In my experience (I can only compare to eggbeaters, clips/straps and powerstraps) they are so much more solid its like night and day. Your feet are totally locked in, theres no play, and you have a huge stiff platform to mash on. However, I've nutted myself so many times trying to get into those pedals... slick plastic shoe + slick plastic cleat + slick plastic pedal with one sided entry+ fixed gear = sore balls. Doing anything off the bike is a huge pain as well. I'll probably cave and buy some cheaper sidi mountain shoes and atac aliums some time soon.