Leinster

My current Look Keo grey cleats are due for replacement, but they can be a bit on the spendy side. I've always stayed on-brand when buying cleats, since my first pair of Look Arcs when I was 15, but in recent years I see more and more off-brand manufacturers (Wellgo, Exustar etc) offering them for about half the price. Am I being too cautious buying the brand cleats? It's just a piece of plastic with no moving parts, right? It can't possibly misalign so much that my leg will tear itself to pieces as I ride? The knock-off versions can't wear out any quicker than my regular Keos do already, right? And does this lesson apply across all brands of clipless pedals, be it 2, 3, or 4 bolt? Please do regale us with your tales of woe/joy regarding the wonderful world of mechanically clamping your feet to your machine.