Toe clips? Clipless? None of the above?

[canalligators]

A third option is Power Grip straps.  I haven't tried them, but they have a small, dedicated following.

[DaveB]

I think I'd prefer mud over marring. They do make clip covers, though. Then you'd have the "I'm walking with a big lump on the bottom of my shoe" problem.

Even lugged soled MTB shoes let the cleat touch the ground a bit so you will have both.  AFAIK, cleat covers are only available for road shoes and road cleats like Look, Time, Speedplay, Shimano SPDL, etc.  No one makes them for recessed cleats.

[bogiesan]

A third option is Power Grip straps.  I haven't tried them, but they have a small, dedicated following.

My late riding partner put 10-15K on his powergrip straps and Nike running shoes.

[johnsondasw]

I use regular road biking shoes with Crank Brothers "eggbeater" type pedals.  I love 'em. They are much easier to get out of than the old pedals with straps.  They also stick out above what would be the platform area of most other clipons and therefore don't fill with dirt and mud making it hard to get into.  I've been on rides where my partners' system got too muddy/dirty and they had a heck of a time cleaning them out so they could get clipped in. I have never had that happen.

I definitely like being clipped in and will never go back to the old pedals with straps.  Clipped in, you get much more effective pedaling power, especially if you learn to "circle" with each rotation.  Of course, until one learns how to get out of the clips fast, falls are likely.  I took one very soon after getting my new pedals. But that was 11 years ago. 

[Galloper]

I like Shimano A 530 SPD pedals.   These have a clip on one side and a flat on the other which makes them more versatile that a standard clipless.   

[PeteJack]

  Of course, until one learns how to get out of the clips fast, falls are likely. 

Too true. The experience of being stationary and not being able to unclip is not to be missed. I always urge people to first try clipless pedals in a spinning class, i.e. on a stationary bike, to get the hang of unclipping something I didn't do and ended up teetering and falling off at a traffic light. Another suggestion: when you try them on a real bike for the first time do it on grass just in case. Having said all that I wouldn't ride without them now.

[p nut]

On my mountain bike, it's SPD's for sure.  On the touring bikes, I have both clipless and platforms.  With the SPD's, I sometimes get numb toes after 40 or so miles into the ride.  Not all the time, and have yet to track down the culprit (I use Specialized carbon soled shoes with new-ish inserts).  I decided to install some Lambda pedals with DIY Powergrips straps a couple of weeks ago and have really enjoyed them.  No numbness and like the ability to walk around without the click-clack.  I would like to try some stiffer-soled shoes, though (Five Ten's?)

[swduncan]

A third option is Power Grip straps.  I haven't tried them, but they have a small, dedicated following.

+1. Easy to get into, and when adjusted properly they hold firmly. The challenge for me was getting them tweaked just right.

[etsisk]

I have a pair of power grips waiting to be installed - and today might be the day for that!

[bikemig]

I raced back in the day when everyone used toe clips and straps. I was a happy camper when clipless came out.  I use mtb style clipless pedals on most of my bikes at this point.  That said, I'm neutral on them for touring. I did the northern tier with toe clips and straps. They worked just fine.