I prefer the older Shimano sandals too. But I have the new ones now, and I have to live with them. They aren't quite as open as the olds ones, and they don't look as sandal-like.

By the way, before Shimano sandals came along, I rode with ordinary sandals and toe clips from 1970 on, and to the guy who switches to full cycling shoes for the road/highway, I really don't know why you bother. I don't find them any less safe at all.