How worn out should my cleats be before replacing?

[Apollonius]

Hard to answer this without knowing whether your cleats are plastic or metal. Plastic ones don't last very long if you are putting your foot down in mud, or walking on them. Metal ones last for years. You know when they need replacing as you cannot clip in any more. And not being clipped in feels awful.

 

[ianrauk]

My SPD cleats usually outlast the shoes.

 

[Globalti]

Look Keo cleats deteriorate very quickly. SPD-SL cleats last much longer and the pedals are far better quality.

 

[si_c]

My SPD cleats usually outlast the shoes.

Yep this. Just bought some new shoes to replace my old ones after 20k km as the soles are cracked. The cleats are scuffed but otherwise don't seem worn.

 

[Ajax Bay]

OP has not been back since half an hour after posting.

 

[vickster]

OP has not been back since half an hour after posting.

He's out training for his first race

 

[Ming the Merciless]

OP has not been back since half an hour after posting.

He is not able to unclip and get to his phone and is currently riding in circles.