Originally Posted by
ShortLegCyclist
I don't categorize pedals into road vs MTB vs BMX, just clipless or platform.
The best platform pedals I've tried or owned are Shimano Saints and Nukeproof Protons.
But you can go much cheaper and still get great platforms, like Stolen Thermalites, Black Ops, Fyxation Gates, Odyssey Twisted or MKS Sylvan Touring.
Supposedly awesome but I've not yet tried are MKS Lambda, designed by the good folks at Rivendell Cycles.
None of these will damage shoes that can take walking on pavement. As far as dedicated cycling shoes, read this article from Rivendell about how the whole concept of cycling specific shoes is just a marketing gimmick:
The Shoes Ruse
+1 for Shimano Saints, on my Fat Bike and MTB, and MKS Lambdas (not designed or made by Riv, but branded by them as the Grip Kings), on my commuter. And, yes, shoes make a big difference. I typically ride Five Tens on my platforms. Soft and sticky sole.