Quote Originally Posted by Popoki_Nui
...I find having my feet locked into one position annoying. I also get numb toes when my feet stay in one position on the pedals too long, and using toe clips allows me to move my feet around and minimize numbness and cramping on long rides.
Even with clipless pedals, you don't have to have your foot locked in to one position. It depends on the pedals that you use. I use Speedplay Frogs (yes, I do use a mountain bike pedal on my road bikes) which is a free float pedal. That is, there is nothing to stop my foot from moving. Many pedals are fixed position, and some allow some amount of movement (but not as much as a pedal like the Frog).

I started with toe clips and straps - because clipless pedals didn't exist when I started cycling. But I much prefer clipless pedals.

I think you'll find that wearing a good cycling shoe (not running shoes or some other athletic shoe) will bring you more efficiency pedaling even if you decide to go with toe clips.

--- Denise