I have some Retrospec Pedal Straps.
Don't quite have the hang of getting my feet into them (they don't stay open very well yet,,,breaking them in).
I keep ending up riding only strapped in on my right foot with my left foot riding the back of the pedal

For street riding stop and go traffic wearing reasonable shoes (usually Merrell minimalist shoes) is there anything else I should look at?
I wear a size 12.5 and will occasionally ride in "Blunnies" or Combat Boots.
Miniclips?

I am aware of Holdfast, Pedalbelts, Powergrips...
I'm not SUPER concerned about weight.
This is for a fun/errand bike and just want the benefits of some kind of retention that is way to get in and out of without going clipless.
The stock pedals on my bike aren't great.
Am looking at MKS or Powergrip pedals with their retention already on them.

Thanks

MKS GR-9 pedals | Retrogression probably better off with the GR10 since you have larger feet MKS GR-10 pedals | Retrogression
+
Wellgo swan-style double toe clips | Retrogression
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leather double straps | Retrogression

I can't get the hang of those pedal straps either, clips and straps are a better option and the fibre clips seem to be the best bet of the lot (just not as classy as metal)

Before my Retrospec pedal straps got stolen I really liked them actually, they were secure and comfortable. Once you get accustom to getting in and out of them they're really quite good for normal commuting and grocery/bar runs. But as I mentioned the sucky thing is that they're really easy to steal.

The Leader I have runs MKS Urbans with MKS clips and straps. They may be something to look into since they are a bit wider and have nice and big flip tabs to make it easier slipping your foot in.

As far as running clips and straps, I have to say that they don't feel quite as comfortable, especially single straps and metal clips. Don't get me wrong, I use them everyday with no complaints, but it is worth mentioning (plus they'll pretty much ruin your shoes). If you already have a set of velcro straps there is really no sense in "upgrading" to clips and leather/nylon straps unless you REALLY need the clips to keep the strap open.

Since I own a couple vintage/classic bikes I went with the clip and strap option just to keep the bikes period correct. My "dream" build that I'm almost finished with has a set of campy triomph pedals and clips just to keep everything Italian.

I used old campy cage style pedals with toe clips for years. I switched from metal to plastic toeclips because they were less damaging to my shoes.

I'm not sure about the dual strap thing. It seems to be something new. One strap always seemed sufficient for my needs in the past. I do prefer leather straps over synthetic, although they may wear out quicker.

Last year (2014), I finally changed over to SPD clipless. The shoes are a bit awkward for walking, but I'm usually out running errands when I'm on the bike, so they're fine. I don't think I'd want to work all day in the shoes, but a few hours is ok. Anyway, the clipless on the bike is GREAT!!! I don't miss my old toeclips at all.

After some hunting, I did get a set of Winwood SPD toeclip adapters. I tried them out once, but not really out of necessity. I must admit that I was a bit disappointed. The flat platform made the adapters just feel slippery, and the extra few degrees of freedom made everything feel loose. But, still, they would be an option for a quick change to use the bike with street shoes.

I swapped my Fyxation straps which wouldn't stay open for YNOTs and have been very happy.

I rode with Holdfasts for years and like them OK till they wore out. I got the Fyxations cheap thinking that all footstraps are pretty much the same but the Fyxations were sorta floppy and difficult to get into. Someone suggested YNOTs and they are much stiffer and stay open and are easy to get into. Highly recommended.

Very educational to see the different designs.
If I find my foot drifting I might get new pedals with the toeclips too.

I think I figured something out with my straps.
Because I have to adjust mine out a good bit, the flimsier velcro straps are extended making it prone to droop a little.

Those straps are hook on one side and loop on the other.
I will able to take a strip of wide velcro and run it across those straps as a cross support and make them stay open.
Then I just have to master the 'pedal flip and stick out toe in without weaving out into traffic maneuver".

I use the Cinelli Kink straps and they always stay open. No need to modify

+1

I was planning on getting Cinelli Kinks at one point, they seem like a good design.

I actually really liked the Retrospec straps while I had them. Thought they were some of the easiest to install and mount/dismount that I had. Unfortunately, the velcro was pretty cheap and they wore out after about 2 months use. My new favorite are now Pure Fix straps, been running these on two separate bikes for about 3 months so far and they are holding up really well.

When I sold my bike to my friend without the retrospec straps he asked for recommendations on replacements and I told him the PF straps were basically the same thing. When we actually got around to installing them the PF straps are actually a better quality strap construction wise (metal loop and more fiber reinforcement). I didn't say anything about it initially because I never actually rode them myself. My friend seems to like them though.

I just went for a ride.
The reinforcements really helped.
Im going to run the straps loose as I practice the pedal flip.
Was way easier to use this way.

When they wear out Ill look at better versions

LBS had the PureFix Straps so I picked up a set.
Same basic design as the Retrospec but with substantially better materials and a few subtle differences.

The PureFix Straps adjust better to create a larger front opening making it much easier to slip your toe in.
The thicker materials help with that too.
They'll last longer for sure.

Just have to fine-tune the straps so it is easy enough to get your foot in while still being tight enough where you can pull up on the pedal effectively.

Just make sure not to run them too tight. If you go down and can't get your foot out of the straps, you're gonna have a bad time.

I'll look like a dork falling down at a stop light

In the winter when I'm wearing size 13 rubber boots, cheap wellgo single strap cage pedals work the best.

Was riding with my daughter today on my old SS. We were only pottering along a bike path, and it was hot, so I was simply wearing sandles. Being SS and a 'bike for all lousy trips', it doesn't have any foot retention ... which was bloody frustrating every time I stopped and had to lift a pedal to a starting position. Funny what you get used to isn't it.

I'm still going to be looking at Toe clips.
Straps run loose enough to get in and out of don't hold your foot in position on the pedal.
To really pull with the straps I have to slide my foot in where the pedal is at the middle of my foot instead of the ball of my foot.

Going to try to adjust the front strap tighter maybe?

Yer really over thinking this.....

Just get some toe clips, some leather straps, and be done!

To really pull up on the pedal, you're going to need some kind of cleat system.

I like the wider style velcro straps. I have a pair from YNOT. I like them a lot. They stay open all the time. Variety of colours and patterns available.

EDIT - These YNOT are similar to the Pure Fix ones mentiones. Thick material, and can be setup and adjusted for many styles and sizes of shoes quickly, due to the velcro design. I prefer the YNOT ones because they are a local Toronto company and their logos are minimal.

I only overthink it while I am trying to get my feet in the pedals, the straps get tangled in the frame or while slipping off the pedals
To get it RIGHT I just need to go ahead and replace the pedals.

Problem solved!
Found some used Sakae SP100AL pedals with a single leather strap and chrome toe clips for $18 in my LBS today.

i don't think pedaling on the backs will work well (I've got 170mm cranks) but these are nice and half the weight

Nice!

I just today purchased a pair of MKS Urban Platform pedals and a pair of Zefal half toe clips. I'm looking for foot retention and foot positioning, not dicking around with straps.