why are road shoes so f*in slippery?

Just cut out a bit of helicopter tape and put it on the bottom. Protects the carbon sole and has a bit more bite to it.

As a data point, I found Speedplays slippery too until I started using Keep On Kovers. Almost never miss now. The same is probably true of the aero cleats too.

If you miss engaging in Speedplays your foot still zips off the shoes slippery carbon sole. I think this is a good point! Something MTB shoes beat road shoes on for sure.

Add to that, why on road shoes is the heel elevation wedge thing on the sole so small? Why no make it so that it's more level when the cleats are attached, rather than level with no cleats? Put Coffee Shop Caps on Speedplays and you still walk like a duck on ice because of the toe-to-heel height differential.

I think it's easier to walk in high heels than Speedplays... Not that I'm used to walking in heels, honest!

Honestly, if you're doing enough clipping in an out and walking around in your shoes to be worried about these problems then road shoes are not best suited for your needs.

As others have said road shoes are for riding your bike and nothing else. If you want more multi-purpose footwear there's plenty on offer.

Go for Speedplay. You won't find slippage problem on bike. Off bike you can get the aero speed play cleat and you will have traction on road as well.

I presume that your R078 shoes preceded the R088s and can take spd 2 bolt cleats and that you are using these on your shoes ? If so, what you need is a pair of Shimano SM 40 adapters. These have two elongated studs that help facilitate accurate cleat insertion. They are designed for smooth shoe soles and also make it easier to walk when off the bike. I use these brilliant jobbies on my R088s paired with extremely light A600 spd pedals. So now you know that there is no need to use clunky mtb shoes with spd pedals on road bikes !

I'm not welsh and so is my wife.

You crazy English with your senses of humour...

You can use stiff lightweight MTB shoes and pedals and be just as comfortable and "efficient" A bit of extra weight isn't going to make you any slower.

Change your pedals for speedplay and get some Keep On covers.

I tried cycling in flippers, absolutely no good what so ever, can't comment on ballet shoes though, which strangely enough are for dancing not riding.

Because they are for riding in, not dancing.

See also flippers, ballet shoes, etc,.