Well, again, I don't see the big deal about cleat covers. Since they are always on my shoes, they are just part of the routine. As soon as I get off of my bike, they go back on, so losing them is not an issue. But, once in awhile one has fallen off while walking (usually my fault, I didn't snap it in all of the way), so we just keep a supply of them. Once in awhile, the group I ride with (which I love, because they are so not into competition), has a ride where we have to walk through stuff that is not fun. Like walking over the steel bridge sidewalk over the Piscataqua River between Maine and NH. It takes me a minute to put the covers on and yes, if I have to walk far, it can't be fast. But, I also think part of it is me; I wouldn't plan a ride that had any of this stuff. Sometimes the group rides over small patches of packed dirt and with skinny tires, I don't like that either. It doesn't seem to phase anyone else. I think I am the only person in the group who has road pedals, so I don't say anything.
2015 Trek Silque SSL
Specialized Oura
2011 Guru Praemio
Specialized Oura
2017 Specialized Ariel Sport