Plain pedals without toe clips ("step down pedals") are fine for a ride around the park with the kids, or down the street to the grocery store. Anything more than that, you need toe clips or clipless pedals to ride eficiently. Clipless pedals are not just some fashionable fad that people use to look like their favorite pro rider. They actually work as advertised. In my personal opinion, any club rider/enthusiast/amateur/pro racer/tourist/randonneur/commuter/track rider/bike messenger/mountain biker/cyclocross rider who isn't using toe clips or clipless pedals is really missing out on a true cycling innovation. Take what the retro-grouches tell you with a grain of salt, and clip in...