I agree with Cyclotoine (I think he meant to say shoe laces, not show pieces as Rekmeyata interpreted). I would use Christophe toe straps as long as they worked well, then get new ones. Going limp wasn't a problem, I was younger then. The strap would start to slip and loosen after many tightening and loosening cycles. Then it was time to replace them. I doubt that pro racers used anything but brand new Binda straps each day of a big race back then. If they aren't working for you, get new ones.