Question: Is it possible to use regular trainers/shoes (i.e., withou cleats) with clipless pedals?

A friend of mine mentioned he does this all the time. However, I cannot imagine how this would work. Surely the area of grip would be far too small to get any kind of purchase on the pedals.

We both have [Shimano PD-R540 SPD](https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/component/tiagra-4700/PD-R540.html) pedals.

Answer: 
Yes, you *can* use them with normal shoes, but as you predict, it isn't very comfortable, especially if your shoes have thin, flexible soles. Also, there's a risk of your foot slipping off, particularly in the wet.

There are various options to temporarily convert clip pedals into ordinary flat ones.

* [Fly pedals](http://flypedals.com/)
* [BBB BPD FeetRest pedal adaptors (SPD only)](http://bbbcycling.com/bike-parts/pedals/BPD-90)
Don’t wear sneakers over clip-less pedals! Didn’t feel bad then but when I woke up with ball area of the foot swollen with terrible pain. Icing as I text. I knew better too.