Just to add, there is nothing wrong with prioritising aesthetics over performance as long as you know that that is what you are doing.

Deep rims look cool. However, aerodynamic matter most at high speeds, so a city bike with flat bars is not the obvious place for aero rims. The extra weight of deeper rims means that changes of speed are harder work (rotating weight has more effect than weight on the frame) and the deep profile may react badly i side winds. Also, you need longer alve stems, which limits the availability of replacement tubes.

If you prioritise performance (in the wider sense of comfort and practicality, rather than just speed) then decent pedals and tyres will make all the difference.

Personally, with 50 years of cyclingexperience ranging from going to school, at one time regularly riding 100+ mile days with a cycle club, camping, riding cross country, commuting in the city in all weathers, and generally hooning around, I have managed perfectly well without foot retention for most of my riding career. I'm not against it as such, I just find the convenience of flat pedals is more important than a few percentage points of better performance.