Recycle

There is nothing wrong with pulling both feet out of the clips to stop and start. Pull both feet out before stopping if there is any chance of a balance problem, like strong wind, uneven ground, or loaded panniers. And it's more comfortable waiting for a traffic light with both feet on the ground.

Unclip if there might be a problem starting too, like starting up going up a hill.

oldbobcat

I have no cure, but the effects can be relieved with wider shoes and metatarsal support (buttons). Specialized cycling insoles and Sofsole orange running insoles have these built in.

I used to think my distance cycling days were over, but Specialized insoles in Shimano shoes gave me the support I needed to prepare for and finish a century this summer.

CrankyFranky

Hi Jerry,
I'm glad that you didn't get hurt!

You've got 11 years on me. I currently am dealing with a partial tear of my left achilles tendon, and my right foot is awaiting an operation for deviation of the first two metatarsal bones (and osteoA in my knees) - so I know how frustrating it is when you can't get enough exercise to keep your vitality up!

I've ridden since my early 20s, and still ride toe clips, and yes, it takes practice to get used to flipping the pedal, even when you change shoes.

My opinion is that the key with toeclips is to get (as a few have mentioned) shoes with relatively smooth tread - this is the opposite of what you would want in a walking shoe. Otherwise, they hang up on the pedal cage. You can find some that are a good compromise, but you have to look at dozens and dozens of shoes. Also, the sole also needs to have a slight protrusion in front to catch the nubbin on the pedal that you use to flip the pedal over to get in the toeclip side. Most shoes with flexible bumper-style construction which comes up over the toe do not have the ability to easily catch the bump on the pedal.

I have tried over the years a few different pedal options, including platform pedals coupled with toe clips. I am not brave enough for clipless pedals, I confess.

I agree that leather straps are sometimes easier than nylon, more important is the sole and sides of the shoe are smooth enough so they don't catch on the strap and the pedal cage.

Recently, after 25 years using conventional toe clips and straps, I installed split (two-prong) toe clips, which hold the strap open. Check out the link below.
https://sheldonbrown.com/harris/pedals.html

Soma Steel Two-prong Toe Clips TC301 $21.95/Pair

MKS GR-9 Platform Pedals PD535 $29.95

I use clips similar to the Soma ones, but the ones I have are plastic. I think that if one is going to use toeclips, the two prong ones are the way to go - and I would have a decade ago, if I was aware of them then! The MKS pedals may be something to consider too, if the two-pronged clips and leather straps don't do the trick. I used platform pedals for a decade(Lyotard, Marcel Berthet) and they helped over normal cage -type pedals, but these are not available.

Since you have somewhat large feet, you might want to consider a pair of pedal extensions - they move your pedals out about a centimeter. You might not need these, but if you feel that your feet seem to fall off the outside of the pedal, consider them. I thought Harris cyclery has these too - but I couldn't find them this evening.

Finally, don't try to do too much too soon. Be patient and afford yourself time to build up stamina and balance on your machine- this takes months. It never pays to get fatigued.

Good luck with the stretch exercises for your fasciaitis. I hope you find solutions to your pedal issues soon!

Cadillac

When I used to ride with toe clips & straps, I wore my old, smooth-soled, somewhat worn out sneakers.
They slid in and out of the pedals with ease.
I strapped in only when I was on the highway going for a long ride. In this way, my feet were "locked in" and provided the best power.
Before I got to the outskirts of town, I would reach down and release the straps (if I remembered, else I hurredly had to do it while coasting to the first traffic light).
Be sure your toe clips are the correct size. With your foot in place, the ball of the foot should be over the axle of the pedal. Otherwise your foot is in the wrong place and you will tire more easily.

Also, I am surprised that 10 miles tired you out. It leads me to suppose that the bike does not fit you properly. Read a book on how to adjust the seat height and distance to the handlebars. A low seat, for instance, will tire you out faster than anything. Or go to a good bike shop to have them fit it for you.

Velo Dog

I ride exclusively with toe clips and straps after several years of fooling around with three different clipless systems. I could work them fine, get in and out easily, but I'm a fitness/recreational rider now and I don't care if I'm firmly attached to the pedals (for the record, I go NO faster and climb no better with clipless than with clips and straps; this is based on hundreds of rides each way over at least 10 years).
Couple of tips that may help:
Leave the straps a little loose. You don't pull up on the pedals enough to matter anyway (everybody says they do, but strain gauge measurements show that almost no one does). Let the clips keep your feet from sliding off the front or sides of the pedals, but leave them loose enough that you can slip out. You won't lose a significant amount of efficiency.
Try mountain bike shoes without cleats. They have slightly lugged soles for walking, and the lugs will engage old-school rat-trap pedals a little, but still allow easy exit. I wear size 50 (U.S. 15) shoes, so new ones are a hassle for me, but if you're a normal size you can often find decent MB shoes on sale for $40-$60. They're not stylish, but they work fine.