It is probably personal choices with people, I don't think everyone likes them. I haven't had them that long but I personally like them better. I like the platform the shoe provides for my feet better than a street shoe. It does appear that I pull the peddle up simultaneously as my other foot pushes the peddle down through the stroke. I think I have become a riskier rider since I started using them avoiding to unclip and waiting to the last moment. Strange as it may sound I have actual forgotten to unclip. I have not fallen from it but it is strange feeling. I don't have a problem changing my shoes at work or home, I just keep shoes and cloths at both places. I use SPD clips and mountain shoes & found them to be a affordable and convenient alternative for peddling my bike. So what I think is so great about them is simply that I like them, nothing more