There’s physically nowhere into which a cleat can recess on a typical road shoe. All you’ve got is an insole + thin sole + cleat.
An MTB or “casual” shoe makes it look like the cleat is recessed, but it’s actually tread that’s protruding around it, which means whichever way you go, you’re going to end up with a bulkier, heavier shoe.
Downhill/“skate” style shoes are no exceptions. My Five-Tens are like boat anchors.