Winter boots or neoprene covers? I'm looking at options for new winter footwear and am split between buying new boots (must be look/3 bolt, which seems to constrain options somewhat) or buying covers, specifically the neoprene style which zips up the back and exposed ones' cleats through the bottom.  

I'm weighing pros and cons and would like to get others' thoughts as to their own experience with boots vs. covers.  Also, I have wide feet and would need boots that fit accordingly (like a Lake wide or Sidi Mega) - not asking for a product recommendation but this constrains options and is an important consideration for me.  

Covers

Pros:


Cheaper than new boots


Cons:


They must be taken on and off
Aesthetically, they aren't pleasing
Durability is a question


New Boots

Pros:


Durable
Possibly more cold &amp; water resistant
More aesthetically pleasing


Cons:


Cost
Possibility of hard break in
Possibility of worse fit than ones regular shoes
Limited options for Look compared to SPD
For pure road-riding: Neoprene covers over normal road-shoes are the best as long as you don't have to put a foot down too often. The cleats are prone to clogging in snowy conditions. But then you wouldn't certainly get on a bike. On the other hand, ankle hugging covers keep the rain running down the legs into the shoe, which could happen with insulated boots.

For cross-country riding or commuting: Specific insulated and waterproof (membrane-type) shoes with profiled soles for MTB-cleats and MTB-pedals are a very reliable solution. MTB-cleats and pedals by design cope better with adverse conditions like mud and snow. And the shoes are more wear resistant than covers if you need to walk longer distances and there is less trouble to put them on and take them off.