Originally Posted by oldbobcat .
I used toeclips and slotted cleats, too, from about 1973 to 1998. Reach down an tighten the straps as you pick up speed, then loosen one before coming to a stop. Off-season fixed-gear training was challenging because the feet are in constant motion. And I never tightened the straps on the fixie while carrying a bag of groceries home at the end of a ride.
Clip-ins are a whole lot easier. On one hand, toeclips are still used (with cleats) for specific track events, and on the other, by recreational riders who are still getting used to the idea of limited foot mobility, or who don't see the point of buying shoes just for cycling, or who simply aren't motivated to crossing over. One compelling reason for crossing over is the lack of good platform pedals that readily accept a clip and strap, the lack of spring steel toeclips and leather (or better yet, laminated leather) straps, and a decent close-fitting shoe with a thin, grippy rubber sole and a stiff shank, like the Bata Bikers of old.