Question: how do spd sl cleats work?
Answer: Shimano's SPD-SL is the latest version of their SPD 'Shimano Pedalling Dynamics' road pedal design, and, being Shimano, it works extremely well. ... The cleat fits nose first, under the pedals front loop, then you push the heel of the shoe down to engage the rear of the cleat onto the top edge of the pedal's sprung jaw.