Clipless convert

[Owlie]

I am just still getting used to the shoes. They feel semi-ridiculous to walk around in, even for a short while. Also, the plastic on my cleats is already pretty scuffed up after a few days!

I think the SPD-mountain bike style recessed cleats seem so much more practical if you are going to be getting off the bike and walking around for any length of time. I guess the roadie issue with them is that they provide a smaller platform for your foot so can be less comfortable over long distances?

Pretty much, yes. That was actually the reason I went with SPDs to begin with, because I hate the feeling of not being able to walk easily. (Also means I'm not sliding all over the floor in bathrooms or convenience stores!) I'm probably eventually going to make the jump to proper "road" pedals on my next bike for the bigger contact area, as well as something with a shorter spindle (for my knees).

[Crankin]

Use the cleat covers. How much walking do you do when wearing your shoes? Generally, it's not more than walking to a bathroom or porta-potty, or into a store/restaurant for food.