Leather straps were not frequently replaced nor show pieces, I lived that era and I still have and use leather straps. If you haven't lived in that era don't say something stupid as if you know. I've had leather straps last 5 to 8 years of constant daily riding and racing. The better the leather strap the longer it lasted, the best were some sort of laminated leather strap. Nylon will last about 8 years as well but their slippery and will actually loosen up as you ride so you have to keep snugging them up.

Currently Christophe and MKS makes the best I think, Zefal also isn't bad but probably slightly below the other two brands. There is the only laminated one I could find sold at Velo Orange called the Grand Cru Laminated Leather toe strap, I've never used that brand but I have used laminated straps and they last longer then straight leather. http://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...toe-staps.html