I started to use toeclips this year but after one ride in, although there were no incidents, I was uncomfortable about not being able to pull my boots off the pedal fast enough if I needed to so I removed the straps. I can't pull up if I need to but it places my foot in the right position and gives me the confidence that my foot isn't going to slide forward off the pedal if there is snow under my boot. I'm going to switch to a different kind of clip, the kind that is designed to be used without a strap because without it now, the clip I'm using is rather flimsy.