I've been riding my vintage bikes with either half clips or with clips with loose fitting straps. I just can't get used to the idea of having my feet strapped in where I can't get out of them quickly.
I'm curious about clipless pedals. So other than the pedals what type of shoes would I need and what pedals would be good to start out with? Thanks Bob

Shimano MTB pedals. In particular, PD-M520s. Cheap, adjustable, tough. And MTB shoes you can walk around in, just like a normal person.

For shoes, the ones that fit you. You don't have to spend a ton. I tried resisting clippy pedals for awhile, and now I can't ride without them.

If you can handle half clips or straps, clipless is waaaayyyy easier.

I agree with DrIsotope mostly. However, I have two bikes set up with clips/loose straps and two bikes with clipless. They are all equal in comfort and ease of use in my opinion. I do agree that clipless is much more comfortable and easier to deal with than clips/tight straps combined with cleats, but I haven't used a setup like that since I raced many years ago.

Like he said, Shimano mtb pedals with the release set loose ( at least at first ). You can find shoes on sale at Nashbar or Performance.
I hate toe straps and have been using clipless on everything for 30ish years.

Would these be just as good? I like the fact that you can turn them over and not use cleats https ebay.com/itm/Shimano-M324-SPD-Pedals/323387139616?_mwBanner=1&_rdt=1

yes, they are super easy, i was in the same boat and worried for nothing.

I thought about it too, and for me, I just can't do it... I've seen the Shimano A530's (double sided pedals) in my LBS, and even sat down on a demo road bike with them. Clip into them, or flip them around and use the flat platform. But like I said, I just can't do it... Maybe it's me. Maybe I'm just weird.

Honestly? Old C&V style road bikes, friction shifters, gumwall tires, etc... would look a little odd with clipless pedals. Sort of anachronistic -- I think that's the word.

There should be no fear of clipless.

M520's are probably the most popular clipless pedal on the planet and dirt cheap. Just practice on a grassy field the first time.

Remember that there are two kinds of cleats. SH-56 are going to be easier to get in and out of but less secure for aggressive riding and racing. SH-51 are going to be more secure if you ride hard but slightly more difficult to clip out if riding casually. That said, many people use the SH-51 cleats without a problem.

My wife and I went clipless for the first time about 10 years ago (I'm 70 now). We went with the A530 and SH-56 cleats - we are recreational riders, not aggressive. We ride a fair amount in stop and go city traffic with lights so the two sided pedals seemed preferable. Neither of us have fallen because of the clipless although we have both crashed for other reasons. We practiced getting in and out on the trainer for a while before putting the pedals on our street bikes. Been happy the whole time.

Go clipless, you'll be glad you did.
Practice unclipping both feet, you'll use one foot most of the time, but it's good to have the muscle memory to unclip on both sides. And try unclipping by twisting your foot to the outside and to the inside. It will quickly become second nature to clip in and out with out thinking about it.
BTW, you will fall over, we have all done it. Just roll with it, it will be ok.

I think Mtn. bike pedals and the walkable shoes they employ are best for a recreational rider. I use Speedplay Frogs on my CX bike.

Maybe the word you are looking for is "retrogrouch"?

LOL... Probably!!

I just prefer to get out there and ride "old school" style. 27" gumwall tires... Friction shifters... and yes, TOE CLIPS & STRAPS on MKS Sylvan platform pedals!

I have the Shimano MX80 pedals. They are great. Feet never slip off of these.
https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-MX...nt+flat+pedals

With regular pedals I have trouble keeping my feet in the right position on the pedals and I would think clipless would solve that and be more comfortable than half clips or clips with straps.
If I wanted to be completely safe I wouldn't ride a bike to begin with.

So all these clipless riders over 50 just do so to feel more legit or serious?

OP, try to ignore the troll. No one that clips in tells people riding flats that they're "doing it wrong." You'll either like being clipped in or you won't, and odds are you will. A buddy of mine had never clipped in to any pedal in his life, and was a convert the very first time he tried it. A lot of people, myself included, find it more comfortable.

I'd ride with you.