My guess is I only got 3,000-4,000 miles before most of the yellow was gone from my left (down foot) cleat. I'm close, but not quite, a Clyde. Usually put a foot down two or three times in a 60 mile ride. Maybe a few yards in and out of a convenience store. Obviously I was rough on them somehow. I never thought to be careful with them. Most of my friends use "road" pedals, either SPD SL or Look, I haven't heard much chatter about cleats wearing out. Maybe squirrels got in the garage and gnawed them....