TrojanHorse

It depends on which version you get too - the originals wore out fairly quickly but rarely fell off, the second version was much longer lasting but I kept losing them and the third set seem to combine all the undesirable qualities of v1 and v2.

Great concept though, and it took speedplay quite a while to see the light.

noodle soup

the metal cleats haven't caused a problem with the tile floors in my home, but I would probably remove my shoes before walking on wood floors.

sbxx1985 

We used to have bamboo floors and tile in the kitchen. I never took my shoes off. No problems for either.

New floors are grey stained oak. I take my shoes off at the door. They would scratch, especially on the stairs.

Sy Reene

That could be it.. ie. which version. Mine seem to wear, but I keep reapplying shoe goo to the worn bits as it wears off.

bike_boy

I have used Keep on Kovers. (KOK) When I purchased these a few years ago, there were only 2 versions; one less plyable than the other. I chose the tougher one. The KOKs wrap over the cleat. On very rare occasions, KOKs will pop off a corner of cleat or shift enough to prevent clipping in. This has happened when stopping and slidding my uncliped cleat on rough pavement, but is rare. The tougher version is very thick which adds weight and a bit of minscule height, but doen not wear out quickly. They are a bit tough to stretch/install when new. I really like them, but would have opted for the more plyable version for weight & not as thick. I undertand there is now a 3rd KOK model, but have purchased or seen it.

I also have used the Speedplay Wearables. This comes as a set. (cleats + covers + hole plugs) The cleat is a smaller form factor than orginal Speedplay cleat. The covers are designed to clamp to cleat and not wrap over their edges. The covers are beveled or sloped on 2 ends; less weight and less ground contact. No instructions on the plugs, but I believe they're meant to block the pedal holes of cleat for when you need to walk around to prvent debris from getting in there. I don't use or carry them with me. These Speedplay Wearables wear quickly; much more so than the KOKs. I like the design, smaller form factor, and no chance of them poping off/moving around.

So, KOKs for price, ease of removal for maintenance, and use with existing Speedplay cleats. SP Wearables for design, size, & weight.

canuckcicle

I've been using them all season and I'm a fan. It's a really hard rubber compound and you don't slip at all. Even on wet painted surfaces. You don't have to worry about torquing the plate too tight anymore. The only down side that I've seen so far is the cleats will rust if they get wet. After riding in the rain, you should remove the covers and dry everything out. the little plugs they give you are a nice idea, but totally impracticable.

Nachoman

I've used all three systems.
For me the Keep on Kovers were never totally secure. I went through about three pairs and then gave up.
The Kleat Kovers worked, but I didn't think they were worth the hassle.
To the extent that the walkables make it a little easier to walk and extend the life of the cleat a little bit, they're a no brainer.

motorthings

i've been using the walkable cleats on my zeros, and like them much more than the old style cleats (with or without coffee covers).

Marcus_Ti

Dang, they're that susceptible to rust? Yikes. How well do the plugs stay in? I just wonder since I do camping, would be nice to have when campgrounds are wet and mucky.

sbxx1985 

I also camp and would suggest when camping, you switch to your hiking boots when the campground is wet and mucky.

I don't like the rust part either.

Marcus_Ti

Hard to put on boots without having your feet touch the (mucky) ground.

This year, all the SAG'd camping rides I've done had dry campgrounds. Talk about lucking out. Not so lucky in ages past. Mud acts as a suction-cup on Kleat Kovers, which is where I lost a pair of those. For as much clever engineering as went into Speedplays, the lack of forethought for contamination is surprising....I suppose their designers only ever imagined using them during road races. Not every-day pedal systems for normal people....which considering there are a ton more every-day amateurs than racers, is a poor design/marketing theory.

TimothyH

No one said that the standard cleat prevents walking. You are arguing with yourself about something that no one else is talking about.

"Walkable" is the name of the product, what Speedplay themselves call it. Go argue with Speedplay.

The question was, for those who actually use Speedplay Walkable Cleats, do you feel that the extra cost is worth it?. That's all. It's very simple. Obviously you don't. We get it.

