Agreed, road pedals are a pain in traffic because they really are not designed for frequent stops and starts. If I want to ride my road bike to commute I switch out the pedals to a double sided (mountain bike style) SPD. IMHO standard double sided SPD type pedals are far easier to use than toe clips. With them you have a lot of options for cycling shoes and considering the distance you ride I'm not surprised that your feet are giving you trouble in standard shoes. The thing about a double sided SPD is that the pedals are always right below you, and right side up. you put your foot on it and you are clipped in. Too many people over think this and are scared to be clipped in but it becomes second nature quickly and traffic stops are not a problem.