I have clip shoes and a clip system, but I never get around to employing them on any of my bikes. I've been using straps since I was a kid — back when we thought the Cold War, Strontium 90 in our milk, and the threat of nuclear annihilation was a normal state of affairs. Yes, they do get a little floppy — very quickly — Christophe and MKS as I have always used. Tried nylon for a few years. Gave up. With leather I just set the pedal and strap up with a really long tongue. I mean that I buy the longest strap that I can find. And at least here in Nippon they come in varying lengths. When I get out of traffic and into open road, when I want to 'lift and spin', I reach down and give the tongue a big yank. That gets me in pretty tight.

I can find some very nice leather here in a crafts store, and I have considered making my own using new rivets and MKS hardware. But ... so much riding to do, so little time. Most of my straps are MKS.

If you want the ultimate in straps, you can go to the clips and straps used in Japanese keirin racing. NOT CHEAP! It's pro gear. But there are TWO straps on each toe-clip, and they are pretty substantial. I've never used them, but they sure look good and they must be effective.

I've also used single straps and the usual MKS toe clip with pista track cleats. They have a slot that runs into the pedal frame. WOW! You really are anchored in that way! I stopped using them after I turned turtle in the middle of a highway crossing with my feet still in the clips.

I'd stay with the leather. You can swab them with leather dye when they become grotty.