It wasn't mentioned, but the reason for the backwards straps is so that you can have your shoes clipped into the pedals in the transition area, and run (barefoot) with your bike out to the mount line, and hop on the bike, and pedal, then slide your feet into the shoes while already moving fast on the bike. Me, I don't think it saves all that much time, but then, I'm not racing for money.
Oh, and tri shoes supposedly have better drainage, to let the water left on your feet and body from the swim drain out.