Are modern clipless shoes and pedals that much better than toe clips and straps? I've recently returned to cycling after a couple of decades, and I'm trying to get familiar with the current gear and components. I still use toe clips and straps on the pedals on my 1990 Trek road bike. But clips and straps are so far out of fashion that you wouldn't even know that they used to be common. I can hardly find a mention of them anywhere. Why have the modern pedals and and shoes so completely replaced the old-style clips and straps? Are they really that big an improvement?

The simple answer is that 'clipless' pedals and shoes just function better than toe straps.

They are easier to get into, easier to get out of, locate the foot more accurately and solidly on the pedal, and allow for better transfer of power all the way around the pedal stroke. The position of the foot on the pedal can also be precisely adjusted, as can the range of float and retention force.