Before you were born, know, those special shoes and pedals have been popular
for much less time , than the many decades .. before ..
A ski industry guy thought they would be Cool to have ski bindings, in effect, on bikes..

And people never felt a need for other than a decent leather soled shoe,
to cycle tour in, with toe clips on their pedals ..

that being said, I read many folks liking Shimano's SPD sandals
as they adjust in width dependent on what thickness of socks is chosen.

so the thick wool and a gore-tex boot liner sock over the wool ones does
a good warmth, thin light sox so you don't burn the top of your feet,
in the sun, as the other end of the temperature range.