Using cleat style shoes without the cleats
My new bike was built with flat pedals because that was all I have ever used. I am now considering buying some new shoes just for riding and am trying to decide between MTB shoes or cleat style; specifically, Rapha Explore.
My question is whether I can use the Explore shoes,no cleats installed, with flat pedals until I get up the confidence to try cleats and the corresponding pedals. I am just getting back into cycling at age 67 and about 40lbs overweight so the thought of being attached to a bike at the foot still scares me a bit but I plan on trying it this spring or summer.
My question really, I guess is whether I will be damaging the shoes by using them without cleats and on the flat pedals.