I think it's strange that any real rider would even carry around cleat covers much less use them. I carry a cell phone, ATM card, a spare tube, and CO2.

Cleat covers? Uh yeah, it's right next to my 30+ SPF moisturizer, spare chamois cream and Caribou card.

Today I flatted 400 yards from my house. What did I do? Call my wife? Repair my tire by the side of busy road in the heat? Take my shoes off and walk on the road?

Nope. I walked home and abused my new pair of $50 (installed) Speedplay cleats.