Been using Speedplays for 10 yrs. I ditched the Shimano pedals when I had issues with needing to flip the pedals to engage, looking down, etc. The Speeedplay pedals are now intuitive to me, and I can engage or clip out blindly. Cleats can be a bit sticky, but once they're worn in a bit it's VERY easy. Helps to lube them with a dry-type (PTFE) lubricant occasionally. And yes, cleat covers are a good idea if you intend to walk around a fair bit, but mostly to keep debris out or keep them from wearing excessively.