Removing Panels from Recessed Cleat Shoes

[Jezston]

I've just bought a new pair of Exustar Stelvio touring shoes after my old pair of Mavic Tourers had worn down so much the cleats were no longer recessed!

These are the type that have a rubber panel over the cleat recess that you have to remove (should you want to (I want to)).

Any tips for removing these damn things? Instructions seem to just say "pull them off with a pair of pliers". Easier said than done! Currently have pulled a few mm chunks of rubber off them and scratched the rubber around the cleat cover, but failed to get them even slightly off.

 

[HLaB]

I think the ones on my tahos needed a gentle cutting woth a blade first.

 

[Poacher]

.....and take great care not to let it slip. You can do serious and lasting damage to various bits of your anatomy with a Stanley knife!
Stelvios are damn fine shoes, by the bye.