With clipless peddles, what are the best bike shoes for walking comfort? (And a more “normal” non-bike shoe look is also a plus.)

It still shocks me that there are no good bikes shoes for urban life. Even the “recessed” cleats of SPD mountain bike shoes aren’t really recessed; they’re flush with the shoe sole.

For crying out loud, why hasn’t anybody made a shoe that has truly recessed cleats, that you can clip into while riding and still walk around like a normal person? Why hasn’t anyone made a bike shoe in simple black leather that could look normal in a somewhat proper setting?

I use a bike as my sole means of transit in New York City. I like riding with clipless peddles and bike shoes (I have SPD peddles but would gladly consider another peddle system).

When I can, I ride in bike shoes. I use normal shoes on platform peddles 1) when I’m not going far, 2) when I plan on doing a lot of walking/standing when I get there, or 3) on the rare occasion when I can’t wear funny looking shoes. I keep a pair of work shoes at work. But that doesn’t help me when I go out and about in the city.

Best I can figure, SPD mountain bike shoes are the best choice. Is this correct? Are some shoes better for walking than others? Right now I have Sidi bike shoes. I love them for biking. And I can and do walk in them. They’re OK (but not great ) for walking comfort. And with my friends and lifestyle, I can handle funny looking shoes. But they’re a little too slippery (especially on wet metal) But it’s the clicking sound when I walk on anything but a marble-smooth surface that I find very annoying. I really don’t want to have my shoes be a topic of conversation every time I walk. Can anybody help?

Please don’t comment on the merits of clipless peddles versus toe clips versus platform peddles (that’s been done plenty). Given that I like clipless peddles, I would love to discuss the best bike shoes for city life. Thanks.