Not everyone who has slipped in speedplay standard cleats is a klutz. Everything in life doesn't have to be a war. You really need to relax and try to have a conversation rather than starting a fight.


-Tim-

noodle soup

Just because I have an opinion that you don't agree with, doesn't mean that I'm looking for a fight.

sbxx1985 

This is probably in part how the walkable version evolved. Although I don't walk much in my road shoes, I can see how Speedplay might have wanted to reach people that do, like you.

sbxx1985 

You and I use the old cleats. They work for us. The new ones apparently are easier to walk in, but they rust. I went from chromoly Zeros to stainless because of rust. And I don't do much walking in muddy campgrounds. I'll save $15 and buy the old version when it's time again. Maybe they'll be on closeout because it would make sense for Speedplay to charge more and phase them out.

OP doesn't want chatter about the old version. That's not the point of this thread. We have no experience with the walkable version. However, based on the information in the thread, I'd still buy the $162 stainless from the UK.

thin_concrete

I upgraded to the walkable cleats and they are great. I used the standard ones previously and I think they're worth the extra money.

bbbean 

I have the walkable cleats, used to use the standard cleats. I like the walkable cleats enough that I put them on my new shoes, so I now have two pair.

They are easier to walk in than the standard cleats with a cleat cover, and MUCH easier to walk in than the standard cleats alone. Frankly, when people complain about walking in speedplays, I don't know what they're talking about. I wouldn't wear them all day, but they're more than comfortable enough to walk around a restaurant, parking lot, or quick stop in a store.

On the bike, there's no noticeable difference. The walkable MAY be slightly more aero, but I'm not TTing enough to notice or care about the very minor difference in aero profile. I'm mostly a crit racer, so finding the right wheel to draft is more important than a watt at the pedals.

One caveat - buy an extra set of the walkable cleat covers when you buy the cleats. If you don't get them mounted right the first time (it's easier than you'd think to get them on the wrong foot), or walk through sharp gravel (I no longer use the rack at my favorite coffee shop), you'll lose one. They run $20/pair, so it's not too expensive to keep a spare set or two around.

One more caveat - set your float on the trainer BEFORE you mount the covers. They're a hassle to get off, and you may as well save yourself some hassle.

HTH - BB

bbbean 

They don't. If you're riding places that have a lot of mud/snow/sand, bring some other shoes.

Marcus_Ti

LOL. Thanks for the warning.

If the plugs don't even stay in, what is the point, I'm left wondering.

bbbean 

They're a great concept - the reality just falls short.

I have 1 1/2 pairs (bought a new pair after losing one of my original pair), but I no longer bother with them. I just try to avoid walking in gunk.

aplcr0331

I wear SPD-SL and don't have a problem. Didn't have issues with walking in ski boots either. You get used to it.

TimothyH

Your posts indicate otherwise.

Insulting people certainly isn't going to earn you friends, and you have a knack for it in just about every thread you participate in.

You don't have to prove yourself to anyone here.

noodle soup

thanks for your comments.

I have no problem walking in Speedplay cleats, sorry if you can't. How would you explain it?

Speedplay cleats are actually easier to walk in than the Keo cleats without grippers.

Beachgrad05

I got them last year prior to AIDS Lifecycle. There is walking involved at pit stops and camp. I went thru two of the covers between last year and this years ride. My Keep on Kovers are way more durable. I had issues with the Z KOK but not the normal ones with regard to staying put.

The walkable cleat covers have the round things that go where cleats go but I found they are not reliable. I lost one immediately last year on ALC and never bothered with them after.

ALC is not typical of normal use. But I have normal zero cleats and replacement KOK. My walkable cleats are great but I need new covers.

metalheart44

I have Speedplay light action pedals and recently switched to the Speedplay wearable cleats and I like the protection they provide for cleat wear. In the distant past I used the Keep on Kovers but I wore them out about twice a year and decided that it was not worth it. I know nothing about the current version of the KOKs but I am pleased with the protection the Speedplay wearable provides and it does make it easier for me
to walk in the cleats on smooth or slick floors.