foot straps?

My double foot well, Huki S1-X came with foot straps but a previous owner cut them out. What purpose do they serve and should I replace them?
What are the advantages/disadvantages of double vs. single foot wells?

I like foot straps.
I'm sure its a personal thing, esp the single/double options.
As a beginner its not going to make a huge dif. to your experience there will be some pros ( like being able to push and pull, and adjust your pos in the boat. and some negs. like falling out as you try to get your feet under the straps as you remount.
get comfortable in your boat then try some.

I dont think anyone is making single footwells any more, i believe the idea was to have less area in the bucket to fill up with water, but could easily be wrong there.

Yes definitely replace them, not only are you pushing with your leg drive but you should also be pulling your opposite hip forward slightly to help with your rotation. Otherwise your just jammed up against the back of the seat which tends to also lift you slightly, rub your backbone and throws your stability off, for me anyway.

Absolutely replace them.
Apart from anything else, they make it easier to carry the boat and to hold it when you're in the water, and to remount when you can grip the footstrap with one hand as you boost yourself into the boat.

I've paddled a ski without footstraps and felt extremely uncomfortable!

I paddled for 18 months without footstraps when I first started on skis, as a result of an early experience being stuck in them upside down and nearly drowning. I didn't know how they would be helpful anyway.

When I finally got round to trying them again, my goodness, what a difference! I grew another leg, balance wise, due to being so much more connected to the boat. And I could now use my lower body for power, rather than holding on to the ski. Now, like Rob, I feel very uncertain without them.

Sculler, I would start using them as early as possible, though maybe loosely to start. Have a couple of practices at the remount, for sorting getting your feet both in and out.

I think the only advantage of double footwell is less water in the cockpit. I find single footwell 2 straps most secure but hardest to get feet in; single well, single strap easy to manage.

I can't tell you guys how much I appreciate all of the information you post on this forum. It really helps a total newbie like me get a grip on this challenging, awesome sport.