaceable components rather than a permanent part of the shoe.
Because they are contact points between the shoe and pedal, they can experience wear over time. Riders can replace worn pontoon pads without replacing the entire pair of shoes.
Replacement SHIMANO SPD Cleat Pontoon Pads are sold separately as a pair.
Which SHIMANO Shoes Are Compatible With Cleat Pontoons?
SHIMANO replacement Pontoon Pads are currently listed as compatible with:
- S-PHYRE RX910
- RX710
The RX910 includes a pair of pontoons with the shoes, and replacement pads can be purchased separately.
Which Cleats Work With the Pontoon System?
The Pontoon system is designed around SHIMANO's two-bolt SPD cleat interface.
SPD provides a recessed cleat design that supports off-bike walkability while maintaining a secure mechanical connection to compatible pedals.
SHIMANO's CL-MT001 SPD cleat is one current option and adds multiple entry methods while retaining a familiar heel-out release.
Learn more about SHIMANO SPD technology.
Which SPD Pedals Work With Cleat Pontoons?
The Pontoon system can be used with SPD-compatible pedals.
For gravel racing, SHIMANO specifically recommends:
The XTR PD-M9200 is specifically designed for cross-country and gravel racing and uses a low platform height and broad bearing placement to create a stable pedal interface.
How Do You Install SHIMANO Cleat Pontoons?
1. Position the Pontoons
Place the pontoon pads in their designated positions on the compatible shoe outsole.
2. Install the SPD Cleat
Install the SPD cleat using the shoe's two-bolt cleat mounting system.
3. Adjust Cleat Position
Position the cleat according to your preferred setup. The pontoons can be adjusted along with the cleat to maintain the intended pedal interface.
4. Pair With an SPD Pedal
Once the cleat and pontoons are correctly installed and secured, use the shoe with a compatible SHIMANO SPD pedal.
What Are the Benefits of Cleat Pontoons for Gravel Riders?
- Larger pedal contact area: Helps create a stable shoe-pedal interface.
- Cleat-position flexibility: Supports different SPD cleat settings.
- SPD walkability: Maintains the advantages of a recessed two-bolt cleat.
- Replaceable wear component: Pontoons can be renewed separately from the shoe.
- Gravel-specific design: Balances on-bike support with the possibility of off-bike sections during a race or ride.
For gravel racers, the Pontoon system is designed around a simple goal: create a more stable connection to the pedal without giving up the versatility that makes SPD useful when the route forces you off the bike.
