It does not take many steps to ruin the spd-sl pedals. I like those and the spd's, both used on road bikes. I use the spd type much more these days. I stop more often and walk more steps than I used to. I have the covers for the sl, which work well, it is just easier to use spd style. I don't prefer one over the other for clipping in or out; or foot stability, comfort or heat spot issues. I keep spd-sl on my Airborne Zeppelin with cleat covers in a top tube bag.

I do not know if this is normal, I suspect not, but both of my pairs spd-sl shoes are wider in the toe box than any of my spd shoes. I do like that.