Originally Posted by
Caretaker
I don't use leather straps just cheap 'Blackburn' synthetic mesh straps costing about €3/$3 a pair and not tightly fastened. Pedals like saddles are a matter of personal preference and just because all roadies use clipless doesn't make them better than clips/straps for touring.
I find clips/straps better for convenience and safety but others may have a different experience.
I've toured with both straps and with clipless for forty years and am as about as far from a "roadie" as it's possible to get. With the advent of SPD with recessed clips it has been possible to use a cycling shoe which is comfortable on and off the bike yet being acceptable for casual wear.
For many years I toured using SPD equipped sandals which in the summer were ideal. Used without socks these dried quickly, were supremely comfortable and cool to wear and meant that one carried one set of footwear.