I would 100% go pedal strap. Forget clips, although some love them. For me, pedal straps They are much easier on your shoes (don't scruff em up) and are easily adjustable for a very wide variety of shoes (i.e. if you're like me in Toronto – cold weather wide boots one day, Vans the next). Also, they usually have a wider cross sectional area around your foot, so they can feel more secure/give you more control
Don't cheap out on straps. These are your brakes/life…
I personally prefer platform pedals. Nylon pedals will be just fine, and will last a long time (they're the plasticy ones). They are generally cheaper than aluminum/steel pedals.
I would go with something like the Stolen Thermalite pedals Amazon link here. They come in many colours and should last you forever.
These 'Gates' pedals by Fyxation are reportedly sturdy and as a bonus come in some pretty colours.
One thing to look for in pedals is a large enough gap between the outside of the pedal and the spindle to allow for a thick strap to go through. Just look at this picture and see where the strap is going, then make sure when you buy a pedal it has a large enough gap for the straps. For example, these will cause you terrible difficulty in getting pedal straps through those tiny ass holes.
Recommended Straps
YNOT is actually a Toronto based comapny that does top quality straps for $50 Amazon Link here. They have a super wide variety of colours and materials (nylon/leather/reflective, etc etc). I know you can get the strap AND pedal combo for $65 in store, i assume if you google search more you can get that same deal shipped to you. I've tried them and met the owners/founders. They're very solid, and made by fellow fixie riders.
Holdfast straps Amazon link here – generally have excellent reviews if you search around. Come in some colours, too.
Fyxation pedal + strap combo Link here. I've read that these have good reviews, especially the pedals. Nice price for quality pedals with sealed bearings and straps.
Pedalbelts. Link Here. These are made in Montreal and are slightly different than standard straps. people seem to have a Love/meh relationship with them. They're not that easily adjustable, but they do look pretty (i see lots of people with them. Supposed to be very durable.
Things you should look for in a pedal strap (other than Pedalbelts).
Thick nylon and thick, sticky Velcro. I think for straps you should look for something that you can velcro-then-unvelcro without worrying that the Velcro will 'unstick'. Weak velcro=possibility that the velcro will come undone when you skid (It has happened to me, very very not OK at all)
The straps have enough thickness and structure that they form a "U-shape" by themselves. This makes slipping your foot in very easy.
Adjustable, wide long enough straps that can fit a wide variety of shoes. You never know if you'll want to wear gumboots/rainboots one day or flip flops the next.
Whatever you do, do not buy *Pure Fix Pedal Straps. They are utter garbage, i've gone through 2 pairs in a year and a half. The velcro has unstuck, and they have no structure. I only use them because i'm a cheap bastard and I sewed them permanently into 1 size. Don't do this.
edit: formatting
