Difference between metal and platform pedals, both with straps?

Hi, what would be the functional difference between metal and platform pedals when both are equipped with straps? As I already own some campy track pedals with cages, and wonder if it makes sense to invest in platforms - or alternatively I would buy smaller straps for the campy pedals.

I.e. the difference between these two options:

and

Flats usually have pins/spikes on them whereas road style pedals don't.

Also the top option is not as cool as the second.

Flat pedals would be more comfortable with soft soled shoes - more of a platform. You can use the other kind with trainers or whatever but you may start to feel it eventually (or not, ymmv).

In the old days srs cyclists, using stiff soled shoes, would have used their pedals with a slotted cleat which gripped the rear of the pedal cage, but I guess you may already know that.

I use a set of Restrap horizontal straps and DMR V8 flat pedals, which is a similar setup to your second image. I commute everyday quite comfortably with soft soled shoes, so if this is what you're planning to do, I'd recommend it. Your feet might ache after a while with narrower pedals like your first image, although I couldn't advise from experience.

I might also recommend Restraps over the Aurora's pictured, because they have two buckles for size adjustment, so you can have them a little tighter around the toe, potnetially more ergonomic.

Is any platform pedal suitable for horizontal straps, i.e. do they all have about the same width? As I have some old MTB platforms somewhere.

Bump?

They'll all have roughly the same width, close enough that the adjustability of straps should negate any difference but what you'll want to look for is the gaps in the ends of the pedals, make sure there's no obstructions and that they are big enough for straps to fit through.

Odyssey Twisted have an extra bar cutting through the slot so need this removing to use with straps,

Shimano's newer (MX30?) DX platforms would be totally unsuitable for straps,

And so on.

I have DMR V12s with no name straps on my commuter, and V8s with holdfast on my freewheeling tank and love em, usually wear Chuck Taylors or Tigers to ride...lots of grip and quite comfy on longer rides...have cages and straps on the Sunday best bike and do notice the difference in soft soled shoes.

tl;dr
DMR's for the win...just watch the skin on the shins

Will these work, too? (there are holes on the sides, see second pic)

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/FUNN-MTB-Flat-Pedale-/00/s/MTAwMFg3NDY=/z/YkgAAOxyONBSWuzG/$T2eC16F,!ycFIcyZtY2HBSWuzFN9T!~~60_57.JPG

http://www.spoke-store.com/photos/product/11430-funn-soljam-viper.jpg

Or are they too rectangle-shaped?

(just thinking that there might be an advantage in having oval/diamond shaped pedals because of the angle the straps are sitting on the pedals, instead of rectangulars - or doesn't it matter at all?)

you could use a CB Mallet and have straps and clipless when you want to

Index sme demolition platforms and rem