I like toeclips with straps. I do lotsa extreme stuff on concrete and all you gotta do is pull your feet back a little and your feet aren't locked in. when doing sprints or long rides on pavement you push your feet in farther in and your foot is clamped securely to the pedal. it's nice to have more foot positions than just one, and the plastic piece around my shoe has protected my feet from stumps and rocks on trails. I like the surface on the bottom of my shoe for when I have to carry my bike up, down, around, or over rocks and steep hills. to me it's more simple and maintenance free. But hey! whatever works, huh?