I did shoe covers for ages before I switched to boots. My biggest problem with shoe covers was the size. I wear size 44 (US 10 1/2) in the summer but I jump up 2 sizes. The very largest neoprene covers were a struggle to get on to the shoes and the shoes had to be fairly smooth. Mountain bike lugs on the shoes made it even worse.
I agree that walking in the shoe covers stressed them...although Performance brand covers were very tough. One issue that hasn’t been addressed is traction when you stop or try to walk in on slick surfaces. It’s not quite as bad as walking in road shoe but damned close. Boots have more traction if you need to walk and when you put a foot down.