I ride cross country and road unicycle as well as riding a fixed wheel (fixed gear) bike and a geared gravel bike on and off road. I've got used to wearing flat soled grippy BMX shoes and pinned mountain bike pedals. Riding flat out on a direct drive 36 inch wheel has taught me to pedal with a smooth circular motion. I have never believed in any benefit from pulling up on the pedals except for in the case of sudden hard acceleration. On the fixed bike, I prefer the convenience of being able to hop on and off for gates and stiles, and being able to fall away from the bike if I get trapped in a rut, and being able to walk easily on pavements or footpaths, to using cleats, clipless, traditional clips, or straps.