I use m434 spds, the ones with the plastic cage. I am new to spds, and to mtbing really, having been only a few times in my youth before i got into it recently.
So the m434s are okay for nipping to the shops. I can feel the cleats thru trainers, but it's not sore. I can unclip and have a semi solid footing on them if i am unsure of the terrain, not as good as proper flats but ok.
Downpoints are they look a bit naff and the cage makes them extra prone to clogging with dirt.