My captain uses SPD pedals.

I use Speedplay frogs. I have never heard squeak, and have rarely felt like I had insecure connection to pedal. That turned out to be I had enough wear on the metal cleat to replace. My husband and I like using MTB shoes, as they are easier to walk in.

Before Frogs I used Look pedals (LQV or something). Those had enough float for me, and gave me secure clipping in. It was challenging to walk in the bike shoes, even with cleat covers.

I use pedal extenders. You should be aware that pedal extenders are generally not recommended with the pedals that install with the 8mm wrench. There are pedal extenders on the market which have the 8mm hex hole thru them, but at least 1 manufacturer has recalled those for failure.