To use toe clips safely:
Pick a shoe with a sole that is not too knobbly and has a clean upper, no mouldings.
Pick a toe clip the correct size.
Use a stiff (leather) strap.
Put a twist into the strap, inside the pedal cage.
Leave the straps loose, dont cinch them tight.

Practice the pedal flip to get your feet in. If you miss, just pedal on the other side and try again.
To remove your feet, slide back, not sideways.
Once you get this, toe clips are hassle free way of increasing efficiency (short of racing style) and preventing sudden slip off the pedals.