Toeclips were really designed for cleated shoes.
Once the cleated shoes migrated to clipless, that left the toeclips in the commuter and city riding realm. And, perhaps a few intro bikes that are too cheap to go clipless.
I kept my toe clips on the bike for years before going clipless. About 15 or 20 years ago, I realized that the metal toeclips were scratching my shoes, while plastic clips tended to be easier on the shoes (although not always made with rounded edges). So, I put on all plastic clips.
Of course, the clips can be either colored plastic... or painted or powdercoated metal.
