SPDs are cool, but only if you use BLACK (shimano) cleats
daily comute (20m+) for last 2 years (1 fixed), and next 10 years of weakend rides and errands - no problems at all
Sproting the same pair of cleats for 12+ years.
Shimano steel cleats almost dont wear out at all, when used with mtb shoues whitch protect them from scratchng on the pavement while waking.
Specialized MTB shoues only! - no ripped off cleats, still almost like new after 11 years
But my friend, whith same millage, ripped thru 3 pairs of shimano shoues.