Fullcount, As you see this can be a hotly debated subject.

Basically on a touring bike it's best to use what you're comfortable with.. I have double sided SPD pedals on my touring bike because my shoes are SPD equipped. I use a pair of mountain bike shoes because the recessed cleat works fine as the soles are stiff enough to work on the pedal, but not too stiff for some walking around. A shoe designed for a cleat is going to be stiffer than a tennis or running shoe. Running shoe flexable is too flexable.

A metal platform pedal with any kind of ability to grab the shoe (becomes more important when wet) will also work fine. I loved toe clips and changed to clipless later than most of my friends, but I don't miss the good old days. For them to work as intended a correct shoe and a tightened strap are required. The correct shoes are very hard to find and bending down to loosening a strap could be clumsy with a loaded tourer.

Brad